Mar 6, 2015, 01:44 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Steering and Suspension How-Tos
- Suspension Modifications
Overview of popular modifications to customize your Corvette.
Browse all: Steering and Suspension How-Tos
C5 Suspension Upgrade
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
C5 Suspension Upgrade
I have a 2002 coupe with the base suspension. I've been thinking about upgrading the current suspension setup with a set of Bilstein sport shocks. I'm also considering switching out the stock sway bars with new front and rear Hotchkis-brand sway bars.
Both MidAmerica and Ecklers apparently have suspension kits (shocks and a new spring) but I'm not too sure if I need to go so far as to replace the leaf spring or if just replacing the shocks or switching out both the shocks and sway bar will give me the handling improvement I want.
Comments?
Thanks!
Chris
[Modified by kedvesh, 10:19 PM 4/15/2003]
Both MidAmerica and Ecklers apparently have suspension kits (shocks and a new spring) but I'm not too sure if I need to go so far as to replace the leaf spring or if just replacing the shocks or switching out both the shocks and sway bar will give me the handling improvement I want.
Comments?
Thanks!
Chris
[Modified by kedvesh, 10:19 PM 4/15/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,205
Likes: 282
From: NoVA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
I had the crappy FE1 "soft ride" also.
Did the bilsteins and then 02' Z06 bars w/metal end links.
Rides like it is on rails.
I want it a bit firmer so I just bought the Z06 springs.
Now I will have the complete Z06 suspension.
I think you are on the right track.
Lower it also. :smash:
Did the bilsteins and then 02' Z06 bars w/metal end links.
Rides like it is on rails.
I want it a bit firmer so I just bought the Z06 springs.
Now I will have the complete Z06 suspension.
I think you are on the right track.
Lower it also. :smash:
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 411
Likes: 1
From: Newhall CA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
You really should try out the Z06 sway bars and Bilsteins. You can get the bars for about $180 from Fichtner. A 2002 C5 already has aluminum end-links. There is a group purchase going at Xtreme Motorsports for the Bilstein sport shocks (I think it ends today 04/04/2003 end of business AZ time, so act fast if you want them).
It is my opinion that the Hotchkis bars are way over priced. With the recommendation above, you can have the shocks and the bars for less than the price of the Hotchkis bars alone.
- C5B
[Modified by C5B, 5:01 PM 4/4/2003]
It is my opinion that the Hotchkis bars are way over priced. With the recommendation above, you can have the shocks and the bars for less than the price of the Hotchkis bars alone.
- C5B
[Modified by C5B, 5:01 PM 4/4/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
I have the base suspension also. I switched to Hotchkiss bars and ZO6 end links and lowered it about 7/8 inch all around. This made a huge difference. I will be switching to Bilsteins also, but I will keep my stock springs. It corners very flat now, and I don't feel the need for stiffer springs. :thumbs:
Oh, yes the Hotchkiss bars are overpriced -- like most Corvette items -- so I bought mine used off this forum. They are hollow, which saves a little weight, and maybe that's why they cost so much. They are stiffer than ZO6 bars. :seeya
[Modified by 1g1yy, 5:19 PM 4/4/2003]
Oh, yes the Hotchkiss bars are overpriced -- like most Corvette items -- so I bought mine used off this forum. They are hollow, which saves a little weight, and maybe that's why they cost so much. They are stiffer than ZO6 bars. :seeya
[Modified by 1g1yy, 5:19 PM 4/4/2003]
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (C5B)
You really should try out the Z06 sway bars and Bilsteins. You can get the bars for about $180 from Fichtner. A 2002 C5 already has aluminum end-links. There is a group purchase going at Xtreme Motorsports for the Bilstein sport shocks (I think it ends today 04/04/2003 end of business AZ time, so act fast if you want them).
It is my opinion that the Hotchkis bars are way over priced. With the recommendation above, you can have the shocks and the bars for less than the price of the Hotchkis bars alone.
- C5B
[Modified by C5B, 5:01 PM 4/4/2003]
It is my opinion that the Hotchkis bars are way over priced. With the recommendation above, you can have the shocks and the bars for less than the price of the Hotchkis bars alone.
