Suspension Upgrade
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Suspension Upgrade
I have a 2000 MN6 coupe with the base suspension and I am planning a few suspension upgrades. The car has 57000 miles on it but rides very well with the exception of some squeaks and groans. I have searched the forum for information and have come up with this plan and some questions that I am hoping members can answer/share experiences:
C6 Z06 sway bars front and rear, and metal end links, new bushings: (question is there any benefit to going to the poly bushing over the rubber ones?)
C6 Z06 shocks:(question is there a significant benefit to going the Z shocks over the standard C6 shocks, and are either any better than just replacing the C5 standard shocks with new C5 shocks?)
Springs: Do I need to replace the standard springs with the Z51 or Z06 springs (are they the same?) keeping in mind I want good handling characteristics but not planning to track the car except for a few 1/4 mile runs here and there.
Note see post #13 for modified plan based on input from members
Thanks for any and all input. Also, I dont plan on changing the wheel or tire sizes from stock at this point.
C6 Z06 sway bars front and rear, and metal end links, new bushings: (question is there any benefit to going to the poly bushing over the rubber ones?)
C6 Z06 shocks:(question is there a significant benefit to going the Z shocks over the standard C6 shocks, and are either any better than just replacing the C5 standard shocks with new C5 shocks?)
Springs: Do I need to replace the standard springs with the Z51 or Z06 springs (are they the same?) keeping in mind I want good handling characteristics but not planning to track the car except for a few 1/4 mile runs here and there.
Note see post #13 for modified plan based on input from members
Thanks for any and all input. Also, I dont plan on changing the wheel or tire sizes from stock at this point.
Last edited by alxltd1; Oct 16, 2009 at 12:41 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08
My 2000 coupe started out life as yours did...
First I added the C5Z06 bars with metal endlinks and poly bushings and Bilstein Sports...great upgrade as it kept the car flat in the corners and handled much better...I then added a 3/8" tunnel plate (while I was installing my LG's) and it stiffened up the car quite a bit.. I was still not happy with the "floaty" feeling every time the road dipped so I added a set of C5Z06 composite springs(frnt & rear)... All I can tell you is that the cars handles extremely well (1000% better than new) and is not too stiff as many suggest... My vette is a street car/weekend warrior
(don't intend on tracking it) Expect for the Bilsteins, I picked up all the other components on the forum, nearly new but used, and it didin't cost a fortune..keep your eyes open and the deals do come up from time to time..
First I added the C5Z06 bars with metal endlinks and poly bushings and Bilstein Sports...great upgrade as it kept the car flat in the corners and handled much better...I then added a 3/8" tunnel plate (while I was installing my LG's) and it stiffened up the car quite a bit.. I was still not happy with the "floaty" feeling every time the road dipped so I added a set of C5Z06 composite springs(frnt & rear)... All I can tell you is that the cars handles extremely well (1000% better than new) and is not too stiff as many suggest... My vette is a street car/weekend warrior
(don't intend on tracking it) Expect for the Bilsteins, I picked up all the other components on the forum, nearly new but used, and it didin't cost a fortune..keep your eyes open and the deals do come up from time to time..
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
My 2000 coupe started out life as yours did...
First I added the C5Z06 bars with metal endlinks and poly bushings and Bilstein Sports...great upgrade as it kept the car flat in the corners and handled much better...I then added a 3/8" tunnel plate (while I was installing my LG's) and it stiffened up the car quite a bit.. I was still not happy with the "floaty" feeling every time the road dipped so I added a set of C5Z06 composite springs(frnt & rear)... All I can tell you is that the cars handles extremely well (1000% better than new) and is not too stiff as many suggest... My vette is a street car/weekend warrior
(don't intend on tracking it) Expect for the Bilsteins, I picked up all the other components on the forum, nearly new but used, and it didin't cost a fortune..keep your eyes open and the deals do come up from time to time..
First I added the C5Z06 bars with metal endlinks and poly bushings and Bilstein Sports...great upgrade as it kept the car flat in the corners and handled much better...I then added a 3/8" tunnel plate (while I was installing my LG's) and it stiffened up the car quite a bit.. I was still not happy with the "floaty" feeling every time the road dipped so I added a set of C5Z06 composite springs(frnt & rear)... All I can tell you is that the cars handles extremely well (1000% better than new) and is not too stiff as many suggest... My vette is a street car/weekend warrior
(don't intend on tracking it) Expect for the Bilsteins, I picked up all the other components on the forum, nearly new but used, and it didin't cost a fortune..keep your eyes open and the deals do come up from time to time..
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,003
Likes: 249
From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I went with the C5Z06 sways and metal end clips because the C6s didnt come out yet. It made a nice handling change. Adding the ZO6 shock will really make it handle. I like my princess adjustibles but when its time to replace them, the F45s cost to much
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
My 2000 coupe started out life as yours did...
