Do Z51 springs make much difference?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 318
Likes: 6
From: Alpharetta GA
Do Z51 springs make much difference?
I have an 05 C6 M6 base, I am getting Z51 sway bars w/ Pfad bushings and was thinking about also getting Bilstein Sport or HD ( I still cant figure out which ones i should get, everyone has different opinions on this??)
My question is this, would getting Z51 springs be worth while? or will my base ones be fine? And if so any instructions on how to install them?
thanks!
My question is this, would getting Z51 springs be worth while? or will my base ones be fine? And if so any instructions on how to install them?
thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 6
From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
Front C6 spring rates are 420 front, 657 rear.
Rear C6 Z51 spring rates are 526 front, 645 rear.
I personally would do the shocks and sways and evaluate from there.
San
Rear C6 Z51 spring rates are 526 front, 645 rear.
I personally would do the shocks and sways and evaluate from there.
San
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton OR
If you want to try Z51 springs, I have a set that I just removed (replaced w/ coil-overs) that I would sell you cheap. I ran them with Bilstein sports on my track car. Great Combination!
Last edited by OCCOMSRAZOR; Mar 18, 2009 at 01:33 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 3
the rear rates are so close, you wouldn't notice a difference
the front rates are significantly different...but keep in mind that the stiffer Z51 springs will affect ride more than the swaybars do...ride-wise, you'd only notice a stiffer bar when only one wheel hits a bump...with springs, all the imperfections that both tires are hitting simultaneously will affect ride as well
the front rates are significantly different...but keep in mind that the stiffer Z51 springs will affect ride more than the swaybars do...ride-wise, you'd only notice a stiffer bar when only one wheel hits a bump...with springs, all the imperfections that both tires are hitting simultaneously will affect ride as well
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 318
Likes: 6
From: Alpharetta GA
thanks, so if I stay with base, should I get the Bilstein HD or Sport? I don't want to have the "busy" feel in the car when taking corners, but I don't want the feel to be sloppy either, any ideas on what a good setup would be?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 7
From: Southern California
I also have a Base C6 and upgraded to Z51 sway bars/Bilstein Sports on Base springs. IMO - The ride was kind of bouncy and not in full control. I just had the Z06 springs and PFADT sway bar bushings installed along with a wheel alignment. Now, the car handles really well and feels "connected" with the road. The ride is pretty firm, but comfortable for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 16
From: Monroe Township New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
St. Jude donor in memory of jpee '14
I have an 05 A4 with 3.15 gears. The Bilstein HDs did the trick for me as I was experiencing a bit of wheel hop in cooler temps. I have not noticed much of a difference taking corners.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 6
From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
I also have a Base C6 and upgraded to Z51 sway bars/Bilstein Sports on Base springs. IMO - The ride was kind of bouncy and not in full control. I just had the Z06 springs and PFADT sway bar bushings installed along with a wheel alignment. Now, the car handles really well and feels "connected" with the road. The ride is pretty firm, but comfortable for me.
C6 Base Springs(lbs) Fr 420/Rr 657, Sways(mm) Fr 25.5/Rr 17.5
C6 Z51 Springs(lbs) Fr 526/Rr 645, Sways(mm) Fr 31.0/Rr 25.6
C6 Z06 Springs(lbs) Fr 531/Rr 782, Sways(mm) Fr 31.0/Rr 27.9
San
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 35
From: Turlock CA
The best spring and sway combination I found when using the base springs was the Z06/Z51 F bar with the base R bar.
As already noted the base and Z51 R spring is nearly the same. The larger F bar compensates nicely for the softer F base springs. The ride, I felt, was better with the base springs but needed the added sway control offered by the larger F bar.
The car hooked very well in autox on 710s. The larger Z51 and Z06 R bars made the car too loose for my driving style.
Shocks are up to you.
--Dan
As already noted the base and Z51 R spring is nearly the same. The larger F bar compensates nicely for the softer F base springs. The ride, I felt, was better with the base springs but needed the added sway control offered by the larger F bar.
The car hooked very well in autox on 710s. The larger Z51 and Z06 R bars made the car too loose for my driving style.
Shocks are up to you.
--Dan
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 180
Likes: 15
From: Memphis tn
I've had a 05 z51 and now have an 08 w/ the base setup and just added z51 sways last year. The z51 has a significantly stiffer ride. I prefer the base setup with z51 sways. I think its a perfect balance. I autocross 2 times a month and do quite well. People do comment how well the car rides. With race tires I regularly pull 1.25g in the corners.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 61
From: Austin TX
The best spring and sway combination I found when using the base springs was the Z06/Z51 F bar with the base R bar.
As already noted the base and Z51 R spring is nearly the same. The larger F bar compensates nicely for the softer F base springs. The ride, I felt, was better with the base springs but needed the added sway control offered by the larger F bar.
The car hooked very well in autox on 710s. The larger Z51 and Z06 R bars made the car too loose for my driving style.
Shocks are up to you.
--Dan
As already noted the base and Z51 R spring is nearly the same. The larger F bar compensates nicely for the softer F base springs. The ride, I felt, was better with the base springs but needed the added sway control offered by the larger F bar.
The car hooked very well in autox on 710s. The larger Z51 and Z06 R bars made the car too loose for my driving style.
Shocks are up to you.
--Dan
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 35
From: Turlock CA
Very interesting. I take it you track your car. Does your track experience include very high speed? If so, with the combo you recommend, does the car tend to push any? Are there any downsides? I keep hearing many just install the R Z51 bar. More driving/racing thoughts on this combo appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
--Dan
