Best Suspension!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: stockton - Near Sac. Town Cali
Best Suspension!!!
theres a bunch of suspension systems out there for our cars. from coilovers, to sways, to leaf springs.
Ive heard great things about the pfadt coilovers and sway bars.
but how good are they really.
what kind of comparision on a scale from one to ten is there verses stock suspension. Is it worth all that money!?
the T1 sway bars. are they better or worse than the pfadt sway bars?
Ive heard great things about the pfadt coilovers and sway bars.
but how good are they really.
what kind of comparision on a scale from one to ten is there verses stock suspension. Is it worth all that money!?
the T1 sway bars. are they better or worse than the pfadt sway bars?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Livingston NJ
You have to know what you want.
Chevy built the suspension in these cars cause they thought thats what people wanted, a fancy, sporty car for old people to go play golf in, that wont dislocate gramps hip as it slams a pothole.
Pfadt seems to be the leader in coulovers and sway bars lately, but its a very "firm" setup
I have been in DngrZn's car, he is running T1 bars and LG coilovers. Its great on the highway, ok on city roads, as long as you arent moving very quickly. Tracks the grooves in the road pretty bad, but toss that thing on a highway on ramp and you have never felt anything like it. People talk about cars handling like go-karts, Its a damn rollercoaster.
Chevy built the suspension in these cars cause they thought thats what people wanted, a fancy, sporty car for old people to go play golf in, that wont dislocate gramps hip as it slams a pothole.
Pfadt seems to be the leader in coulovers and sway bars lately, but its a very "firm" setup
I have been in DngrZn's car, he is running T1 bars and LG coilovers. Its great on the highway, ok on city roads, as long as you arent moving very quickly. Tracks the grooves in the road pretty bad, but toss that thing on a highway on ramp and you have never felt anything like it. People talk about cars handling like go-karts, Its a damn rollercoaster.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Unless your doing road course events ,,,,,,improving your base suspension to something more sports car like is as easy and inexpensive as this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1984955
If I had a base C5,,,this is what i would do.
An even better shock for that set up would be the C6 08 ZO6 shock. Their only $250 for all four and are a 100% direct bolt in. I have them on my 02 ZO6.
Bill C
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1984955
If I had a base C5,,,this is what i would do.
An even better shock for that set up would be the C6 08 ZO6 shock. Their only $250 for all four and are a 100% direct bolt in. I have them on my 02 ZO6.
Bill C
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Livingston NJ
Unless your doing road course events ,,,,,,improving your base suspension to something more sports car like is as easy and inexpensive as this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1984955
If I had a base C5,,,this is what i would do.
An even better shock for that set up would be the C6 08 ZO6 shock. Their only $250 for all four and are a 100% direct bolt in. I have them on my 02 ZO6.
Bill C
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1984955
If I had a base C5,,,this is what i would do.
An even better shock for that set up would be the C6 08 ZO6 shock. Their only $250 for all four and are a 100% direct bolt in. I have them on my 02 ZO6.
Bill C
I run the stock springs, C6Z51 bars and Bilstein sport shocks, there about $275 a set. Great handling car, will run circles around a stock C5, and it remains a decent riding car with the stock spring rates. Gets rid of the floaty feeling and lots of body roll in the corners, very confidence inspiring, my car when stock felt like it would break loose unpredictably.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: stockton - Near Sac. Town Cali
im not too worried about super comfortable suspension. i had coilovers on my pervious car and it wasnt horrible on the street but it wasnt extremely comfortable. I loved it! like you said it would handle like a freekin gokart. im no gramps so i can take more punishment then gm designed the average owner they designed them for.
i like the thought of the coilovers with the adjustable suspension in terms of ride hight and tampening.
something that handles like a race car for the most part but has good street manners. not a suspension that is pure race, track only.
i like the thought of the coilovers with the adjustable suspension in terms of ride hight and tampening.
something that handles like a race car for the most part but has good street manners. not a suspension that is pure race, track only.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City Missouri
St. Jude Donor '09
I have the Pfadt coilovers and I tell you what I think it is night and day difference. The coilovers really woke the car up and made it super responsive. I also recommend you get the Pfadt bushing kit as well. I don't know about the sway bars as I bought the Hotchkis adjustable sway bars. It seems like a lot of money for shocks but in the end you will be happy. Plus you get to lose the goofy leaf springs.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
im not too worried about super comfortable suspension. i had coilovers on my pervious car and it wasnt horrible on the street but it wasnt extremely comfortable. I loved it! like you said it would handle like a freekin gokart. im no gramps so i can take more punishment then gm designed the average owner they designed them for.
