Coilover suspension quesion
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Coilover suspension quesion
How does coilover suspension affect drivability. I think the factory adjustable suspension on my 97 coupe is on it's way out and A friend told me coilovers are a less expensive option.
How do C.O. cars ride compared to stock?
How does a C.O. kit affect steering?
Thanks.
How do C.O. cars ride compared to stock?
How does a C.O. kit affect steering?
Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
In my opinion, a coil over kit is only worth the money if you are "racing" the car at track events such as an HPDE, or you are into SERIOUS Auto-X and want the adjustability of a coil over system.
I doubt you'll find the coil overs are a "less expensive" option.
If you're looking for a cheaper solution, search for posts on the F45 suspension. I believe Bill Curlee has done a number of posts on putting C6 shocks in place of the existing RTD shocks. You will need someone with a Tech2 to turn off the F45 option in your BCM after you have removed the old shocks and the shock control computer.
I doubt you'll find the coil overs are a "less expensive" option.
If you're looking for a cheaper solution, search for posts on the F45 suspension. I believe Bill Curlee has done a number of posts on putting C6 shocks in place of the existing RTD shocks. You will need someone with a Tech2 to turn off the F45 option in your BCM after you have removed the old shocks and the shock control computer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 14
From: Honolulu, HI
They are hardly a cheap option, but my Pfadt coilovers have made my car ride smoother, and IMO it's a safer car to drive aggressively.
I'm glad I didn't listen to people that said coilovers were just for the racers. Sure if all you do is wash your car in the driveway it's not worth it, but if you drive your car at all like it's supposed to driven... you'll notice the improvements.
I'm glad I didn't listen to people that said coilovers were just for the racers. Sure if all you do is wash your car in the driveway it's not worth it, but if you drive your car at all like it's supposed to driven... you'll notice the improvements.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 52
From: Sicamous BC
They are hardly a cheap option, but my Pfadt coilovers have made my car ride smoother, and IMO it's a safer car to drive aggressively.
I'm glad I didn't listen to people that said coilovers were just for the racers. Sure if all you do is wash your car in the driveway it's not worth it, but if you drive your car at all like it's supposed to driven... you'll notice the improvements.
I'm glad I didn't listen to people that said coilovers were just for the racers. Sure if all you do is wash your car in the driveway it's not worth it, but if you drive your car at all like it's supposed to driven... you'll notice the improvements.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
The OP said that "a friend told me coil overs are a less expensive option" .....
http://www.pfadtracing.com/products/...&search=&page=
$1,790.00 is the MSRP ... cheapest I've seen them is $1,690.00
The C6 Z06 shocks from http://www.gmpartshouse.com are :
10313647 – Z06 Front Shocks
10318361 – Z06 Rear Shocks
Both sets of front and rear shocks (4) 239.85 shipped.
For the shocks on our website, use part number c6z06shocks under Chevrolet make.
I think this is probably more like what he is looking for. The RTD (F45)shocks would run him about $1,600.00 last time I looked. The F45 to F55 upgrade kit was about $2,000 last time I looked.
http://www.pfadtracing.com/products/...&search=&page=
$1,790.00 is the MSRP ... cheapest I've seen them is $1,690.00
The C6 Z06 shocks from http://www.gmpartshouse.com are :
10313647 – Z06 Front Shocks
10318361 – Z06 Rear Shocks
Both sets of front and rear shocks (4) 239.85 shipped.
For the shocks on our website, use part number c6z06shocks under Chevrolet make.
I think this is probably more like what he is looking for. The RTD (F45)shocks would run him about $1,600.00 last time I looked. The F45 to F55 upgrade kit was about $2,000 last time I looked.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 387
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
I have been asking the same question. I do track my car a few weekends each year and I'm to the point where I need to either replace OEM shocks or go to CO's. DRM also has a set of CO's for a few $$$ more than Pfadt's, not sure if there is any performance difference, anyone have some real numbers.....seat of the pants doesn't cut it!?!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,961
Likes: 2,643
From: Texas Hill Country
I installed Pfadts (pronounced Fought (fawt)). In my experience the hard numbers are the COs are 100 times better than stock.
