C6 sway bar swap?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 2
From: Tallahassee FL
C6 sway bar swap?
Unfortunately, the sway bar swap thread I found on here had the links to the embedded photos broken, so it really wasn't all that much help to me. Does anyone have a link to a better thread?
I guess my primary question is whether or not the wheels need to be removed to do the swap. I have a base coupe C6 and am thinking about getting the z51 bars for it. But I have to do this on ramps, so that means the wheels have to stay on.
Anyway thanks for any help.........
I guess my primary question is whether or not the wheels need to be removed to do the swap. I have a base coupe C6 and am thinking about getting the z51 bars for it. But I have to do this on ramps, so that means the wheels have to stay on.
Anyway thanks for any help.........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
Likes: 6
From: Montreal Qc
...with the above posts, but one thing you should know about is when trying to remove the nut on the end link you need to hold the bolt with either an allan key (or a torx, can't remember) to stop it from turning while you undo the nut. 
Just start by removing the end links first to make sure you can get those undone before removing the nuts & bolts holding the sway bars to the frame.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 0
From: Canonsburg home of Yenko Chevy (gone but not forgotten) Western PA
Unfortunately, the sway bar swap thread I found on here had the links to the embedded photos broken, so it really wasn't all that much help to me. Does anyone have a link to a better thread?
I guess my primary question is whether or not the wheels need to be removed to do the swap. I have a base coupe C6 and am thinking about getting the z51 bars for it. But I have to do this on ramps, so that means the wheels have to stay on.
Anyway thanks for any help.........
I guess my primary question is whether or not the wheels need to be removed to do the swap. I have a base coupe C6 and am thinking about getting the z51 bars for it. But I have to do this on ramps, so that means the wheels have to stay on.
Anyway thanks for any help.........
Go with the Z06 sway bars. My brother had the base suspension and went withZ06 bars the rear sway bar is about an 1/8 inch bigger than my Z51. Front is the same size. Big change in handle according to him.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Broad Run VA
All you need are ramps and....
these tools:
front bushing caps are 13mm bolts
Rear bushing caps are 18mm nuts and 15/18 bolts
end links are 18mm nuts. There is a flat side opposite the nut end where you can hold the link with an open end wrench, but the best way is with a 7mm (I think, may be 6mm) allen wrench in the end of the link. I foud some variability in the flats in size (17~18mm) and that they could round over in the open end wrench. With the allen wrench, you're good to hold the end link while breaking/tightening.
Pay attention to how the original bar is in and turn your replacement bar to match so you don't get confused as to how it goes in once you pull the original bar off. Makes it simpler.
Cheers
Fig
front bushing caps are 13mm bolts
Rear bushing caps are 18mm nuts and 15/18 bolts
end links are 18mm nuts. There is a flat side opposite the nut end where you can hold the link with an open end wrench, but the best way is with a 7mm (I think, may be 6mm) allen wrench in the end of the link. I foud some variability in the flats in size (17~18mm) and that they could round over in the open end wrench. With the allen wrench, you're good to hold the end link while breaking/tightening.
Pay attention to how the original bar is in and turn your replacement bar to match so you don't get confused as to how it goes in once you pull the original bar off. Makes it simpler.
Cheers
Fig
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: SANTA ROSA CA
Sway Bars
Thanks for the info Fig!!! I should see my Z-51 bars I bought from you on Monday, now I have a game plan.
As for the Z-06 rear bar, I heard from alot of people at local SCCA events that you should only use the rear Z-06 bar if you have the larger wheels and tires like the Z-06. Don't know if it's true! The front bar on the Z-51 and Z-06 are susposed to be the same size. Just my 2-cents.
As for the Z-06 rear bar, I heard from alot of people at local SCCA events that you should only use the rear Z-06 bar if you have the larger wheels and tires like the Z-06. Don't know if it's true! The front bar on the Z-51 and Z-06 are susposed to be the same size. Just my 2-cents.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs CO
Unfortunately, the sway bar swap thread I found on here had the links to the embedded photos broken, so it really wasn't all that much help to me. Does anyone have a link to a better thread?
I guess my primary question is whether or not the wheels need to be removed to do the swap. I have a base coupe C6 and am thinking about getting the z51 bars for it. But I have to do this on ramps, so that means the wheels have to stay on.
Anyway thanks for any help.........
I guess my primary question is whether or not the wheels need to be removed to do the swap. I have a base coupe C6 and am thinking about getting the z51 bars for it. But I have to do this on ramps, so that means the wheels have to stay on.
Anyway thanks for any help.........
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=swaybar+swap
Last edited by fenderowner; Jun 8, 2007 at 11:54 AM.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 2
From: Tallahassee FL
This one (for rear) doesn't work? (by the way, process described below is the same for swapping any C6 rear swaybar).
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=swaybar+swap
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=swaybar+swap
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,184
Likes: 1
From: CT
I wouldn't suggest the Z06 swaybars. They are stiffer in the rear to compensate for the huge amount of rubber on that car. It will only make your car oversteer more.
If you want a really noticeable difference, go with the new Hotchkis sways. The Z51's IMO are weak.
If you want a really noticeable difference, go with the new Hotchkis sways. The Z51's IMO are weak.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 2
From: Tallahassee FL
Well, that brings up the obvious question of what the differences are between the Hotchkis and both the Z51 and the Z06 sway bars.... If the Z51 is "weak" and the Z06 too strong, where does that put the Hotchkis? And why?
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Its about balance between the front and rear bars. If the Hotchiks are stiffer in front than a Z06, then the rear can be stiffer also and have neutral handling. The problem with a Z06 rear on a stock C6 is its too stiff compared to the front bar, so it induces oversteer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
Likes: 6
From: Montreal Qc
