Suspension Upgrade advice
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 advice
Getting ready to pull the trigger on getting the C6 Z51 sway bars with poly bushings and metal end links for my 2000 base coupe. In addition, adding the C6 Z06 shocks. Question is: would also like to complete the upgrade with springs. Will the C6 Z51 springs fit a C5 without mods? Or would C5 Z06 or C5 Z51 springs be a better option with the sway bars and shocks as above?
The coupe is a daily driver and may see a track day or two, but really wanted to upgrade the suspension for some spirited (but safe) driving on some twisties. One other addition will be an upgraded tunnel plate as well. Thanks for any input. Last item currently running stock size wheels and tires, but plans call for an upgrade to C5 Z06 wheels and tire sizes shortly after suspension mods are complete.
The coupe is a daily driver and may see a track day or two, but really wanted to upgrade the suspension for some spirited (but safe) driving on some twisties. One other addition will be an upgraded tunnel plate as well. Thanks for any input. Last item currently running stock size wheels and tires, but plans call for an upgrade to C5 Z06 wheels and tire sizes shortly after suspension mods are complete.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 52
From: Sicamous BC
I have a C5 with Pfadt Coils & Sways, stock A Arm bushings, aligned aggressive street.
Also I have C6 Z51 with Pfadt shocks only, stock alignment. With the stock shocks........no good.
Both are very enjoyable, you can ride & drive either one & be very happy.
If you are aggressive, have some power....the C5. You always feel comfortable & in control.
The C6 has less power (stock) nice, is not as compliant when driving aggressively.
If I was buying springs, shocks & sways.....I would go with my C5 setup without a second thought.
Does that help?
Also I have C6 Z51 with Pfadt shocks only, stock alignment. With the stock shocks........no good.
Both are very enjoyable, you can ride & drive either one & be very happy.
If you are aggressive, have some power....the C5. You always feel comfortable & in control.
The C6 has less power (stock) nice, is not as compliant when driving aggressively.
If I was buying springs, shocks & sways.....I would go with my C5 setup without a second thought.
Does that help?
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
I have a C5 with Pfadt Coils & Sways, stock A Arm bushings, aligned aggressive street.
Also I have C6 Z51 with Pfadt shocks only, stock alignment. With the stock shocks........no good.
Both are very enjoyable, you can ride & drive either one & be very happy.
If you are aggressive, have some power....the C5. You always feel comfortable & in control.
The C6 has less power (stock) nice, is not as compliant when driving aggressively.
If I was buying springs, shocks & sways.....I would go with my C5 setup without a second thought.
Does that help?
Also I have C6 Z51 with Pfadt shocks only, stock alignment. With the stock shocks........no good.
Both are very enjoyable, you can ride & drive either one & be very happy.
If you are aggressive, have some power....the C5. You always feel comfortable & in control.
The C6 has less power (stock) nice, is not as compliant when driving aggressively.
If I was buying springs, shocks & sways.....I would go with my C5 setup without a second thought.
Does that help?
If I understand the spring rates the C5 Z06 and C5 Z51 front springs are the same rate, the rear Z06 spring rate is slightly stiffer. If so would the Z06 rear be that much better, handling wise, than the Z51?
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
I just did the same thing to my '03 coupe and it made a night-and-day difference in the ride; MUCH better handling.
I had also thought about upgrading the springs from base to Z06/Z51. Looks like it'll have to be the C5 Z06/Z51 as it appears that the C6 springs won't fit.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
If the Z51 (C5) was the pinnacle, it would have been on the Z06.
If you check my profile you'll notice that my suspension consists of C5 Z06 springs (lowered on stock bolts, no bushings cut) and C6 Z06 shocks and sways.
My car rides and handles like a world class sports car should.