First I added the C5Z06 bars with metal endlinks and poly bushings and Bilstein Sports...great upgrade as it kept the car flat in the corners and handled much better...I then added a 3/8" tunnel plate (while I was installing my LG's) and it stiffened up the car quite a bit.. I was still not happy with the "floaty" feeling every time the road dipped so I added a set of C5Z06 composite springs(frnt & rear)... All I can tell you is that the cars handles extremely well (1000% better than new) and is not too stiff as many suggest... My vette is a street car/weekend warrior
(don't intend on tracking it) Expect for the Bilsteins, I picked up all the other components on the forum, nearly new but used, and it didin't cost a fortune..keep your eyes open and the deals do come up from time to time..
First I added the C5Z06 bars with metal endlinks and poly bushings and Bilstein Sports...great upgrade as it kept the car flat in the corners and handled much better...I then added a 3/8" tunnel plate (while I was installing my LG's) and it stiffened up the car quite a bit.. I was still not happy with the "floaty" feeling every time the road dipped so I added a set of C5Z06 composite springs(frnt & rear)... All I can tell you is that the cars handles extremely well (1000% better than new) and is not too stiff as many suggest... My vette is a street car/weekend warrior
(don't intend on tracking it) Expect for the Bilsteins, I picked up all the other components on the forum, nearly new but used, and it didin't cost a fortune..keep your eyes open and the deals do come up from time to time..
Same here with one exception, originally I replaced stock shocks with Bilsteins, but happened on a set of '04 Z06 shocks that I had heard so much about. I was surprised (in a good way) how much better the car felt overall. Havent had any experience with the C6 shocks but really impressed with the '04's!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 5
From: Holly, Michigan
Be careful with the C6Z06 sway bars. Unless you've got a whole lot of tire, they are not a good choice, as the handling characteristics can become sub-optimal. The C6Z51 bars are a good choice though...
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 5
From: Holly, Michigan
See the thread below for more info on the use of C6Z06 sway bars on a C5:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...sway-bars.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...sway-bars.html
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
See the thread below for more info on the use of C6Z06 sway bars on a C5:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...sway-bars.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...sway-bars.html
C6 Z51 Sway bars w/metal end links and new bushings (have not seen any comment on the rubber vs poly so will stick with the rubber) front (would substitute a C5 Z06 front bar if I find one avaialble and cheap) and rear these should be best suited to my standard C5 tire and wheel size.
C6 Z06 or C5 Z06 (2004 or later) shocks front and rear. Will depend on price and if I can find the C5 Z shocks available with low mileage.
C5 Z06 Springs front and rear.
Ok again thanks to all.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 5
From: Holly, Michigan
Keep in mind that Gene Culley just had a group buy on the C6Z51 bars, and many forum members bought them, so it's very likely that you'll be able to find a nice set of used C5Z06 sway bars, which will complement the Z06 springs you plan to get very nicely...
I'm not trying to confuse the issue (reputedly the C6Z51's are VERY nice), it's just that you might get a better price going this route..
I'm not trying to confuse the issue (reputedly the C6Z51's are VERY nice), it's just that you might get a better price going this route..
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Ok so given the input so far ,and thanks to all, I am modifiying the plan to use:
C6 Z51 Sway bars w/metal end links and new bushings (have not seen any comment on the rubber vs poly so will stick with the rubber) front (would substitute a C5 Z06 front bar if I find one avaialble and cheap) and rear these should be best suited to my standard C5 tire and wheel size.
C6 Z06 or C5 Z06 (2004 or later) shocks front and rear. Will depend on price and if I can find the C5 Z shocks available with low mileage.
C5 Z06 Springs front and rear.
Ok again thanks to all.
C6 Z51 Sway bars w/metal end links and new bushings (have not seen any comment on the rubber vs poly so will stick with the rubber) front (would substitute a C5 Z06 front bar if I find one avaialble and cheap) and rear these should be best suited to my standard C5 tire and wheel size.
C6 Z06 or C5 Z06 (2004 or later) shocks front and rear. Will depend on price and if I can find the C5 Z shocks available with low mileage.
C5 Z06 Springs front and rear.
Ok again thanks to all.
^^Get the poly bushings. The poly bushings are harder, which means they will give less before they start doing their job.
The last year for C5s was 2004, so you can't get C5 Z06 shocks after 2004. FWIW, the C6 Z06 shocks are considerably less expensive than the 04 C5 Z06 shocks.
Something that wasn't mentioned, but should be is that the whole purpose of doing suspension mods is to improve tire traction. Make sure you have good rims and tires on the car to take advantage of improved suspension.
When you get done make sure you get a good alignment.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
^^Get the poly bushings. The poly bushings are harder, which means they will give less before they start doing their job.
The last year for C5s was 2004, so you can't get C5 Z06 shocks after 2004. FWIW, the C6 Z06 shocks are considerably less expensive than the 04 C5 Z06 shocks.
Something that wasn't mentioned, but should be is that the whole purpose of doing suspension mods is to improve tire traction. Make sure you have good rims and tires on the car to take advantage of improved suspension.
When you get done make sure you get a good alignment.
The last year for C5s was 2004, so you can't get C5 Z06 shocks after 2004. FWIW, the C6 Z06 shocks are considerably less expensive than the 04 C5 Z06 shocks.
Something that wasn't mentioned, but should be is that the whole purpose of doing suspension mods is to improve tire traction. Make sure you have good rims and tires on the car to take advantage of improved suspension.
When you get done make sure you get a good alignment.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
