Sway Bar Question
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Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Missouri
Sway Bar Question
I found a Z06 sway bar with HD end links on FB Marketplace tonight. However, before I pull the trigger, I have a few questions for those of you who know better than I:
1. Will this fit a 2005 C6 Base Coupe with the mag ride suspension (non-Z51)?
2. Will this be an improvement over the base sway bar?
3. Anything I should ask the seller before pulling the trigger?
I'm relatively new to Corvette ownership and my car is approaching 90,000 miles, so I know this is one of those things that will start to become an area of focus for upgrade/replacement. Thanks in advance everyone!
1. Will this fit a 2005 C6 Base Coupe with the mag ride suspension (non-Z51)?
2. Will this be an improvement over the base sway bar?
3. Anything I should ask the seller before pulling the trigger?
I'm relatively new to Corvette ownership and my car is approaching 90,000 miles, so I know this is one of those things that will start to become an area of focus for upgrade/replacement. Thanks in advance everyone!
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,731
Likes: 3,254
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Yes, it will fit, and it will be an improvement performance-wise for corner handling, but not much if it's just one and not both. Is it a front or rear? If you're going to swap sway bars I'd do both at the same time, and I'd also replace the bushings while you're at it.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 477
Likes: 130
From: El Dorado AR
That's probably because some Autocrosser got the front one. You can only change one on a base model and stay in A Street and if when you can only change one the front is the better option,
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,731
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
There's no harm in picking up the rear and hanging on to it until you can find a front to go with it if you're getting a good deal on it. Look into what a new front would cost. They're really not that expensive. If nothing else you can also check with AES Corvettes to see if they have a used Z06 or Z51 front as the difference between the 2 is negligible. They're a Corvette recycler and have great prices on their used parts.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,631
From: Draper Utah
On a base Corvette you really want to go with the front and rear bars off a Z51. In my humble opinion it's the best handling mod per dollar spent you can make on a base Vette. I doubt you will notice any difference in ride harshness, but the car will corner flatter and not wallow/hunt on corner exit. A set of OEM swaybars are amazing cheap in the grand scheme of things. Many vendors sell the complete setup or if you watch Ebay and the forum for sale section you'll find everything you need used for about $200.
I would avoid the Z06 rear bar on a base as the car will have a tendency toward lose, which isn't a good thing on a street car.
YMMV
I would avoid the Z06 rear bar on a base as the car will have a tendency toward lose, which isn't a good thing on a street car.
YMMV
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,731
Likes: 3,254
From: Phoenix area, AZ
On a base Corvette you really want to go with the front and rear bars off a Z51. In my humble opinion it's the best handling mod per dollar spent you can make on a base Vette. I doubt you will notice any difference in ride harshness, but the car will corner flatter and not wallow/hunt on corner exit. A set of OEM swaybars are amazing cheap in the grand scheme of things. Many vendors sell the complete setup or if you watch Ebay and the forum for sale section you'll find everything you need used for about $200.
I would avoid the Z06 rear bar on a base as the car will have a tendency toward lose, which isn't a good thing on a street car.
YMMV
I would avoid the Z06 rear bar on a base as the car will have a tendency toward lose, which isn't a good thing on a street car.
YMMV
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,731
Likes: 3,254
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Z06 sway bar kit
Last edited by Corvette_Ed; Jun 17, 2020 at 10:14 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,631
From: Draper Utah
YMMV
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,731
Likes: 3,254
From: Phoenix area, AZ
My suggestion would be to pick up the Z06 rear that you found, and buy the front from Cultrag to make a set as the Z06 and Z51 front are literally the same size iirc. You'll have a fully planted base model at a discount price. I have the Z51 package, and the only thing that would improve it would be to swap the rear for a Z06 sway bar.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,631
From: Draper Utah
Have you actually tried running both? If not go give it a try and then get back to us.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,631
From: Draper Utah
My suggestion would be to pick up the Z06 rear that you found, and buy the front from Cultrag to make a set as the Z06 and Z51 front are literally the same size iirc. You'll have a fully planted base model at a discount price. I have the Z51 package, and the only thing that would improve it would be to swap the rear for a Z06 sway bar.
Second item is you have a Z51 and the front spring rate is about 20% greater on a Z51 over a base. That's a huge difference. So it appears you are advising someone on how to setup their suspension with combinations you have not actually tried?
Last edited by Iceaxe; Jun 17, 2020 at 10:35 PM.