Have FE1 suspension, need ADVICE
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 4
From: Official Misfit Cooler Owner
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Have FE1 suspension, need ADVICE
Where do I start to improve my suspenion? This is first vette I have owned and I really thought it handled well until you guys start talking about huge improvements with upgrades in just sway bars alone.
Been looking at Z51 sway bars or the Z06 sway bars from Ken but with so many specials going I can get the Hotchkis kit for just a little more.
Which will I notice biggest difference with: shocks or sway bars?
:confused: :confused:
Been looking at Z51 sway bars or the Z06 sway bars from Ken but with so many specials going I can get the Hotchkis kit for just a little more.
Which will I notice biggest difference with: shocks or sway bars?
:confused: :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Re: Have FE1 suspension, need ADVICE (John's vette)
I've got a stock Z51 setup but I'll give you my $.02.
Upgrading the shocks will effect overall ride quality whereas upgrading the swaybars will effect the car's handling ability only.
Aftermarket shocks have a shorter length of travel than the stock ones...the car will ride rougher as a result. Bigger swaybars will not make the car ride rougher under normal conditions but they will make the car handle better because of less body roll/lean.
I'd get the swaybars :yesnod:
Upgrading the shocks will effect overall ride quality whereas upgrading the swaybars will effect the car's handling ability only.
Aftermarket shocks have a shorter length of travel than the stock ones...the car will ride rougher as a result. Bigger swaybars will not make the car ride rougher under normal conditions but they will make the car handle better because of less body roll/lean.
I'd get the swaybars :yesnod:
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Wakefield R.I.
Re: Have FE1 suspension, need ADVICE (John's vette)
I have a friend who had FE1, changed to Z51 and loved it. Then saw the
Hotchkis and had to have them. He says it is even better. His car is also
lowered 1" all around. Also GET RID OF THOSE DAMN RUNFLATS!!!!!!!
Hotchkis and had to have them. He says it is even better. His car is also
lowered 1" all around. Also GET RID OF THOSE DAMN RUNFLATS!!!!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,248
Likes: 0
Re: Have FE1 suspension, need ADVICE
I thought Aftermarket shocks were stiffer, but had More travel while the shock itself is shorter, adding to the ability to travel. Longer piston might be what I'm trying to say. Longer pole, shorter shock.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
From: Tupelo Ms
Re: Have FE1 suspension, need ADVICE (John's vette)
Hey Now:
I was in your place when I got my 2001 coupe. I went with the Z06 bars and Bilstein Sports. Bought from Ken Fichtner off the forum. Good prices and service. Great improvement in ride and handling. Next mod to the suspension is Z51 springs. I would do both sway-bars and shocks if the funds would let me. Have any more question,just shoot me an e-mail. :cheers:
I was in your place when I got my 2001 coupe. I went with the Z06 bars and Bilstein Sports. Bought from Ken Fichtner off the forum. Good prices and service. Great improvement in ride and handling. Next mod to the suspension is Z51 springs. I would do both sway-bars and shocks if the funds would let me. Have any more question,just shoot me an e-mail. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island NY
Re: Have FE1 suspension, need ADVICE (REDVETx2)
I have a friend who had FE1, changed to Z51 and loved it. Then saw the
Hotchkis and had to have them. He says it is even better. His car is also
lowered 1" all around. Also GET RID OF THOSE DAMN RUNFLATS!!!!!!!
Hotchkis and had to have them. He says it is even better. His car is also
lowered 1" all around. Also GET RID OF THOSE DAMN RUNFLATS!!!!!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,514
Likes: 0
Re: Have FE1 suspension, need ADVICE (vettvert)
My advice, get rid of it all! Shocks , springs and swaybars. The whole set up is junk. I can say that cuz I had it too. The best value will be had with the Z06 swaybars and endlinks as well as the Bilstein sport shocks. This will be you're least expensive and will improve it dramatically. If you want to go overboard like I did then get some Z06 springs, ditch the runflats and get an alignment to Z06 specs. Now you're talking some serious cornering power. I get my CD player to stop when carving corners :eek:
Joe
Joe
