Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Irvine CA
Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all?
I need some suspension opinions. I have a 2001 C5 and I recently drove a Z06 and really liked the stiffer suspension. Mine plows in the corners. I am thinking bigger swaybars. Are Bilsteins that much better than my stock and are coilovers really necessary? What will bigger swaybars do for me and do I need back as well as front? Any help is greatly appreciated. :auto:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Re: Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all? (MagRed01Atty)
I took delivery of my '02 in Germany. (I'm in the USAF.) Thought the stock suspension was good enough...maybe for general driving, but not for doing 125 mph+ on the autobahn all the time. Wish I had spent the extra C-notes for the Z51 to begin with.
When I got back to the states, I put on some Z06 sways (via Fichtner Chev. in Montana) and Bilstein Sport Shocks (via Eshocks.com). MUCH, much better! :thumbs: Test drove it on US-129 from TN to NC (see http://www.tailofthedragon.com ); took all it had and wanted more! :yesnod:
Needless to say, I highly recommend the Z06 sways (much more economical than Hotchkiss sways) as well as the Bilstein Sports. :thumbs:
When I got back to the states, I put on some Z06 sways (via Fichtner Chev. in Montana) and Bilstein Sport Shocks (via Eshocks.com). MUCH, much better! :thumbs: Test drove it on US-129 from TN to NC (see http://www.tailofthedragon.com ); took all it had and wanted more! :yesnod:
Needless to say, I highly recommend the Z06 sways (much more economical than Hotchkiss sways) as well as the Bilstein Sports. :thumbs:
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,988
Likes: 16
From: Hooterville, NJ
Re: Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all? (MagRed01Atty)
I went with Z06 sways, and 04 Z06 shocks and it made a world of difference. The ride is firmer but not bone jarring. I can throw it into a turn and there is no real detecable body lean. I got my upgrades from GMpartsdirect.com. I did not touch the springs basically untill I did the shocks and sways to see how much it firmed up. It has firmed up enough to where I will probably leave the stock springs in. :chevy :seeya
[Modified by Tsab, 12:55 AM 3/4/2004]
[Modified by Tsab, 12:55 AM 3/4/2004]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Irvine CA
Re: Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all? (Tsab)
What are the performance differences between the Z06 shocks and Bilstein Sports? So you do need the rear swaybar? Or do you just change the front?Is there a rear swaybar? :(
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 843
Likes: 2
From: DFW Tx
Re: Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all? (MagRed01Atty)
If you are looking for better cornering. Check out the BMR sway bars. Cost is almost the same and stiffness is between Hotckis and T1.
I have 02 Z06 shocks and BMR sways and I like it. Not too stiff and pretty much no lean.
I also have the springs that are stock from the F45.
I have 02 Z06 shocks and BMR sways and I like it. Not too stiff and pretty much no lean.
I also have the springs that are stock from the F45.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 2
From: Walnut CA
Re: Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all? (John Shiels)
I have an '01 Coupe with the F45. I will get it back tomorrow with Z06 sways and Doug Rippie coilovers. I will also have it lowered one inch corner weighted. If I don't respond to this thread, IM me next week and I'll tell ya how it runs. I recently drove a Z06 too and thought it to handle beautifully too so I'm hoping to exceed that level of handling.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 2
From: Walnut CA
Re: Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all? (Paras)
Just picked up the car and drove it back to work. Corners better, feels tighter so far, can't wait to drive it home! And a one inch drop is awesome!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Re: Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all? (MagRed01Atty)
Do you need the Z06 swaybar for the rear as well? Who has the best price?
As far as price goes, I think I paid $150 or so to Fichtner for the Z06 sway set back in May '03. Check the CF parts for sale area for possible better prices. Also give Fichtner a call (or any of the sponsoring vendors) and see what they currently charge.
[Modified by kedvesh, 11:35 PM 3/4/2004]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Irvine CA
Re: Swaybars, Bilsteins, coilover....one or all? (kedvesh)
So are there different degrees of stiffness between BMR and Hotckis and T1 swaybars? No pun intended. Also, who has the best prices?
