Opinions wanted on specific suspension setup.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Pearland Tx.
Opinions wanted on specific suspension setup.
I didnt want to start another suspension thread but I was unable to find the answers I was looking for. The setup Im wanting to do are the Z06 shocks, Z06 springs and Z51 sways. This will be an upgrade on a base suspension car still using stock size tires. I would like to hear opinions good or bad on this setup. Also this will be a street only (no track days) driven car, Im just looking to give the car a more controlled feel and firming the ride up a bit.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ventura County, Calif
That setup will firm it up more than a bit. IMO it's overkill for a street driven car but maybe you that's what you like.
In case you didn't see this discussion......but there is no discussion of adding Z06 springs which will change things a bit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sway-bar.html
In case you didn't see this discussion......but there is no discussion of adding Z06 springs which will change things a bit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sway-bar.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 222
Likes: 2
From: Pearland Tx.
That setup will firm it up more than a bit. IMO it's overkill for a street driven car but maybe you that's what you like.
In case you didn't see this discussion......but there is no discussion of adding Z06 springs which will change things a bit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sway-bar.html
In case you didn't see this discussion......but there is no discussion of adding Z06 springs which will change things a bit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sway-bar.html
Yes I prefer a firmer riding car that feels planted to the road. Even my wife has commented on how floaty the Vette feels, she drives a Mini Copper JCW.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Southern California
In my opinion, it will be a very firm ride with improved handling. I had Z06 springs, Bilstein Sports and Z51 bars before changing to a rear Z06 widebody. How about Bilstein Sports, Z51 bars and Z51 springs?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Pearland Tx.
For what reason would you skip the springs? I already have a set of used low mileage set of Z06 shocks but I am not against going with the Bilsteins and selling the Z06 shocks. Are the Bilsteins ALOT better than the Z06 shocks?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Pearland Tx.
I dont mind giving up some ride comfort for improved handling as this car is my weekend toy. With the setup you mentioned above was the car enjoyable to drive or did you feel the ride harshness wasnt worth the improved handling?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
San
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Southern California
It definitely improved the handling. The ride was on the firmer side, but all of my cars have been lowered with aftermarket suspension. I was fine with the ride and my wife didn't complain too often.
Last edited by Keith N; Oct 15, 2010 at 07:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Pearland Tx.
There was a suggestion made that I should not switch springs but just use my stock base suspension springs with the Z06 shocks. My question here is how well will the Z06 shocks work with the base springs being that they are designed to work with the stiffer Z06 springs?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Cumming, GA
My .02
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Pearland Tx.
I ran this setup for about a year. Z shocks and sways on base springs gave a good ride with a firmer feel when driven hard. I did find that the front of the car was still to soft for my liking so I swapped the front spring for a Z spring and left the rear as its stiffer, barely, than the Z51 rear spring. Going to a Z rear spring/sway bar with the narrower tires didnt seem like the best combination to me. I eventually ditched the Z shocks for Pfadt shocks and noticed a HUGE difference. Wondered why I wasted the money on the Z shocks to begin with. I've also heard people rave over the Bilsteins.
My .02
My .02
Thanks for the info. I think I just need to get the Bilsteins or the Koni fsd's and sell my Z06 shocks. I should probably look into the Pfadt shocks also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
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From: Cumming, GA
Pfadt makes an amazing shock but prob overkill for pure street use considering the money. If you dont mind the cost you will benefit from the adjustability they offer. Thats primarily why I bought them. I can make the car ride like a caddy, close to it atleast, or stiffen them like a go kart.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Pearland Tx.
Pfadt makes an amazing shock but prob overkill for pure street use considering the money. If you dont mind the cost you will benefit from the adjustability they offer. Thats primarily why I bought them. I can make the car ride like a caddy, close to it atleast, or stiffen them like a go kart.