I'm new to the corvette world. I just picked up a 04 c5 and it rides like a boat compared to my Nissan and Infiniti. I'd like to lower it and install some sway bars at the least. What do I need to lower it a bit and if I lower it does it go out of alignment? Also do I need anything extra like camber or toe kits to get the alignment back to spec?

 

The base Corvette is pretty much a "boulevard" sports car. While Corvettes look pretty much the same there's a world of difference between the suspension packages.

Many folks coming from the import world don't understand that to have a nice taught suspension you need to go to the Z51 package or something thereabouts.

Lowering the car, the amount that is reasonable and provides good handling isn't going to help that much. If you lower it more than an inch it will be constantly hitting the bump stops and will ride like a piece of crap, and that is particularly true of a car with the base suspension, the springs bars and shocks are just pretty soft. Add to the fact that the OE shocks don't last that long and yours are 10 years old, lowering the car is like putting a lipstick on pig. You can lower the car with the stock bolts that much, but yes, you should align it when you are done.

The first thing you really need is a set of shocks, most likely the Bilstein sports, not the HD, but the Sports, or get a set of C6Z shocks. Both of these will really help firm up the ride. Add a set of Z51 bars, and if you are really serious get a set of Z06 springs and bars. Do that you will have a canyon carver of the first order.

 

Thanks man I appreciate the help!!

 

Recommend pfadt coilovers if you really want to improve. If you lower, you'll need need adjustable tie rod ends to correct bump steer and an alignment. Pfadt sells good sway bars too.

 

I'd have to question why you'd think a 10 year car wouldn't need an alignment anyways. In other words, align it no matter what.