z51 suspension upgrade
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 84
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From: Palm City FL
z51 suspension upgrade
I discovered that my rear end links plastic has failed and wonder if it makes sense to not only change the links but also go to a LG or JOE setup.
My concern is that the gain may be minimal for the money spent. 1999 FRI with 63k miles. I am looking at power grid and whiteline. I plan to use the car on track days.
My concern is that the gain may be minimal for the money spent. 1999 FRI with 63k miles. I am looking at power grid and whiteline. I plan to use the car on track days.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 242
From: Russell Ontario
St. Jude Donor '09
I upgrated mine last year 2004 , links were aluminium , made a nice difference in the handling , I do not track the car but still was an easy upgrade to do and it did not take long , I did sway bars and shocks all around from a kit GM Partshouse . Ron
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Palm City FL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
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From: South Dakota
I did the sway bar and end link upgrade to my '99 Z51. It makes a nice improvement. It corners flatter and does not get stiffer or harsh riding. I went with the C6 Z51 sway bars.
It was an easy job to upgrade and not too expensive either from forum vendors, or the parts for sale section if you want to buy used.
For comparison, the sizes (in mm) of your stock '99 Z51 bars and the C6 Z51 bars.
C6 Z06 / GS / Z51 front 31mm
C6 Z51 rear 25.4mm
97-99
C5 Z51 front 25.4mm
C5 Z51 rear 21.7mm
Good luck.
It was an easy job to upgrade and not too expensive either from forum vendors, or the parts for sale section if you want to buy used.
For comparison, the sizes (in mm) of your stock '99 Z51 bars and the C6 Z51 bars.
C6 Z06 / GS / Z51 front 31mm
C6 Z51 rear 25.4mm
97-99
C5 Z51 front 25.4mm
C5 Z51 rear 21.7mm
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 48
From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
Put C6Z shocks and C6Z51 sways and the difference was very noticable. For the price it's hard to beat.
I'm pulling these parts off my car now to install a more aggressive setup for drag racing. PM me if your interested.
I'm pulling these parts off my car now to install a more aggressive setup for drag racing. PM me if your interested.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Lees Summit Missouri
I discovered that my rear end links plastic has failed and wonder if it makes sense to not only change the links but also go to a LG or JOE setup.
My concern is that the gain may be minimal for the money spent. 1999 FRI with 63k miles. I am looking at power grid and whiteline. I plan to use the car on track days.
My concern is that the gain may be minimal for the money spent. 1999 FRI with 63k miles. I am looking at power grid and whiteline. I plan to use the car on track days.
I did some easy changes to my suspension. Best bang for the buck was changing out the rubber end links, next was the sway bar, then finally a coil over suspension. Whatever you decide to do, I would suggest you pick one reputable supplier (I worked with Anthony at LG Motorsports in Texas for example) that will sell you a suspension package. These packages are designed to work or complements one another. If you get a GM T1 sway bar and end links, and decide later to upgrade the shocks, leaf springs, etc., I would suggest you purchase the other matching suspension elements from the GM T1 kit.
Tires and getting the car balanced (50/50) and of course a good alignment is key to make best use of these add on suspension packages.
Enjoy your upgrades,
Ray
