Suspension Guru's - I need advice
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: OH
Suspension Guru's - I need advice
I've been kicking around the idea of upgrading the suspension on my 00 vert. It has the base FE1 suspension now. I don't track or drag, so I'm just looking to tighten it up a bit for normal driving. Asking for some helpful feedback to my questions below.
For those of you that upgraded from the base suspension, what did you go with? Pfadt, C6Z51, C6ZR1, etc and in your opinion was it worth it?
For just the normal driving is it worth moving to a Pfadt JO setup or will C6Z51 setup suffice?
Are sway bars, shocks a DIY job? (I've done rotors, pads, exhaust, xpipe, headers myself)
Whats the advantage of metal end links?
Thanks in advance guys.
Mike
For those of you that upgraded from the base suspension, what did you go with? Pfadt, C6Z51, C6ZR1, etc and in your opinion was it worth it?
For just the normal driving is it worth moving to a Pfadt JO setup or will C6Z51 setup suffice?
Are sway bars, shocks a DIY job? (I've done rotors, pads, exhaust, xpipe, headers myself)
Whats the advantage of metal end links?
Thanks in advance guys.
Mike
Last edited by Vette N It; Sep 12, 2011 at 07:59 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
Gene Culley at GM Parts House has a nice price on a package that includes C6Z51 Bars and C6Z06 shocks... http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...rts-house.html That'll be a very nice upgrade and it's a DIY job for you based on the work you've stated you've already done.
If you're running a 315 rear tire or greater go with C6Z06 bars, otherwise stay C6Z51.
If you're running a 315 rear tire or greater go with C6Z06 bars, otherwise stay C6Z51.
Last edited by cdkcorvette7; Sep 12, 2011 at 10:26 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 9
Hey guys. We aimed the Johnny O'Connell suspension package at drivers who don't want to go all out with a full coilover setup, but want to improve handling while keeping a stock like ride. The kit includes shocks with our custom Corvette damping rates, along with a matched set of sway bars, endlinks and sway bar bushings.
The Advantages of a metal endlink have already been stated, they are much more durable and will allow your sway bar system to work more effectively than the plastic pieces they replace. The JO Kit also replaces your sway bar bushings, which are often overlooked but also play a key role in the effectiveness of your sway bar package.
Right now we are doing a group buy on our JO suspension package. You can find more information on CorvetteForum: Link to the Johnny O'Connell group buy thread.
If you're looking to refresh the suspension on your C5 which may be getting up there in mileage at this point this is a screaming deal on a lot of different wear items. If you've considered the Johnny O'Connell package now is the time!
The Advantages of a metal endlink have already been stated, they are much more durable and will allow your sway bar system to work more effectively than the plastic pieces they replace. The JO Kit also replaces your sway bar bushings, which are often overlooked but also play a key role in the effectiveness of your sway bar package.
Right now we are doing a group buy on our JO suspension package. You can find more information on CorvetteForum: Link to the Johnny O'Connell group buy thread.
If you're looking to refresh the suspension on your C5 which may be getting up there in mileage at this point this is a screaming deal on a lot of different wear items. If you've considered the Johnny O'Connell package now is the time!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
I was never happy with the Corvette suspension. Leaf Spring, really?! 
The shock on bumps - especially in my area - was a little much and my female passengers almost complained. I'd usually have to take it extremely slow, even since I had the car lowered on stock bolts to keep from bottoming out.
I ended up with Pfadt coilovers to start, and the results have been better than I thought. The fully adjustable springs allows me to lower/raise the car as much as I like while adjusting the dampening as well.
I'm no longer too concerned about having to slow down for irregular road surfaces since the bumps do not transit as before. It is one of the best mods to improve the ride quality.
And, I eventually go the Pfadt Sway bars as a gift - great bonus upgrade. It's not necessary, but it surely raises your confidence when taking hard turns or quickly avoiding road obstacles.
The shock on bumps - especially in my area - was a little much and my female passengers almost complained. I'd usually have to take it extremely slow, even since I had the car lowered on stock bolts to keep from bottoming out.
I ended up with Pfadt coilovers to start, and the results have been better than I thought. The fully adjustable springs allows me to lower/raise the car as much as I like while adjusting the dampening as well.
I'm no longer too concerned about having to slow down for irregular road surfaces since the bumps do not transit as before. It is one of the best mods to improve the ride quality.And, I eventually go the Pfadt Sway bars as a gift - great bonus upgrade. It's not necessary, but it surely raises your confidence when taking hard turns or quickly avoiding road obstacles.
