who know the c5 susspensions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 554
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who know the c5 susspensions
id like to lower my 99 c5 and possiblly do springs shocks and bars, im really new to the c5s and need some instruction.
how does the front get lowered?
and ive see many different kinds and types, starting from stock. what can you tell me about them? ex; f45, f55, t1, zo6, hotchkiss etc.
any help here will be appreciated.
thanks, don
how does the front get lowered?
and ive see many different kinds and types, starting from stock. what can you tell me about them? ex; f45, f55, t1, zo6, hotchkiss etc.
any help here will be appreciated.
thanks, don
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
F45, F55, T1 and Z06 are suspension packages that come on Corvettes. Obviously the Z06 package comes on that model, but can be duplicated on other C5s. The F45, F55 refer to adjustable and magnetic adjustable suspension systems. The Z51 suspension is an upgrade available on C5s.
Hotchkis makes sway bars that are firmer than those above.
If you are going to lower the car, I'd suggest starting out by only going about an inch on stock bolts and without cutting any bushings. Get a 4 wheel alignment after that. Then see if you're still satisfied with the ride as SOME (not all) report unsatisfactory rides by going lower than that.
Firming up your suspension can improve handling, but the trade off can be in ride quality. To me, tires also make a major difference in ride quality that you might consider.
I'd suggest that you do some more research before changing your suspension just for the sake of change. Consider what ride and handling characteristics you want, and remember that your suspension parts (shocks, springs, sway bars) were all designed to work together. You might search the Forum, or look in the Autocross Section for mods that have been done and what the results are.
Good luck.
Hotchkis makes sway bars that are firmer than those above.
If you are going to lower the car, I'd suggest starting out by only going about an inch on stock bolts and without cutting any bushings. Get a 4 wheel alignment after that. Then see if you're still satisfied with the ride as SOME (not all) report unsatisfactory rides by going lower than that.
Firming up your suspension can improve handling, but the trade off can be in ride quality. To me, tires also make a major difference in ride quality that you might consider.
I'd suggest that you do some more research before changing your suspension just for the sake of change. Consider what ride and handling characteristics you want, and remember that your suspension parts (shocks, springs, sway bars) were all designed to work together. You might search the Forum, or look in the Autocross Section for mods that have been done and what the results are.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Don welcome to the forum and your new C5. You will enjoy your car more then you could imagine.
If you do a small search in this section there is a thread on the dirrerent suppesnions, Car and Driver Sept 03 had an artical Called, The Suppenssions of Disbieve, about the 4 of the 5 suppeission on the corvettes. The 5th is the T1 racing, which is NOT comfortable for road driving.
As Cajan has said do a little research first. The most popular suppenions changes that ppl are happy with too is the 04 ZO6 suppension combination. or the 04 ZO6 suppeinsions with Hotchkis swaybars, stiffer - not a great street ride, but great for the track.
Deffinitily tires. Get away from the run flats - the GY F1 are great tires. I use the Mich Piliot Sports on the street and love them. Great dry and wet handling. As far as lowering goes, only to the limit of the stock bolts. If you decide to change your suppesnions you may not be able to go any lower.
Good luck and if you have more questions this is the place to ask them.
If you do a small search in this section there is a thread on the dirrerent suppesnions, Car and Driver Sept 03 had an artical Called, The Suppenssions of Disbieve, about the 4 of the 5 suppeission on the corvettes. The 5th is the T1 racing, which is NOT comfortable for road driving.
As Cajan has said do a little research first. The most popular suppenions changes that ppl are happy with too is the 04 ZO6 suppension combination. or the 04 ZO6 suppeinsions with Hotchkis swaybars, stiffer - not a great street ride, but great for the track.
Deffinitily tires. Get away from the run flats - the GY F1 are great tires. I use the Mich Piliot Sports on the street and love them. Great dry and wet handling. As far as lowering goes, only to the limit of the stock bolts. If you decide to change your suppesnions you may not be able to go any lower.
Good luck and if you have more questions this is the place to ask them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Originally Posted by donnyonee
id like to lower my 99 c5 and possiblly do springs shocks and bars, im really new to the c5s and need some instruction.
how does the front get lowered?
and ive see many different kinds and types, starting from stock. what can you tell me about them? ex; f45, f55, t1, zo6, hotchkiss etc.
any help here will be appreciated.
thanks, don
how does the front get lowered?
and ive see many different kinds and types, starting from stock. what can you tell me about them? ex; f45, f55, t1, zo6, hotchkiss etc.
any help here will be appreciated.
thanks, don
Go to http://www.ls1howto.com. There is a section on the lower right for C5's. (JMX Did an incredible job of getting info out there).
There is one for spring swaps and one for sway swaps. This way you can see what's involved once you determine which direction you want to go.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 554
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sounds like the stock z06 would be the way to go,
ive seen the new bolts for sale,
can i just tighten down the stock bolts for the 1 "?
and i dont understand how to lower the front?
thanks for the info.
don
ive seen the new bolts for sale,
can i just tighten down the stock bolts for the 1 "?
and i dont understand how to lower the front?
thanks for the info.
don
