C5 Track Suspension Setup
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
C5 Track Suspension Setup
Looking to build my c5 into a full time track car, I would love to hear what you guys are running for your whole suspension setup. I’m trying to decide between Viking Crusader and Penske Spec Corvette 8300 coilovers. Any recommendations/ knowledge would be greatly appreciated
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,472
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 649
Likes: 348
From: San Jose CA
+1 on contacting Strano - Sam really knows his stuff. If you call, he'll talk to you. Just be a gentlemen, don't waste his time plumbing him for info and buying from someone else.
https://www.stranoparts.com/searchby...php?ModelID=11
Other good resources
LG Motorsports
Doug Rippe Motorsports (DRM)
TrackSpec (supplier for the spec Corvette series)
I understand if you are going piece by piece, but in general I'd be more concerned with Brakes and cooling - especially the trans/differential.
If you don't have a cage-guy - I highly recommend TC Fabrication Tony is an artist and has tons of experience with C5's
https://www.stranoparts.com/searchby...php?ModelID=11
Other good resources
LG Motorsports
Doug Rippe Motorsports (DRM)
TrackSpec (supplier for the spec Corvette series)
I understand if you are going piece by piece, but in general I'd be more concerned with Brakes and cooling - especially the trans/differential.
If you don't have a cage-guy - I highly recommend TC Fabrication Tony is an artist and has tons of experience with C5's
Last edited by Lowend; May 15, 2026 at 11:37 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,672
Likes: 7,304
From: CT
Some are happy on Z leafs with bilsteins to a point. Others go whole hog on the Penskes.
I believe if I were starting out.... I would opt to have the car grow with my experience. By that I mean to gain comfort with oem suspension which still far exceeds most people's beginner ability and then enjoy modding the car slowly as you improve and get to identify and understand the effects of each upgrade.
I believe if I were starting out.... I would opt to have the car grow with my experience. By that I mean to gain comfort with oem suspension which still far exceeds most people's beginner ability and then enjoy modding the car slowly as you improve and get to identify and understand the effects of each upgrade.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 1,350
From: Des Plaines, Il
Sam really is not a fan of the twin tube design of vikings. No doubt its not as good as a monotube design. Its old tech, but its cheap and people are still getting results with it. One thing to keep in mind with the Penskes, etc is the rebuild interval and if you'll put street miles on the car. Are you going to get 2-4x the value out of a higher end suspension? Sadly there are a lot of garbage coilovers, a few single adjustable monotube that cost a little bit more than vikings, then full on race suspensions. There aren't reasonably priced double adjustable monotubes that I've found. The vikings have a very reasonable double adjustable setup. Maybe you're still better off sticking with z06 leafs and just getting adjustable shocks if you have a z06 or can find some leaf springs locally for a reasonable price.
Last edited by Midwayman; May 28, 2026 at 09:26 AM.
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,672
Likes: 7,304
From: CT
Interesting. I had not picked up on that for the Vikings. Since I'm not tracking, nor tracking hard, they'll more than fill my need with the 3x adj Berserker for high speed traction. I'm swapping out my RideTech HQs for them and was going to put those on the coupe and sell/ditch the BC BR on that car.... But now I'm thinking I may just gold onto the freshly rebuilt RideTechs.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 929
Likes: 615
From: Navarre, Florida
I know it's not as popular on the domestic side of things but, I would encourage you to look into JRI. Electron Sport, which already has some more "track oriented" items for the C5, offer a set of these. I think their cost of entry is very reasonable. I would also look into the LG Drop Spindles and their sway bars/end links.
https://www.electronsportusa.com/pro...le-adjustable/
https://www.electronsportusa.com/pro...le-adjustable/
Last edited by -ZEEOHSIX-; May 28, 2026 at 08:31 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,977
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From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
If you haven't tracked a car before, make sure the car is sorted bleed the brakes, good tires,, pads, bushings, etc.
If you want to dive in Doug Rippie Bilsteins, T1 or Spec Corvette sway bars. Essex T1 APs or Spec Corvette Wilwoods and a 18 square wheel setup. I'd also go with a harness bar such as Brey Kruse and seats to use them. The autox and road race section has a "does this seat fit" topic. If you don't have a z06 or z51, I'd track down some factory z06 or z51 springs.
The car will be faster than you are. As you get faster, you can dive into higher end shocks or coil overs.
A Doug Rippie or Improved Racing oil cooler is a must
If you want to dive in Doug Rippie Bilsteins, T1 or Spec Corvette sway bars. Essex T1 APs or Spec Corvette Wilwoods and a 18 square wheel setup. I'd also go with a harness bar such as Brey Kruse and seats to use them. The autox and road race section has a "does this seat fit" topic. If you don't have a z06 or z51, I'd track down some factory z06 or z51 springs.
The car will be faster than you are. As you get faster, you can dive into higher end shocks or coil overs.
A Doug Rippie or Improved Racing oil cooler is a must
Last edited by 93Polo; Jun 5, 2026 at 11:38 AM.