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Can I get better handeling?

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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 01:56 PM
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Default Can I get better handeling?

Heys guys, I have the f55 suspension on my car w/ z-51 sways, I read somewhere that it's not recommended to switch out my shocks and springs is this true? Also what else can I do to my car besides tires and body mods? Thanks
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 02:02 PM
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Modding the driver with professional instruction is a good mod.

Last edited by NORTY; Aug 23, 2008 at 02:35 PM. Reason: correct engrish!
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 02:12 PM
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Thanks norty. Thats a good one in which I must consider, anything that i can do to the car itself?
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 02:22 PM
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Originally Posted by CHEVY MAN 925
Thanks norty. Thats a good one in which I must consider, anything that i can do to the car itself?
Handling recipe:

(1) wider PS2's or Nittos
(2) T1 sways with LG quiet end-links (I currently have Pfadt street sways in the middle settings: not enough).
(3) LGM coil-overs (try 650 lbs F, 550 lbs R springs) or Hardbar Penske non-adjustable coil-overs (same price as LG's).
(4) Alignment and corner-weighting (at least -1.2 deg. F, -0.7 deg. R).
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Silverton
Handling recipe:

(1) wider PS2's or Nittos
(2) T1 sways with LG quiet end-links (I currently have Pfadt street sways in the middle settings: not enough).
(3) LGM coil-overs (try 650 lbs F, 550 lbs R springs) or Hardbar Penske non-adjustable coil-overs (same price as LG's).
(4) Alignment and corner-weighting (at least -1.2 deg. F, -0.7 deg. R).
Thanks silverton, I might go with wider ps2's with stock rim 265-35-18 front 305-30-19 back, but won't taking out my springs mess with my f55 suspension?
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 03:33 PM
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What you do to your car depends on what class you'll be racing in. For street use, you'll only be using a fraction of the car's capability with your current setup even during VERY spirited driving.
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 03:39 PM
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Not sure what better handling means, if that is less dive & squat stiffer front & rear springs are the only way. Added benefit is less body roll, I've always been intrigued with stiffer springs & F55.
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by CTD
Not sure what better handling means, if that is less dive & squat stiffer front & rear springs are the only way. Added benefit is less body roll, I've always been intrigued with stiffer springs & F55.
Stiffer springs aren't the formula for better handling. Moderate springing, and excellent shock and sway control are all better for a street car than installing punishingly stiff springs. Many, who don't really know, continue to go by myth that stiffer is better. The OP has a very sophisticated shock system on his car. Z51 bars balance the chassis almost perfectly (even the boys from Pfadt have acknowledged this). Get some good tires, put some poly bushings on your sways and learn the car. I'd suggest also doing some reading on this. There are some books out there that will cover the theories in detail
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Modshack
Stiffer springs aren't the formula for better handling. Moderate springing, and excellent shock and sway control are all better for a street car than installing punishingly stiff springs. Many, who don't really know, continue to go by myth that stiffer is better. The OP has a very sophisticated shock system on his car. Z51 bars balance the chassis almost perfectly (even the boys from Pfadt have acknowledged this). Get some good tires, put some poly bushings on your sways and learn the car. I'd suggest also doing some reading on this. There are some books out there that will cover the theories in detail
Thanks for the info I will look more into this. I already have the z-51 sways with pfadt bushings, I also am getting 20 mm fatter f & r ps2 tires.
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 06:55 PM
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Or, you go take advantage of those folks who really know what they're doing to make Corvettes handle: Lou Gigliotti (LGM) and Gary Ghoffman (hardbarusa.com)
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 08:45 PM
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Pfadt poly bushings.
Only $30.
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 01:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Modshack
Stiffer springs aren't the formula for better handling. Moderate springing, and excellent shock and sway control are all better for a street car than installing punishingly stiff springs. Many, who don't really know, continue to go by myth that stiffer is better. The OP has a very sophisticated shock system on his car. Z51 bars balance the chassis almost perfectly (even the boys from Pfadt have acknowledged this). Get some good tires, put some poly bushings on your sways and learn the car. I'd suggest also doing some reading on this. There are some books out there that will cover the theories in detail
I agree with your comment of stiffer springs (I've had coilovers with stiff springs and they hurt). Can you talk about what the bushings do and if you can really feel the difference? Do they make the ride stiffer?
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 02:38 AM
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Originally Posted by CraigE
Pfadt poly bushings.
Only $30.
looking to pick up a set...
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