i like the thought of the coilovers with the adjustable suspension in terms of ride hight and tampening.
something that handles like a race car for the most part but has good street manners. not a suspension that is pure race, track only.
i like the thought of the coilovers with the adjustable suspension in terms of ride hight and tampening.
something that handles like a race car for the most part but has good street manners. not a suspension that is pure race, track only.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: TEMECULA CALIFORNIA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
unless your doing road course events ,,,,,,improving your base suspension to something more sports car like is as easy and inexpensive as this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1984955
if i had a base c5,,,this is what i would do.
An even better shock for that set up would be the c6 08 zo6 shock. Their only $250 for all four and are a 100% direct bolt in. I have them on my 02 zo6.
Bill c
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1984955
if i had a base c5,,,this is what i would do.
An even better shock for that set up would be the c6 08 zo6 shock. Their only $250 for all four and are a 100% direct bolt in. I have them on my 02 zo6.
Bill c
Search this forum under october specials and see what gene at gmparthouse has for you. I found them very helpful.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
I used the Parts Board (both C5 & C6) and wound up with the following mods:
C6 Z06 shocks, take offs - 150 mi - $175.00 shipped
C6 Z06 sways and links, take offs - 150 mi - $225.00 shipped
C5 Z06 springs (front & rear) - 24k mi - $365.00 shipped
So I've got less than $800.00 invested and have a car that handles like it's on rails.
C6 Z06 shocks, take offs - 150 mi - $175.00 shipped
C6 Z06 sways and links, take offs - 150 mi - $225.00 shipped
C5 Z06 springs (front & rear) - 24k mi - $365.00 shipped
So I've got less than $800.00 invested and have a car that handles like it's on rails.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City Missouri
St. Jude Donor '09
I had the Z51 suspension package and had Bilstein HD shocks before I made the switch and I will still say that go ahead and spend the money and get some coilovers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,917
Likes: 1,879
From: Hot Springs AR
im not too worried about super comfortable suspension. i had coilovers on my pervious car and it wasnt horrible on the street but it wasnt extremely comfortable. I loved it! like you said it would handle like a freekin gokart. im no gramps so i can take more punishment then gm designed the average owner they designed them for.
i like the thought of the coilovers with the adjustable suspension in terms of ride hight and tampening.
something that handles like a race car for the most part but has good street manners. not a suspension that is pure race, track only.
i like the thought of the coilovers with the adjustable suspension in terms of ride hight and tampening.
something that handles like a race car for the most part but has good street manners. not a suspension that is pure race, track only.
Stock C5 suspension is pretty good out of the box. It does have body roll, and handles bumps pretty smoothly. Now, if the suspension parts are worn, that just needs to be fixed.
I'm not trying to talk you out of modding your car, I just want you to understand what it is you're really accomplishing.
Have a good one,
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 7
From: Sandy Ego Ca.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
Pretty subjective question. I'd suggest the C6 Z06 shocks and the C6 Z51 bars. It will really change the ride a lot and make it more sure footed and gives more confidence. Springs, I'd stay with Z06 springs, but only if you need them.
IMO coilovers sound really cool, but if your not on the track they are mostly just PIA (pun intended). On the street my C6 z06 shocks and big sway bars felt really good, maybe better than my coilovers I have now (but still working on dialing them in). I would have stayed with that combo, except I broke a spring and decided coilovers was the way to go. I abuse my Vette on the road race course, so its not a bad choice for me.
I don't know how coilovers between different cars compare. IMO, the ones for the Vette are usually a very stiff spring because they are intended to be on the track at very high speeds. Other cars may have different design points, such as lower speeds and dual usage. Maybe not an apples to apples comparison.
IMO coilovers sound really cool, but if your not on the track they are mostly just PIA (pun intended). On the street my C6 z06 shocks and big sway bars felt really good, maybe better than my coilovers I have now (but still working on dialing them in). I would have stayed with that combo, except I broke a spring and decided coilovers was the way to go. I abuse my Vette on the road race course, so its not a bad choice for me.
