Shocks and Sways Upgrade – A Comment
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 320
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From: North of Atlanta GA
Shocks and Sways Upgrade – A Comment
I started down the road to upgrading. I bought 4 x C6 Z06 low mileage takeoff shocks from a guy on the C6 forum. I had the opportunity to buy a set of C6 Z51 sways (just what I was planning on), but did not pull the trigger. I decided to buy those at a later date, and went on to install the “new” shocks (pretty much a non-event following the McRat Method).
Anyway C5’ers, I have been just pleased as punch with only the shock upgrade. The car rides smoother and corners flatter than ever, and no longer feels as if it is bottoming out on the larger bumps. I see no need whatsoever to replace my original sway bars (I did buy some takeoff end links from a C6 forum guy, and will be installing them upon arrival).
My point – if you are set on doing this mild shocks and sways suspension upgrade to your C5, I suggest doing the shocks first and see what you get – I got more than I was expecting, and have saved a few bucks in the bargain.
Anyway C5’ers, I have been just pleased as punch with only the shock upgrade. The car rides smoother and corners flatter than ever, and no longer feels as if it is bottoming out on the larger bumps. I see no need whatsoever to replace my original sway bars (I did buy some takeoff end links from a C6 forum guy, and will be installing them upon arrival).
My point – if you are set on doing this mild shocks and sways suspension upgrade to your C5, I suggest doing the shocks first and see what you get – I got more than I was expecting, and have saved a few bucks in the bargain.
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
Wait till you one day install the better sway bars.. 
You will say TO YOUR SELF: HOLY SHI$,,,,
Why the hell didnt I put those on with the shocks??????????????
LOL!
You will say TO YOUR SELF: HOLY SHI$,,,,
Why the hell didnt I put those on with the shocks??????????????LOL!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 311
From: Bristol, VT
Yes, the C6 Z51 front bars are 31 mm thick vs. 30 for C5 Z06, and rear is 25.6 mm vs. 23.6 mm for C5 Z06.
I bought my C5 with the C6 Z51 shocks already installed by the previous owner, and I added the Z51 sway bars later. I didn't own it long enough before upgrading to get a good feel for how much improvement just the swaybars added, but I'm frequently impressed by how well it rides on the crappy VT roads, and it sticks like glue.
I bought my C5 with the C6 Z51 shocks already installed by the previous owner, and I added the Z51 sway bars later. I didn't own it long enough before upgrading to get a good feel for how much improvement just the swaybars added, but I'm frequently impressed by how well it rides on the crappy VT roads, and it sticks like glue.
Last edited by CPhelps; May 21, 2013 at 04:41 PM.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Black Forest CO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Hyde Park New York
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 90
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From: Mission Viejo CA
Also, where did you get the metal endlinks? Or does my 04 C5Z have them stock?
I also noticed that they have both C6 Z06 and ZR1 sway bars. Has anyone tried these on a C5?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The ZO6 and I believe ZR1 sway bars are TOO heavy/ stiff for your C5.
IF, you were to use them, you will have to SIGNIFICANTLY increase the width of your rear tires or it will cause oversteer problems.
www.GMPARTSHOUSE.com has excellent prices and yes, the package is not all that expensive compared to other C5 stuff. Call Gene and discuss. he has the answers you seek.
New c6 ZO6 shocks are only around $250 for all four shocks
IF, you were to use them, you will have to SIGNIFICANTLY increase the width of your rear tires or it will cause oversteer problems.
www.GMPARTSHOUSE.com has excellent prices and yes, the package is not all that expensive compared to other C5 stuff. Call Gene and discuss. he has the answers you seek.
New c6 ZO6 shocks are only around $250 for all four shocks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 5
From: Hyde Park New York
I got all my stuff for 598 shipped from Parts Taxi. Your 04 C5Z has the metal end links, so that saves you almost 100$. To use the c6 Z06 sways, your rear tires need to be around 335 wide.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
bar upgrades make sense on coupes but the z06 is really a nice setup for street tires.
you also have metal endlinks stock
i have a 2002 z06 with new 2004 shocks and the car is great. i would not go stiffer unless i increased traction to R comps at a minimum
the stock sway bars are well matched to the spring rates. there is a hint of understeer that i can easily counter with my right foot.
i do not like oversteer bias rwd cars, don't mind it so much with fwd as it's useful with those when autocrossing
if you start getting into racing look at guys like froggy47 who have tried various combos and can chat about what's been the fastest
