Doing suspension servicing [Shocks/sway bar]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
Doing suspension servicing [Shocks/sway bar]
Stock Z51 - I've read I can do C6Z shocks on my ride. Is that the best go to? In the old days KYB were the bomb, and Bilstines.
Also, is upgrading the rear sway bar something worth doing?
Please include links to your favorite stuff, I have about a week until I melt my debit card!
Also, is upgrading the rear sway bar something worth doing?
Please include links to your favorite stuff, I have about a week until I melt my debit card!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,702
Likes: 3,470
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
What are your plans with the car? Just spirited driving or track stuff? I put C6Z shocks on a friend's car last summer and while they felt OK on the street, they were awful on track. The C6 rear shock body is longer than the C5 so if the car is lowered at all you will be bouncing off the bump stops. On track it felt like they had no control over body movement because I was in the bump stops the whole time.
We switched the car over to a quality shock made by JRi custom valved to our use. I also have a set on my C5Z. They are a lot more money than the C6Z shocks but work SOOOOO much better. If you will not be going on track with them there are several options out there that wont break the bank like Bilstein B8 Sports, or the custom valved Bilstein from Doug Rippie.
For sway bars I like the Van Steel adjustable units. High quality pieces that will transform the way the car feels.
We switched the car over to a quality shock made by JRi custom valved to our use. I also have a set on my C5Z. They are a lot more money than the C6Z shocks but work SOOOOO much better. If you will not be going on track with them there are several options out there that wont break the bank like Bilstein B8 Sports, or the custom valved Bilstein from Doug Rippie.
For sway bars I like the Van Steel adjustable units. High quality pieces that will transform the way the car feels.
Last edited by Kubs; Feb 11, 2021 at 08:35 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 121
Likes: 34
From: Ashland, Ohio
I would go with Bilstein b6 unless you are lowered then the b8. You can buy them on rockauto for cheap which is how I got mine.
I plan on buying these later on for my car the c6 zr1 fromt and rear saay bars. I've heard the difference is night and day
I plan on buying these later on for my car the c6 zr1 fromt and rear saay bars. I've heard the difference is night and day
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
Cool. I'm gonna grab Bilstein B6's. The only lowering I'm going to do is adjust the built in adjustment to the lowest I can get over the wheels.
I live in an area with great roads, although I do hit the track when I can. I do not mind a "rougher" ride for a little more cornering ability!
I live in an area with great roads, although I do hit the track when I can. I do not mind a "rougher" ride for a little more cornering ability!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
Are the C6 ZR1 sway bars drop in replacements?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,356
Likes: 359
From: Virginia
Yes but you would be better off with the C6 Z51 bars unless you have some extremely meaty rear tires. Lowering the car using the stock bolts to just over the wheels is "lowered," get the B8s.
Last edited by Turpid porpoise; Feb 11, 2021 at 12:35 PM.
