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08 C6 suspension changes
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
08 C6 suspension changes
Now that I have had the LS3 for 5 months I am finding the Base suspension a little to soft and lacking directness in the corners.
I don't track or go to the strip.
Weekend car.
Am thinking Z51 sways with maybe FSD or Bilstein sports. The Pfadat adjustable shocks look good but not sure I want the hassle of the adjustments. Any comments on shock choices?
Also wondering if I need to upgrade the Tie Rod ends?
I will use poly bushings.
Again I am not looking for track performance
I have ridden in a Z51 and thought it was a bit harsh.
Thanks for any help.
PS... When I changed the suspension on my M3 I was told not to change the rear bar, I didn't.
Would this apply to the Vette too.
I don't track or go to the strip.
Weekend car.
Am thinking Z51 sways with maybe FSD or Bilstein sports. The Pfadat adjustable shocks look good but not sure I want the hassle of the adjustments. Any comments on shock choices?
Also wondering if I need to upgrade the Tie Rod ends?
I will use poly bushings.
Again I am not looking for track performance
I have ridden in a Z51 and thought it was a bit harsh.
Thanks for any help.
PS... When I changed the suspension on my M3 I was told not to change the rear bar, I didn't.
Would this apply to the Vette too.
Last edited by Boomer111; Jun 4, 2008 at 07:04 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles Ca.
I installed Z51 Sways, FSDs and Pfadt Bushings on my 07 base suspension.
I got the base due to a few back surgeries, but the cornering was a little soft.
The ride is still really good, the FSDs really soak up the bumps, and the cornering is great now. The car feels tight.
The FSDs did lower mine about 3/8", but actually I like it.
Some of the guys are installing the Pfadt adj. street sways and really like them. If you have the money I would look into those, although the Z51 sways are pretty good for the money.
Yes, you need to do the rears.
There is a good discussion going on in this section now.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2038220
Good luck.
I got the base due to a few back surgeries, but the cornering was a little soft.
The ride is still really good, the FSDs really soak up the bumps, and the cornering is great now. The car feels tight.
The FSDs did lower mine about 3/8", but actually I like it.
Some of the guys are installing the Pfadt adj. street sways and really like them. If you have the money I would look into those, although the Z51 sways are pretty good for the money.
Yes, you need to do the rears.
There is a good discussion going on in this section now.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2038220
Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,939
Likes: 448
From: CHOCOWINITY NC
I went Z51 sways, Bilstein Sports and Pfadt poly bushngs. It's about perfect for a daily driver as well as doing a bit of mountain road blasting. No need to upgrade the tie rod ends..
Nice and neutral. Perfect stance on the Dragon at speed last fall..
Nice and neutral. Perfect stance on the Dragon at speed last fall..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,463
Likes: 2
From: Santa Barbara, CA
There are two torx bit (10) and nut connection on the sway bars. You hold the torx bit still with the wrachet and then use a wrench on the nut to unbolt the end links. You only need to disconnect the one attached to the sway bar. Then there are 4 bolts holding on the sways to the frame with a bushing. Unbolt those guys and ur done buddy. Install is the same thing Reversed. Make sure you get the sways tight.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: SLC UT
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Autocross & Roadrace Forum Sponsor
Now that I have had the LS3 for 5 months I am finding the Base suspension a little to soft and lacking directness in the corners.
I don't track or go to the strip.
Weekend car.
Am thinking Z51 sways with maybe FSD or Bilstein sports. The Pfadat adjustable shocks look good but not sure I want the hassle of the adjustments. Any comments on shock choices?
Also wondering if I need to upgrade the Tie Rod ends?
I will use poly bushings.
Again I am not looking for track performance
I have ridden in a Z51 and thought it was a bit harsh.
Thanks for any help.
PS... When I changed the suspension on my M3 I was told not to change the rear bar, I didn't.
Would this apply to the Vette too.
I don't track or go to the strip.
Weekend car.
Am thinking Z51 sways with maybe FSD or Bilstein sports. The Pfadat adjustable shocks look good but not sure I want the hassle of the adjustments. Any comments on shock choices?
Also wondering if I need to upgrade the Tie Rod ends?
I will use poly bushings.
Again I am not looking for track performance
I have ridden in a Z51 and thought it was a bit harsh.
Thanks for any help.
PS... When I changed the suspension on my M3 I was told not to change the rear bar, I didn't.
Would this apply to the Vette too.
I would also recommend the Pfadt Sport shocks. The nice thing about the Pfadt shocks is you can set them at 8 and leave them, that would be comparable to the competitive shocks on the market. One notable difference with our shocks is the aren't as harsh and choppy. With the other shocks you're stuck with one setting, what if it's to harsh or soft?
The tie rod ends should be fine. Your Vette wouldn't be quite as "harsh" as the Z-51 as you have the base springs. Please call or email us if you have any questions!
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: LONG ISLAND NEW YORK
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
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Based on what you are looking for, I think you would really enjoy the Z51 sways and FSD's. Do BOTH bars, this isn't an aftermarket kit like people were probably talking about with your BMW. The Z51 sways work great with the base springs with a little understeer at the limit. Very safe setup.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17,373
Likes: 6
From: Chatsworth California
There are two torx bit (10) and nut connection on the sway bars. You hold the torx bit still with the wrachet and then use a wrench on the nut to unbolt the end links. You only need to disconnect the one attached to the sway bar. Then there are 4 bolts holding on the sways to the frame with a bushing. Unbolt those guys and ur done buddy. Install is the same thing Reversed. Make sure you get the sways tight.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City
You might also look at Edelbrock IAS performer shocks, priced between the Bilsteins and the Konis. I've been very pleased with my set ($400 shipped)
