Z06 sway bars just installed
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 877
Likes: 43
From: Surprise AZ
Z06 sway bars just installed
I bought a set from Ken Fitchner's parts dept. Good service and delivered right on time. They bolt right on. The only hard part was not having a car rack but having to use ramps and jack stands. The new aluminum links are much better than the factory plastic ones. The new bars are definitely "fatter" than the old ones. I finished last night and haven't gone out yet. Guess I better quit typing and start driving. :seeya
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: NAPLES FLORIDA
Re: Z06 sway bars just installed (seattle)
Seattle...I have a 97 and was thinking of getting new sway bars also...How did they work for you???? How much did you spend on them if I may ask..not sure which ones to get...thanks for the info! :cheers: :chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Z06 sway bars just installed (primetime)
Seattle...I have a 97 and was thinking of getting new sway bars also...How did they work for you???? How much did you spend on them if I may ask..not sure which ones to get...thanks for the info! :cheers: :chevy
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 877
Likes: 43
From: Surprise AZ
Re: Z06 sway bars just installed (primetime)
I bought the kit from Ken Fitchner Chev. (supporting dealer) ask for Bob or Tom in parts. Cost was $230.00 plus UPS. Below is info from Ken's newsletter. The link to Chaz's page is helpful but it still shows the older links. The new links are aluminum and much better. They also have a "nut" formed onto the back of the shaft so you won't have to use the allen wrench.
FOR MORE DETAIL ON THE Z51 PACKAGE AND IT?S INSTALLATION PROCEDURE, PLEASE VISIT CHAZ?S PAGE (HE?S A FORUM MEMBER): http://www.chazcone.com/corvette/z51/
NOTE: THE REAR BRACKETS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED AND WE NOW
INCLUDE (4) ALUMINUM LINKS. STEEL LINKS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
Z06 Suspension upgrade Package
NOTE THIS IS THE 2002 STYLE Z06 BAR PACKAGE
The package includes front and rear bars, front and rear bushings, and front and rear aluminum links. Installation info is the same as the above Z51 kit.
FOR MORE DETAIL ON THE Z51 PACKAGE AND IT?S INSTALLATION PROCEDURE, PLEASE VISIT CHAZ?S PAGE (HE?S A FORUM MEMBER): http://www.chazcone.com/corvette/z51/
NOTE: THE REAR BRACKETS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED AND WE NOW
INCLUDE (4) ALUMINUM LINKS. STEEL LINKS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
Z06 Suspension upgrade Package
NOTE THIS IS THE 2002 STYLE Z06 BAR PACKAGE
The package includes front and rear bars, front and rear bushings, and front and rear aluminum links. Installation info is the same as the above Z51 kit.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Re: Z06 sway bars just installed (seattle)
I installed the Z06 bars a few months ago. They really are a great "comprimise" between a very harsh ride and flat cornering. Most folks want the supple ride of the base suspension but want to flatten out the car in the twisties. This is a great solution. It firmed up the ride just a little but flattened my cornering to the point where I can set the car up in a controlled four wheel drift and use the throttle to control it. Not on public roads but during auto-cross events. That's a blast.
You should enjoy this mod everytime the road takes a turn.
Tom
USAF retired
You should enjoy this mod everytime the road takes a turn.
Tom
USAF retired
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 919
Likes: 1
From: Portland area OR
Re: Z06 sway bars just installed (seattle)
I just love the Z06 sway bars I got from Fichtner's :D It really reduced body roll. I will now be installing Z51 springs and Bilsteins to completely mod the base suspension. :flag
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Md
Re: Z06 sway bars just installed (FarmerBob2001)
When you guys say "upgrade to Z06" suspension, is this an upgrade for any non-Z06 or is it an upgrade to only convertibles and coupes? I have heard the FRC is the same suspension as the Z06, anyone care to elaborate on this? I would love tighter handling and this may be an easy mod with great results!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
From: Tupelo Ms
Re: Z06 sway bars just installed (TheWoody)
[QUOTE] I have heard the FRC is the same suspension as the Z06, anyone care to elaborate on this? QUOTE]
Hey Now:
I think all FRC's have the Z51 suspension, which is a little different than the Z06 suspension. It would not be a large of a increase of handling going from the Z51 to the Z06 as, base suspension to the Z06.
Hey Now:
I think all FRC's have the Z51 suspension, which is a little different than the Z06 suspension. It would not be a large of a increase of handling going from the Z51 to the Z06 as, base suspension to the Z06.
Racer
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
Re: Z06 sway bars just installed (TheWoody)
TheWoody and BarryScott,
All FRC's have the Z51 suspension. The 2000 Z51 has bigger front and rear sway bars than the 99 Z51, both have the same spring rates. The ZO6 has a 10% stiffer rear spring than the stock Z51, same front spring rate. The ZO6 has a bigger front sway bar (1.5 mm bigger) than the 2000 Z51, but the same size rear sway bar as the 2000 Z51. The end links for the sway bars are cast aluminum. The Z51 used steel front end links and nylon rear end links. Also, the Zo6 shocks are stiffer than Z51 shocks (2002 Zo6 shocks are calibrated differently than the 2001 ZO6 shocks). In my opinion the 2002 ZO6 set up is a very good, stiff suspension and is a good compromise to an after market suspension. However, I belive you should get all the ZO6 components, not just the sway bars. If you don't replace the rear spring (on a 2000 Z51) set up you will not have a balanced C5.
All FRC's have the Z51 suspension. The 2000 Z51 has bigger front and rear sway bars than the 99 Z51, both have the same spring rates. The ZO6 has a 10% stiffer rear spring than the stock Z51, same front spring rate. The ZO6 has a bigger front sway bar (1.5 mm bigger) than the 2000 Z51, but the same size rear sway bar as the 2000 Z51. The end links for the sway bars are cast aluminum. The Z51 used steel front end links and nylon rear end links. Also, the Zo6 shocks are stiffer than Z51 shocks (2002 Zo6 shocks are calibrated differently than the 2001 ZO6 shocks). In my opinion the 2002 ZO6 set up is a very good, stiff suspension and is a good compromise to an after market suspension. However, I belive you should get all the ZO6 components, not just the sway bars. If you don't replace the rear spring (on a 2000 Z51) set up you will not have a balanced C5.