Hi I am collecting parts to do a handling makeover for my 99 coupe and I would like some advice.
My car had every option except one I really wanted z-51 :cry
I have decided it is time to rectify this and the base suspension must go.
I have purchased a set of mallett wheels with BFG g-force kd tires.
18 x 9.5" front, with BFGoodrich g-Force KD 265/35/18
18 x 11" back, with BFGoodrich g-Force KD 295/35/18
I have purchased a blisten sport shocks.
Should I get the Z06 bars? What about the spring do I need to replace it?
I was going to drop it about an inch on the stock bolts.
I suppose I will need an alignment as well.
Any thing I am missing? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Brian :cheers:
:chevy

 

Depends how much handling you want and much you want to spend? What purpose is it to serve?

 

Mostly just driving around in nice weather. :D :cheers:
I am not very worried about a stiffness or a harsh ride.
In my last ride you could feel every cigarette butt in the road and I loved it.
I would like precise and somewhat predictable handling.
Again comfort and/or road noise are really not a consideration.
I know that no one component will do the trick and that I need a good combination of wheel, shocks, bars, etc to make it work well.
I want to make sure I am heading down the right path here.
Thanks! :thumbs:

Regards,
Brian :chevy


[Modified by fdupny, 5:55 PM 12/7/2002]

 

My car has poly bushings from DRM, T-1 bars, Bilstein Sports, and Z51 springs. It handles 99% of the cars on the track in handling I have seen. May revalve the shocks a bit stiffer this winter. Instead of buying springs and shocks I would go with coilovers from DRM as some other companies have no clue what there selling when it comes to springs and shocks in the coilover department beware.

 

Brian: John is right, he has an excellent handling car for the track, but on regular streets he'd never be able to use the full handling potential of his car in a safe manner. You say that all you want to do is drive your car on the streets, so, in my opinion doing everything that John has done to his car is gigantic overkill. It sounds like you want a race car suspension on a street car and if that's what you want then go for it.

The optimum harsh suspension package is the T-1 package from GM, and for track use it would be great, but since you have already bought Bilstein shocks, there would be two other fairly simple and relatively low cost things you could do. First would be the Z06 stabilizer bars, which you can get fairly cheaply, and then if that is not to your liking, you could add T-1 or Z06 springs and bring that baby another step toward Harshville. If that is still not harsh enough for you then add the poly bushings for your suspension. If money is no object go get some Penske Fully adjustable shocks and the T-1 package, turn those babies up to full harshness and I guarantee that you'll have the most unyielding suspension on the planet. Have fun. It all comes down to the cost/satisfaction coefficient. :cool:

 

Hey Jim we can't use stock Z51 on the street safetly. Your right he better know what he is getting into. Many say they want it but when they get it :cry

 

I fully agree with you John. :yesnod:

 

I am a former PDA member. I do know what I am getting into. :D
At least I think I do. I have just been out of the game for a few years and this is my first corvette. Last time I did a track event was PDA Pocono back in 97' I think.
Soft ride suspension is sure not for me. It is not my daily driver either.
I am thinking I will get the Z06 bar package and poly bushings. How much stiffer is the T1 over the Z06? I have heard T1 setups need the links replaced about every year as they start to make clicking noises. Any experience here?
I live pretty close to a couple of race tracks so it would be a safe bet to say that this car will be on the track at some point. It will certainly see drag strip duty as well. Any concerns regarding wheel hop with these setups?
I really appreciate and value your advice and opinions. :thumbs:
Thanks very much for your time.

-Brian :cheers:
:chevy

 

I have no problems with the T-1s and put at least 35,000 miles on them the endlink are still tight. I may spray them wth some lub every time I poke under the car. I don't have my car lowered all the way. I have heard no noise. Even though you can't use it on the street to it's potenial it is still fun turning in a development at low speed even 20 MPH with the car like a slot car it still amazes me. Get back with PDA and visit Jim and I. As you know it's a blast. I could get off crack easier than this. :lol: If your not big on ride do it :D :thumbs:

 

Drag racing I can't help with but wheel hop is no worse than stock. You would want to disconnect the T-1 big difference in the bars zo6 vs T1

 

I love my Z06 suspension, I'm installing poly this winter, will report the difference then. If I had a coupe I would go with the T1 and be happy :) If you don't like the T1s I'm sure I would pay some money plus my Z06 bars for them :)

 

Now that's an offer

 

I believe the T-1 bars are too much for the street. I would use the Z-51 or the Z-06 bars with polygraphite bushings and upgrade to a "Sport" front spring. The rear spring is sufficient for highway driving. The Bilsteins are a good decision for the shocks. :cheers:

 

I've got a FE1 car and want alittle more firmness but nothing like what the T1 sounds like.
What about Bilstein sport shocks and the Hoskis sway bars but do nothing to springs?
Is that taking me in the right direction?
Regards,