Road Race setup ??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 7
Road Race setup ??
For those who Road Race/Autocross their car which to you find to be the better setup?
A Coil-over suspension like those offered by LG or Doug Rippie or the Full T-1 suspension conversion from GM.
Or should I just start with some Bilstein sport shocks with the T1 bars and move up then there as my experience and ability with the car increases???
If I go this direction the car will be used about 80% for track duty and the rest street cruising so ride will be a factor but handling on the track will be more important.
Oh, this is on a 01 Z06
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 11:31 AM 1/26/2004]
A Coil-over suspension like those offered by LG or Doug Rippie or the Full T-1 suspension conversion from GM.
Or should I just start with some Bilstein sport shocks with the T1 bars and move up then there as my experience and ability with the car increases???
If I go this direction the car will be used about 80% for track duty and the rest street cruising so ride will be a factor but handling on the track will be more important.
Oh, this is on a 01 Z06
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 11:31 AM 1/26/2004]
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 1
From: Allen TX
Re: Road Race setup ?? (Ruby6spd)
if i was going to install bilstein's, i might opt for the 2004 Z06 shocks instead. as far as installing T1 bar's that would be a good start. i would hold off on coilovers until you get a feel for the car. i think you are the right track there. i know i have been driving mine 2 years with the Base Z06 suspension, and feel like i am ready to be able to notice the difference, if you have coilovers if the car isn't behaving do you know if it is setup issue or driver. Plus imho with coilovers and T1 suspension i think the ride sacrifice would make it a track car.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: TX
Re: Road Race setup ?? (Ruby6spd)
I have the z06 suspension with the metal endlinks on the swaybars, and I've found this to be a very competent suspension on the racetrack so far. It's quite controlled and doesn't exhibit any strange handling traits.
Going with a firmer suspension will improve the quickness of the car to take a set, but it will also require you to react quicker when it gets unsettled - so I would be careful with what you do, driving the car is supposed to be FUN. :)
Going with a firmer suspension will improve the quickness of the car to take a set, but it will also require you to react quicker when it gets unsettled - so I would be careful with what you do, driving the car is supposed to be FUN. :)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 7
Re: Road Race setup ?? (thefly)
My main concern is that my abilities progress with the car. I don't want to have an edgy super sensative set up and only a novice ability to go along with it.
The Fun factor is the most important in this whole thing cause god knows I'm never going to make any money driven this thing!!
The Fun factor is the most important in this whole thing cause god knows I'm never going to make any money driven this thing!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles CA
Re: Road Race setup ?? (thefly)
:iagree: The '04 Z shocks are really good - I just switched out Bilstein sports for these and noticed the difference on the track last week (Willow Springs). These with the Z bars that you already have are a good combination for track and street use. I think the street ride with the Z shocks vs. sports is also better - the rebound seems faster.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,036
Likes: 9,798
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: Road Race setup ?? (Ruby6spd)
Since you are just starting out I wouldn't make any changes until you are able to improve your limits to the point you are nearing the car's capabilities. That could be a couple of years. Get to know the car as it is now and then you will be able to determine what changes you want to make. Changes can be driven as much by your driving style as other things.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,976
Likes: 487
From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
Re: Road Race setup ?? (C5inNY)
Most of the track regulars at Road Atlanta are on 04 Z06 shocks. I would do the shock and metal end links if you have an 01 Z06.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Austin Tx
Re: Road Race setup ?? (Ruby6spd)
My main concern is that my abilities progress with the car. I don't want to have an edgy super sensative set up and only a novice ability to go along with it.
*or become equivalent to the capabilities of the car.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: South
Re: Road Race setup ?? (93Polo)
Most of the track regulars at Road Atlanta are on 04 Z06 shocks. I would do the shock and metal end links if you have an 01 Z06.
Do the rear metal endlinks from GM, they put those on 02+Z06s.
http://www.z06vette.com/diy_endlinks.php
[Modified by silverz06vette, 7:35 PM 1/26/2004]
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 1
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Road Race setup ?? (silverz06vette)
Most of the track regulars at Road Atlanta are on 04 Z06 shocks. I would do the shock and metal end links if you have an 01 Z06.
Not all of us. :D :steering:
Not all of us. :D :steering:
I want to setup my car to run "One Lap" in 2005. Suggestions???
[Modified by binksZ06, 7:37 PM 1/26/2004]
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 78
From: Winter Garden (central),FL,USA
Re: Road Race setup ?? (C5inNY)
Since you are just starting out I wouldn't make any changes until you are able to improve your limits to the point you are nearing the car's capabilities....
Bill
Bill
I raced for a few years before I even went to "R" compound race rubber. When you start running w/ the fast guys times on street tires and stock suspension settings--it'll be time to start w/ the tires/ suspension settings & hardware etc.
Have fun!!! :steering:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
Likes: 9
From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Re: Road Race setup ?? (GTB/ZR-1)
Since you are just starting out I wouldn't make any changes until you are able to improve your limits to the point you are nearing the car's capabilities....
Bill
I completely agree w/ Bill and Mitch. Just drive it, as it's already plenty capable as it sits...
I raced for a few years before I even went to "R" compound race rubber. When you start running w/ the fast guys times on street tires and stock suspension settings--it'll be time to start w/ the tires/ suspension settings & hardware etc.
Have fun!!! :steering:
Bill
I completely agree w/ Bill and Mitch. Just drive it, as it's already plenty capable as it sits...
I raced for a few years before I even went to "R" compound race rubber. When you start running w/ the fast guys times on street tires and stock suspension settings--it'll be time to start w/ the tires/ suspension settings & hardware etc.
Have fun!!! :steering:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Road Race setup ?? (John Shiels)
Since you are just starting out I wouldn't make any changes until you are able to improve your limits to the point you are nearing the car's capabilities....
Bill
I completely agree w/ Bill and Mitch. Just drive it, as it's already plenty capable as it sits...
I raced for a few years before I even went to "R" compound race rubber. When you start running w/ the fast guys times on street tires and stock suspension settings--it'll be time to start w/ the tires/ suspension settings & hardware etc.
Have fun!!! :steering:
:iagree: :iagree:
Bill
I completely agree w/ Bill and Mitch. Just drive it, as it's already plenty capable as it sits...
I raced for a few years before I even went to "R" compound race rubber. When you start running w/ the fast guys times on street tires and stock suspension settings--it'll be time to start w/ the tires/ suspension settings & hardware etc.
Have fun!!! :steering:
:iagree: :iagree:
VR :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 1,324
From: Des Plaines, Il
Re: Road Race setup ?? (Ruby6spd)
One exception to that rule...
Brakes. DRM brake ducts and some high temp pads would be a better investment at first..... maybe a harness/raceseat setup. Keep you safe and able to drive the car easier.
Brakes. DRM brake ducts and some high temp pads would be a better investment at first..... maybe a harness/raceseat setup. Keep you safe and able to drive the car easier.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 7
Re: Road Race setup ?? (Midwayman)
Thank for all of the good advice.
From what I have seen from all of the serious guys on the forum the brake ducts are a must. The stock brakes on my car on new so for now I am going to get the feel for them and when they are worn do some pad upgrades.
I have driven the car very hard on the street now for a year and I can't wait to see it's true capabilities on the track - - And how much I have to learn when the driven gets serious!!!
From what I have seen from all of the serious guys on the forum the brake ducts are a must. The stock brakes on my car on new so for now I am going to get the feel for them and when they are worn do some pad upgrades.
I have driven the car very hard on the street now for a year and I can't wait to see it's true capabilities on the track - - And how much I have to learn when the driven gets serious!!!