However, what are everyone's settings? I found the recommended street settings (6/6 or 8/8) to be way soft/bouncy. I switched to 10/11 and that seems good for the street.
However, what are everyone's settings? I found the recommended street settings (6/6 or 8/8) to be way soft/bouncy. I switched to 10/11 and that seems good for the street.
Twin Turbo Coupe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Frederick MD
I installed Pfadts (pronounced Fought (fawt)). In my experience the hard numbers are the COs are 100 times better than stock.
However, what are everyone's settings? I found the recommended street settings (6/6 or 8/8) to be way soft/bouncy. I switched to 10/11 and that seems good for the street.
However, what are everyone's settings? I found the recommended street settings (6/6 or 8/8) to be way soft/bouncy. I switched to 10/11 and that seems good for the street.
Do the pfadt coilovers make the car sit lower than stock? I want to get a set but am converned that they will sit too low. Right now I am lowered 1inch and drag on everything....turbo plumbing will catch sometimes on speed bumps.....
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,961
Likes: 2,643
From: Texas Hill Country
sorry to hijack but I have a quick question....
Do the pfadt coilovers make the car sit lower than stock? I want to get a set but am converned that they will sit too low. Right now I am lowered 1inch and drag on everything....turbo plumbing will catch sometimes on speed bumps.....
Do the pfadt coilovers make the car sit lower than stock? I want to get a set but am converned that they will sit too low. Right now I am lowered 1inch and drag on everything....turbo plumbing will catch sometimes on speed bumps.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 387
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
I installed Pfadts (pronounced Fought (fawt)). In my experience the hard numbers are the COs are 100 times better than stock.
However, what are everyone's settings? I found the recommended street settings (6/6 or 8/8) to be way soft/bouncy. I switched to 10/11 and that seems good for the street.
However, what are everyone's settings? I found the recommended street settings (6/6 or 8/8) to be way soft/bouncy. I switched to 10/11 and that seems good for the street.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,961
Likes: 2,643
From: Texas Hill Country
Not yet, I just finally got an alignment today.... No guarantees on when I will actually get to the track but that is the idea.
First, I need to run a 10 at the strip. Then it will be a road course car exclusively. Hopefully I will find a 10.XX in a couple weeks.....
First, I need to run a 10 at the strip. Then it will be a road course car exclusively. Hopefully I will find a 10.XX in a couple weeks.....
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 1
From: Dayton Ohio
For ~$220 you can install some C6Z06 shocks, but you'll need to have the F45 option removed from your computer with a Tech2 tool. Dealers, and many tuners, have them.
You could also find a full take-off Z06 suspension (springs/sways/shocks) in the $600 range. You'd also need an allignment after doing this, though it's also required after installing coil-overs.
You could also find a full take-off Z06 suspension (springs/sways/shocks) in the $600 range. You'd also need an allignment after doing this, though it's also required after installing coil-overs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 387
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
For ~$220 you can install some C6Z06 shocks, but you'll need to have the F45 option removed from your computer with a Tech2 tool. Dealers, and many tuners, have them.
You could also find a full take-off Z06 suspension (springs/sways/shocks) in the $600 range. You'd also need an allignment after doing this, though it's also required after installing coil-overs.
You could also find a full take-off Z06 suspension (springs/sways/shocks) in the $600 range. You'd also need an allignment after doing this, though it's also required after installing coil-overs.
Sure they are cheaper than C5 Z06.......
Sure they bolt up just like any other OEM shock.....
Sure you can fine guys that have done it and "THINK"
they have made a million $$$ improvement.....BUT......Ask people in the real word that work with track suspension. The shocks are too long and are tuned for a stiffer spring. Remember, the Good Wrench boys spent a lot of money matching springs, shocks and sway bars for best performance. A complete take-off Z51/Z06 or Pfadts maybe just what your looking for. Remember, you get what you Pay For