I don't know how coilovers between different cars compare. IMO, the ones for the Vette are usually a very stiff spring because they are intended to be on the track at very high speeds. Other cars may have different design points, such as lower speeds and dual usage. Maybe not an apples to apples comparison.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 1
From: Tracy CA
Suspension
I'll be the first to admit, I don't know what the "best" suspension is. I have the Pfadt coilovers and Pfadt "street" sway bars on my car. I commute with my car so I keep my settings in the middle ground (not too stiff). The rear doesn't step out on bumps like it used to, it corners with less body roll, it's lowered and isn't too harsh. I spent the money and I don't miss it, so to me it's worth it.
I'm about 20 min. away in Tracy if you want to go for a ride. Just PM me.
-Rick
I'm about 20 min. away in Tracy if you want to go for a ride. Just PM me.
-Rick
theres a bunch of suspension systems out there for our cars. from coilovers, to sways, to leaf springs.
Ive heard great things about the pfadt coilovers and sway bars.
but how good are they really.
what kind of comparision on a scale from one to ten is there verses stock suspension. Is it worth all that money!?
the T1 sway bars. are they better or worse than the pfadt sway bars?
Ive heard great things about the pfadt coilovers and sway bars.
but how good are they really.
what kind of comparision on a scale from one to ten is there verses stock suspension. Is it worth all that money!?
the T1 sway bars. are they better or worse than the pfadt sway bars?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 105
From: Northville Michigan
I have progressed from the stock Z06 suspension - add '04 Z06 shocks - added T1 stabilizer bars - removed the T1 bars and installed Phaft Pfatty bars - Removed the Z06 front and rear springs and installed L.G. Motorsports coilovers.
This final setup - L.G. Motorsports coilovers and Phadt Phatty stabilizer bars is perfect for my driving, track days, and Open Road Racing.
The T1 bars were noisy. The 04 Z06 shocks were harsh over small movements. The stock Z06 springs were too soft and they tied both sides of the vehicle's suspension together, which you don't want.
I chose the L.G. Motorsports coilovers in preference to the Pfadt coilovers, because I do not have enough time to tune my shockabsorbers. L.G.M. has spent many hours with Bilstein tuning their coilover package and it is perfect for my Z06.
This final setup - L.G. Motorsports coilovers and Phadt Phatty stabilizer bars is perfect for my driving, track days, and Open Road Racing.
The T1 bars were noisy. The 04 Z06 shocks were harsh over small movements. The stock Z06 springs were too soft and they tied both sides of the vehicle's suspension together, which you don't want.
I chose the L.G. Motorsports coilovers in preference to the Pfadt coilovers, because I do not have enough time to tune my shockabsorbers. L.G.M. has spent many hours with Bilstein tuning their coilover package and it is perfect for my Z06.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 553
Likes: 97
I have progressed from the stock Z06 suspension - add '04 Z06 shocks - added T1 stabilizer bars - removed the T1 bars and installed Phaft Pfatty bars - Removed the Z06 front and rear springs and installed L.G. Motorsports coilovers.
This final setup - L.G. Motorsports coilovers and Phadt Phatty stabilizer bars is perfect for my driving, track days, and Open Road Racing.
The T1 bars were noisy. The 04 Z06 shocks were harsh over small movements. The stock Z06 springs were too soft and they tied both sides of the vehicle's suspension together, which you don't want.
I chose the L.G. Motorsports coilovers in preference to the Pfadt coilovers, because I do not have enough time to tune my shockabsorbers. L.G.M. has spent many hours with Bilstein tuning their coilover package and it is perfect for my Z06.
This final setup - L.G. Motorsports coilovers and Phadt Phatty stabilizer bars is perfect for my driving, track days, and Open Road Racing.
The T1 bars were noisy. The 04 Z06 shocks were harsh over small movements. The stock Z06 springs were too soft and they tied both sides of the vehicle's suspension together, which you don't want.
I chose the L.G. Motorsports coilovers in preference to the Pfadt coilovers, because I do not have enough time to tune my shockabsorbers. L.G.M. has spent many hours with Bilstein tuning their coilover package and it is perfect for my Z06.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 105
From: Northville Michigan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,917
Likes: 1,879
From: Hot Springs AR
Have a good one,
Mike