- C5B
[Modified by C5B, 5:01 PM 4/4/2003]
Is there a web link to the Fichtner site? (Do you mean the dealer of the same name in Montana?)
I'm starting to make some final decisions and would really like to price out the Z06 sway bars. (My local dealer went, "Huh?" and said, "You need to have a Z06 code on your vehicle" when I asked him about possibily ordering the bars.)
Thanks!
[Modified by kedvesh, 3:31 PM 4/15/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Philly burbs PA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...rtspage1.shtml
Yes he is talking about that dealership. Ken was one of the original forum sponsored dealers and gives the forum an excellent price break. His parts guy, Bob, is knowledgeable and they will help you out. Send an email to them or call and ask for the Z06 sway bar package but you have an 02' and don't need the aluminum endlinks. The whole kit will cost you $200 or so shipped. It includes bushings bars and instructions. -- Don't waste you time going somewhere else. Your dealer, and most, won't be able to help or will order only some of the parts- at a more expensive price.
Bilsteins can be had for $300 plus shipping. Midamerica, Ecklers so on. Ask for a price match if they are more.
I just installed 2000+ Z51 front bar and Z06 rear bar on my base suspension. (Pretty much the same, only slightly smaller front bar- found them used otherwise I would of gotten the Z06 set.) There is a noticeable difference. Car feels tighter and has no body roll at all. Stock shocks are still too mushy and I plan on getting Bilsteins to fix that problem- as soon as the budget permits :D
Yes he is talking about that dealership. Ken was one of the original forum sponsored dealers and gives the forum an excellent price break. His parts guy, Bob, is knowledgeable and they will help you out. Send an email to them or call and ask for the Z06 sway bar package but you have an 02' and don't need the aluminum endlinks. The whole kit will cost you $200 or so shipped. It includes bushings bars and instructions. -- Don't waste you time going somewhere else. Your dealer, and most, won't be able to help or will order only some of the parts- at a more expensive price.
Bilsteins can be had for $300 plus shipping. Midamerica, Ecklers so on. Ask for a price match if they are more.
I just installed 2000+ Z51 front bar and Z06 rear bar on my base suspension. (Pretty much the same, only slightly smaller front bar- found them used otherwise I would of gotten the Z06 set.) There is a noticeable difference. Car feels tighter and has no body roll at all. Stock shocks are still too mushy and I plan on getting Bilsteins to fix that problem- as soon as the budget permits :D
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (DSTJ99)
FYI for any concerned parties...
1. I just called a place out in CA I found on the web. Shox.com will sell a set of the shocks for $289 plus change (before shipping...approx. $20). This beats out MidAmerica on price ($299.99). The rears (if I remember them telling me this correctly) are on backorder and won't be in stock unil 21 Apr.
They sell Atco sway bars for the C5 ($149/$129) which come with the bushings.
Go to http://shox.com/about-shox.html to check them out or snail mail:
Shox.com
1300 Hill Street
El Cajon, CA 92020 - USA
tollfree: 800.683.2890
voice: 619.444.9768
fax: 619.444.8261
Hours are 0830-1730 local
2. EShocks.com ( http://www.eshocks.com ) will sell you a set of Bilstein sport shocks for $299. But the good thing here is that they're running a 'winter' special - Free Shipping (continental U.S. only) by UPS Ground for online orders over $200!
3. A for sway bars, since I'm not familiar with the Atco bars, I most likely will go for the OEM Z06 set from Fichtner Chevrolet in Montana. See http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...rtspage1.shtml or snail mail:
FICHTNER CHEVROLET
202 4TH ST SE LAUREL, MT 59044-3397
Local: (406) 628-4618 Fax: (406) 628-2025
Happy Easter to all! Christos Voskres, Voistinnu Voskres!
[Modified by kedvesh, 11:26 PM 4/15/2003]
1. I just called a place out in CA I found on the web. Shox.com will sell a set of the shocks for $289 plus change (before shipping...approx. $20). This beats out MidAmerica on price ($299.99). The rears (if I remember them telling me this correctly) are on backorder and won't be in stock unil 21 Apr.
