Z51 vs. Base Spring Rate Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Z51 vs. Base Spring Rate Question
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?
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?
Last edited by dmizer2167; Feb 25, 2008 at 03:54 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,733
Likes: 15
From: SC
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?
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?
It's been tuned well by the factory, could be to offset the thicker sways etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
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.
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.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Poughquag NY
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.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 134
From: merritt island fl
C1 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2016 C1 of the Year Finalist
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
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.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
