Diff between upgraded sway bars?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Diff between upgraded sway bars?
Ok, so everyone agrees the base suspension sway bars aren't what they should be.
The problem is, picking which to change to? Z51, Z06, T1, Hotchkis?
So far I've read:
Hotchkis suck, Hotchkis rule, Hotchkis are about the same as Z06? Nobody has yet explained why, or how it compares to the other 3.
Z06 front is a bit bigger than Z51, same rear?
Where does T1 fit into the picture?
I'm sure I'd be happy with any change from stock, but I'd like to know what change I'd be *happiest* with. Obviously just looking for better handling.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=167979 is the closest thread I've found to providing this info, but it's still not enough for me to decide (the reading and deciding part is probably half the fun anyway :) )
The problem is, picking which to change to? Z51, Z06, T1, Hotchkis?
So far I've read:
Hotchkis suck, Hotchkis rule, Hotchkis are about the same as Z06? Nobody has yet explained why, or how it compares to the other 3.
Z06 front is a bit bigger than Z51, same rear?
Where does T1 fit into the picture?
I'm sure I'd be happy with any change from stock, but I'd like to know what change I'd be *happiest* with. Obviously just looking for better handling.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=167979 is the closest thread I've found to providing this info, but it's still not enough for me to decide (the reading and deciding part is probably half the fun anyway :) )
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 0
From: Joliet IL
Re: Diff between upgraded sway bars? (eison)
Shawn at LAPD is really happy with his Hotchkis. I didn't go with them because I wanted to save some money with the Z06 bars and links. Shawn mentioned to me that he has sold quite of few of T-1 setups for serious autocross guys. The T-1 set up is super stiff according to Shawn and probably too harsh for most semi-daily driven vettes.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 4
From: Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas Texas
Re: Diff between upgraded sway bars? (sebastienaubouin)
Here is the LAPD web site http://www.thelapd.com/ - Shawn is very good to work with ... :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 527
From: Clouds Over California
Re: Diff between upgraded sway bars? (eison)
No stock swaybars (Z06 included) or even Hotchkis (although much better over stock) can compare to T1's (go to DRM's website if you want the differences in millimeters). I have T1's on my car the front is 1.5" and the rear is 1.25". They do make the car feel like a truck though. It is like having an extra set of springs! That is the only draw back to them if you consider it a draw back. Its nice to know if you are road racer or take your car to the track that you could crank the wheel at 150 mph and it would not flip.......there is no roll.....this is why GM uses T1 for its racing suspension....this is why I have them. :cheers: :cool:
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Diff between upgraded sway bars? (Shinobi's97)
Thanks for the great replies.
Now I just need to figure out if I really want the T1 stiffness. Pity I'm new to all this and have no clue. I *think* I do, but then again, sounds like I might regret it. Hmm. Fun! :)
The DRM suggestion was great: http://www.dougrippie.com/drm/suspen...e Sway Bar kit
[Modified by eison, 6:37 PM 11/20/2001]
Now I just need to figure out if I really want the T1 stiffness. Pity I'm new to all this and have no clue. I *think* I do, but then again, sounds like I might regret it. Hmm. Fun! :)
The DRM suggestion was great: http://www.dougrippie.com/drm/suspen...e Sway Bar kit
[Modified by eison, 6:37 PM 11/20/2001]
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,542
Likes: 5
Re: Diff between upgraded sway bars? (eison)
eison:
Having upgraded from base (F45) to Z51 front and rear, if I had to do it again, I would go with the Z06 bars (I have a 2000 and at the time there was no Z06). I don't know if it's worth now switching to the Z06, but I may do just the front.
In the past, the Hotchkiss had a reputation for being "clunky" -- quite a bit of noise and adjustment sensitive. T1 seems awfully serious for the street if you want to keep the ride.
You can get the Z51/Z06 setup from http://www.fichtnerchevrolet.com -- ask for Bob Wendorff in parts. He will help you out with the complete set of parts (bars and links). He sells these all day long.
Having upgraded from base (F45) to Z51 front and rear, if I had to do it again, I would go with the Z06 bars (I have a 2000 and at the time there was no Z06). I don't know if it's worth now switching to the Z06, but I may do just the front.
In the past, the Hotchkiss had a reputation for being "clunky" -- quite a bit of noise and adjustment sensitive. T1 seems awfully serious for the street if you want to keep the ride.
You can get the Z51/Z06 setup from http://www.fichtnerchevrolet.com -- ask for Bob Wendorff in parts. He will help you out with the complete set of parts (bars and links). He sells these all day long.