Base suspension handling mods.....

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Apr 27, 2002 | 02:02 PM

Ticket Magnet

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Joined: Sep 1999

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From: Huntington, LI, New York

Base suspension handling mods.....

The '99 base suspension vert was neutral throughout all power ranges even deep into corners. I could hammer down or go off throttle with no change in attitude.

The '02 base suspension vert noticiably OVER steers at what seems like hardly any cornering at all. Almost scarry. They have made some changes but I am not sure what exactly.

I was considering some modifications:

Z06 bars
Bilstein shocks?
Supercar [or other non RF rubber]

Any one have any ideas and suggestions...

Brad

Apr 27, 2002 | 04:12 PM

4THTOY

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2000

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From: Knoxville TN

Re: Base suspension handling mods..... (Ticket Magnet)

I don't know what changes were made between the 99-02. I have a 98 with the base set up, I added the following;
2000 Z51 bars, these were stiffer than the 98/99's/Bilstein Sport shocks/lowered the car 2"/Firestone Firehawk tires (inned runflates), these made a huge difference.

Apr 27, 2002 | 04:33 PM

AFVETTE

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 20,054

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From: Swansea IL

Re: Base suspension handling mods..... (Ticket Magnet)

Take your suspension upgrade one step at a time. By all means upgrade to the Z06 sway bar set - for $264 you can't go wrong. Paint the rear bar some other color to compliment your car. I painted mine Candy Apple Red. Then see how you like it. If necessary do shocks but be forewarned. The Bilstein Sports can be a bit to aggressive for some. Tires can always be upgraded.

The shocks can make or break the feel your after. Know what your getting into before buying shocks.

Good luck

Tom
USAF Retired

[Modified by AFVETTE, 2:34 PM 4/27/2002]

Apr 27, 2002 | 07:51 PM

6speeding

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2001

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From: los gatos ca

Re: Base suspension handling mods..... (Ticket Magnet)

I agree my 99 conv. was almost dangerous stock. I installed Zo6 sway bars and Z51 shocks and it transformed the car completely, ride was a little firmer but felt great. I then put on Z06 take off tires and wheels and that made it feel much more planted in rough road cornering situations especially. Just as the prior mods had done. Then Bilstien Sports, the ride suffered a little more but the handling improved a little more, this was the first mod with a significant compromise, but not much. The Bilstiens may not be worth it if your a street only driver. The car still rides fine though. You really dont have much to lose in say trying a set of used Z51 shocks as I did first, no alignment necc. Keep in mine they are shocks not struts so its a hassel to change, because of the gas pressure but not that big of deal. Just get those junk stock shocks and sway bars off there as soon as possible and go to non run flats, and then you can feel some of the cars handling potential it was designed to deliver. good luck, call me if you want to chat about the differences in shocks etc. Matt 408 4979168 :seeya

Apr 29, 2002 | 12:31 PM

Ticket Magnet

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From: Huntington, LI, New York

Re: Base suspension handling mods..... (6speeding)

Thanks for all your replies.

6speeding...I don't know if you misunderstood me...the '99 handling was significantly better....

Thanks

Brad

Apr 29, 2002 | 05:36 PM

Jeff Jeff

Burning Brakes

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From: DFW tx

Re: Base suspension handling mods..... (Ticket Magnet)

I put on Bilstein sports and the change in ride with the base sway bars was incredible, it felt like a totally different car and feels glued to the road. No more bouncing at all and much more stable at higher speeds. I thought the ride quality improved dramatically over the stock shocks, and is not harsh at all.

I also put on the Hotchkis bars a few days later and they made a very noticeable difference in the corners. After doing these two mods my only regret was not doing this sooner. I had some issues with noise from the Hotchkis bars, but now they are quiet as stock after a lube and retorque.

I highly recommend doing the shocks and sway bars, if you want to upgrade in stages, do the shocks first.

Apr 29, 2002 | 08:56 PM

Ticket Magnet

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From: Huntington, LI, New York

Re: Base suspension handling mods..... (Jeff Jeff)

Jeff Jeff,

Thanks for responding.

Do you think these mods significantly better than Z06 shocks and bars?

Thanks

Brad

May 1, 2002 | 04:17 AM

Jeff Jeff

Burning Brakes

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From: DFW tx

Re: Base suspension handling mods..... (Ticket Magnet)

Brad,

I cannot tell you if the Hotchkis/Bilstein combo is better than the Z06 setup since I have not driven a car with the Z06 setup. I will tell you that you will be happy with the Hotchkis/Bilstein setup though.