dmizer2167

Front Rear
Z51: 526 lbs. 645 lbs.

Base: 420 lbs. 657 lbs.

I'm trying to understand the differences between the base and Z51 spring rates.

Why does the base suspension, which is softer, have a higher spring rate (lbs.) in the rear than the Z51 package? Wouldn't this make the base car ride stiffer in the rear than the Z51 equipped car?

knkali

are you sure that info is accurate?

dmizer2167

Yes, I did a search under "Z51 spring rates" and there was one thread that had the spring rates loaded in as a picture. I would have posted that, but I don't know how.

Silver05GTO

The Z51 does very well as an option package, just check out the C&D lightning lap mag review where it beat out the Audi R8, 911TT among other cars.

It's been tuned well by the factory, could be to offset the thicker sways etc.

LEAVINU

I can vouch that those numbers are accurate as I have researched this myself.

I too wondered why the base had a stiffer rear spring. I have a base susp car and the rear feels great with my C6Z sway, but the front feels sloppy even after the C6Z/Z51 sway upgrade with shocks.

I will be upgrading to a Z51 spring in the next month also, but my question is has anyone done the swap themselves? Just trying to gauge the level of diff to do one? Seems pretty straight forward looking under the car from what I can tell.

SvetteC6

What shocks did you upgrade to. Just wondering if it's a shock thing as well as the springs.

davekp78

The difference in spring rates is about 1.2%. This is probably within the allowable manufacturing tolerance. You'll never notice the difference in the springs alone.

bowmanized

Shock rates are different too. Double Adjustable shocks are really nice. Maybe more than you're looking to spend but they are very cool.

LEAVINU

I have
C6Z shocks
ft/rr C6Z sways


car handles wayyy better than stock base susp, but still has lift(body roll) in the front when pushing the car.