They sell Atco sway bars for the C5 ($149/$129) which come with the bushings.
Go to http://shox.com/about-shox.html to check them out or snail mail:
Shox.com
1300 Hill Street
El Cajon, CA 92020 - USA
tollfree: 800.683.2890
voice: 619.444.9768
fax: 619.444.8261
Hours are 0830-1730 local
2. EShocks.com ( http://www.eshocks.com ) will sell you a set of Bilstein sport shocks for $299. But the good thing here is that they're running a 'winter' special - Free Shipping (continental U.S. only) by UPS Ground for online orders over $200!
3. A for sway bars, since I'm not familiar with the Atco bars, I most likely will go for the OEM Z06 set from Fichtner Chevrolet in Montana. See http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...rtspage1.shtml or snail mail:
FICHTNER CHEVROLET
202 4TH ST SE LAUREL, MT 59044-3397
Local: (406) 628-4618 Fax: (406) 628-2025
Happy Easter to all! Christos Voskres, Voistinnu Voskres!
[Modified by kedvesh, 11:26 PM 4/15/2003]
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 2
From: Flower Mound TX
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
Just did this myself. Went from FE1 to Z51 Bars and Bilstein Sports. I am completely pleased with the results
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=536332
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=536332
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,073
Likes: 0
From: South Joisey
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
A question about the Bilstein shocks. Are they what is used in the Z51 suspension? If not, how do they compare with what GM uses for Z51, i.e. stiffness, etc?
TIA
TIA
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (eddiep)
My goal is pretty basic: to tighten things up. If I had bought the Z51 pkg to begin with when I ordered the car, I wouldn't be talking about upgrading as soon as this. (The base setup does not cut the mustard when you've driven @ 130mph+ on the German autobahns. If anyone is going to get a C5 in Germany or is an American service person who's going to take delivery in Germany, such as I did, and you don't want to bother with aftermarket stuff for a while, spend the extra $350 or so for the Z51 pkg...it's worth it!)
All this aside, I've been told that the Bilstein Sport Shocks are a notch above the OEM Z51s. Most of the opinons I've found on the forum or on Corvette owner websites indicate people like the Bilsteins a heck of a lot better than the Z51 shocks. The ride/handling given is supposedly Z06-esque.
But, I guess at the end of the day, it's all up to the opinion of the driver. Good luck with any decision!
All this aside, I've been told that the Bilstein Sport Shocks are a notch above the OEM Z51s. Most of the opinons I've found on the forum or on Corvette owner websites indicate people like the Bilsteins a heck of a lot better than the Z51 shocks. The ride/handling given is supposedly Z06-esque.
But, I guess at the end of the day, it's all up to the opinion of the driver. Good luck with any decision!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster CA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
(My local dealer went, "Huh?" and said, "You need to have a Z06 code on your vehicle" when I asked him about possibily ordering the bars.)
I ordered from Ficthner and installed them myself on my 97. Since the Z06 didn't come out until 4 years later, I think I can safely assume the 97 doesn't have any Z06 codes.
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
Got mine from Eshocks.com . Nice people. Like most places, they didn’t have them in stock but they had them drop shipped directly from Bilstein. Yes it was $299 shipped. – C.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (Mr. C's 5)
I've made a writeup detailing how to swap swaybars if you're interested
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=16
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=16
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Campbell Ca
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (jmX)
I've made a writeup detailing how to swap swaybars if you're interested
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=16
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=16
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
Ended up getting new sport shocks via eshocks.com and the Z06 sway bar from Fichtner. Thanks to all for the advice. I'll post a report on this thread once I get the shocks and bar installed. Later! :steering: :cool: :auto:
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Lakeway TX
Re: C5 Suspension Upgrade (kedvesh)
Has anybody put on the GM T-1 sway bars on a ZO6? I am looking to improve the stock ZO6 cornering for the days that I take it to the track, but also want to keep it as a daily driver on the street. Do the T-1 sway bars make the car un-streetable?
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
