Is it just me or does the Z-51 suspension sit a little higher than the base package? My 07 base scraped my driveway when backing out, but the new 08 with the Z-51 does not scrape and it looks a little higher.

 

No it should not be, BUT because the lowering bolt is involved heights do vary between the cars. Recently I was parked next to two other C6's on level ground and out of the 3 mine was almost a 1/2" lower then the other two cars. And I have not made any adjustments to my lowering bolts.

 

Yes, it sits higher from the factory.

 

My Z51 was sitting next to an F55 the other day, both 2008's with about the same miles, and I thought mine sat a little lower. The variance in height settings from the factory may be more than the slight difference caused by spring rates.

 

When at my dealer in the showroon I noticed that an F55 equipped car sat noticably HIGHER than my Z51. They were parked perfectly in line as they do in dealers. I asked about the difference and was told that the Z51 definatly sits lower due to the suspension. Don't know how they compare to the base suspension............

 

turn the bolts and drop it and don't worry about it.

 

I have a base C6, parked next to a z51 the other day booth looked the same.

 

It would make sense that the Z51 would be lower since it's suspension is set up for the track.

TALON 90 would you like to chime in here?

 

Interesting....my Z-51 seems lower and its a 2006 Vert.

 

The Z51 is actually the lowest of the three suspension types as specified. The Z trim height is the front ride height. The D trim height is the rear of the vehicle. The appearance of the height that you see when you look at the car is actually a tolerance stack up of the suspension components, weight of the vehicle and the variations in the adjustment from the factory. As you see below the table shows the specified nominal height and the allowable variation. The car should be at 1.81 inches but can be as low as 1.52 and as high as 2.06 and still be in specification. The trim height is measure per the following illustration (front drawing attached, rear is similar.)



Trim Height Specifications
RPO Service Preferred Tolerance
Metric English
Z Trim Height
FE1(Base) 46 mm (1.81 in) 39.6-52.4 mm 1.52-2.06 in
FE2 (F55) 46 mm (1.81 in) 39.6-52.4 mm 1.52-2.06 in
FE3 (Z51) 45 mm (1.77 in) 38.6-51.4 mm 1.52-2.02 in

D Trim Height
FE1 122 mm (4.80 in) 115.6-128.4 mm 4.55-5.05 in
FE2 122 mm (4.80 in) 115.6-128.4 mm 4.55-5.05 in
FE3 121 mm (4.76 in) 114.6-127.4 mm 4.51-5.01 in

Based on where the trim height is measured and when you consider the allowable tolerance in each of the components that are north of that measurement point, a lot of variation (perceived height) can be realized.

Paul

 

Maybe the plastic piece underneath the front is smaller on the 08. My 07 scraped the driveway every time and the 08 does not, just a curiosity question.

 

Thanks Paul

 

The factory trim heights I believe are only 1mm lower for the Z51 optioned coupe. In reality, I think they all vary somewhat.

I've had help from an experienced C6 racer setting up my car for the track...essentially leveling and balancing the car. To just start turning bolts or turning bolts an equal number of turns wouldn't necessarily get it right as there's no guaranty your car is setup perfectly from the factory. Mine wasn't even allowing for the factory rake...it was off side to side.

To do it right you really have to follow procedures...measurements are taken...adjustments made...the suspension must be settled and you repeat the process. Turning a bolt in any corner will affect the other corners (especially diagonally).

 

odd, my 08 z51 sits 1/2" higher all around than my friend's 05 non z51

 

A freinds 08 Z51 car sets about 3/4 of an inch lower than my base 08.....

 

My 2007 Z51 with no mods sits as follows:

from the ground up through the centre of the wheel to the bottom of the fender(s)

fronts are both 26 5/8 inches
rears are both 28.0 inches

has full tank of gas and tires are at 31 psi

Anybody else out there with Z51 or non Z51 that can give measurements for comparison?

I am just looking for measurements for reference

 

What bolts lower the car?

 

You can see the lowering bolts here in this thread. Post #8 has a good picture of the front and rear.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1652041

In order to lower the car you need to jack up the car and place a second jack on the springs to take some of the compression off of the spring as it relates to the lowering bolt. Turn the bolt counter-clockwise as you would look down on the bolt from above to lower. Clockwise will raise the suspension height.

 

Yeah this post is kind of weird I have always noticed Z51 cars to be LOWER than base and F55 cars. Maybe yours is an exception I dunno. I mainly notice the difference in the front height were the Z51 seems lower.