Base C6 Suspension Upgrade Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
Base C6 Suspension Upgrade Question
Hi all,
I have read NUMEROUS threads on this issue but didn't find the answer to one question I had:
I have a 2007 C6 with the Base suspension. I have noticed it feels floaty and doesn't feel very confident in corners. I decided to do these things to my car:
- z51 sways with poly bushings (already installed)
-Bilstein Sport shocks
-Michelin Sport PS2 tires
I think that these three things together will give me a great handling car.
Should I also swap my springs for Z51 springs or just leave my base springs? Are springs just going to affect the general ride or do they affect cornering stability as well?
The car is mostly a cruiser but I do like to get on it in the twisties every now and then. I want it to handle like its on rails.
Thanks for any input.
I have read NUMEROUS threads on this issue but didn't find the answer to one question I had:
I have a 2007 C6 with the Base suspension. I have noticed it feels floaty and doesn't feel very confident in corners. I decided to do these things to my car:
- z51 sways with poly bushings (already installed)
-Bilstein Sport shocks
-Michelin Sport PS2 tires
I think that these three things together will give me a great handling car.
Should I also swap my springs for Z51 springs or just leave my base springs? Are springs just going to affect the general ride or do they affect cornering stability as well?
The car is mostly a cruiser but I do like to get on it in the twisties every now and then. I want it to handle like its on rails.
Thanks for any input.
Last edited by Caddy Man; Jun 25, 2011 at 10:35 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Caddy Man I have the exact same question. I'm figuring to do the same thing to my 2008 base but use Bilstien HD's. Do you have the Z-51 sways installed now with base shocks? If so how much difference did just the sways make?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 6
From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
Hi all,
I have read NUMEROUS threads on this issue but didn't find the answer to one question I had:
I have a 2007 C6 with the Base suspension. I have noticed it feels floaty and doesn't feel very confident in corners. I decided to do these things to my car:
- z51 sways with poly bushings (already installed)
-Bilstein Sport shocks
-Michelin Sport PS2 tires
I think that these three things together will give me a great handling car.
Should I also swap my springs for Z51 springs or just leave my base springs? Are springs just going to affect the general ride or do they affect cornering stability as well?
The car is mostly a cruiser but I do like to get on it in the twisties every now and then. I want it to handle like its on rails.
Thanks for any input.
I have read NUMEROUS threads on this issue but didn't find the answer to one question I had:
I have a 2007 C6 with the Base suspension. I have noticed it feels floaty and doesn't feel very confident in corners. I decided to do these things to my car:
- z51 sways with poly bushings (already installed)
-Bilstein Sport shocks
-Michelin Sport PS2 tires
I think that these three things together will give me a great handling car.
Should I also swap my springs for Z51 springs or just leave my base springs? Are springs just going to affect the general ride or do they affect cornering stability as well?
The car is mostly a cruiser but I do like to get on it in the twisties every now and then. I want it to handle like its on rails.
Thanks for any input.
The stock suspension is junk IMHO. I went with the Callaway/Eibach suspension, Hotchkis adjustable sways and LG endlinks (endlinks not installed yet). I also went with wider wheels (CCW C10 18X10.5 fronts, 18X13 rears) and R compound tires (295/30/18 fronts, 335/30/18 rears with Toyo R888s). Handles great.
San
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
A few weeks ago I hung out with a friend of mine and he let me drive his 2008 BMW m5 and he drove my 07 Vette. We were doing spirited driving on the streets. The ride on his car was great (not harsh in any way) and it hugged the corners like no other. He told me afterward that he did not want to take my car too fast in the turns because it didn't feel very planted. That is what got me thinking to upgrade these components. I was originally going to do z51 shocks but I read a lot of threads where people said go with the Bilsteins if you are upgrading.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 3
From: Buena Park CA
I replaced my base C6 suspension with ZO6 front and rear anti-sway bars, installed the HD LGM end links, and installed the Koni FSD shocks.......wow, awesome handling with excellent freeway driving, but with the extra HP it still slips, so I am saving $$ for the wide rear ZO6 fenders so the Nitto NT05R 345/30-R19's will fit, then I'll be happy!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 3
From: Buena Park CA
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,436
Likes: 4
From: Everett Wa
What I experienced is that it did help in cornering quite a bit. With just the sways and the base shocks and springs, it feels more planted in turns.
A few weeks ago I hung out with a friend of mine and he let me drive his 2008 BMW m5 and he drove my 07 Vette. We were doing spirited driving on the streets. The ride on his car was great (not harsh in any way) and it hugged the corners like no other. He told me afterward that he did not want to take my car too fast in the turns because it didn't feel very planted. That is what got me thinking to upgrade these components. I was originally going to do z51 shocks but I read a lot of threads where people said go with the Bilsteins if you are upgrading.
A few weeks ago I hung out with a friend of mine and he let me drive his 2008 BMW m5 and he drove my 07 Vette. We were doing spirited driving on the streets. The ride on his car was great (not harsh in any way) and it hugged the corners like no other. He told me afterward that he did not want to take my car too fast in the turns because it didn't feel very planted. That is what got me thinking to upgrade these components. I was originally going to do z51 shocks but I read a lot of threads where people said go with the Bilsteins if you are upgrading.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
Z51 is a package. I would add the springs too. The stiffer rear sway bar is too be matched with a slightly softer (z51) spring. I would stay with that setup. While roll stiffness is the biggest issue, a base C6 suffers frome significant brake dive. Stiffer springs with the shocks should help there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Seguin Texas
For that amount of parts and work at one time, you could consider a coil-over set up. The adjustables can be set for the street and the track and would be better performing in both areas. Just another option.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 46
From: va
springs will affect weight transfer. Weight transfer is a big deal for racecars, but I think its an even bigger deal for cars running rubber bushings (that are being driven hard)...
The stiffer springs will help dial out the diving when you brake hard and make the car shift (im not talking about the gearbox) through the turns in a different manner.
BTW the Z06 front spring in combination with the Base rear spring give similar front to rear ratio as the Z51 springs but are a few lbs stiffer.
Note: the z51 springs are going to dial in more understeer, as the base springs are set up with a more oversteer characteristic. The Z06 Springs are set up similar to the base ones (the ratio) but are much stiffer and the Zr1 springs should be simillar in ratio and thickness to the z06, except that it has been noted that the ZR1 springs are a bit softer than the z06 ones. I have not seen the spring rates for the Zr1 springs yet, so I would not suggest using them in a base car or mixing them with anything.
The stiffer springs will help dial out the diving when you brake hard and make the car shift (im not talking about the gearbox) through the turns in a different manner.
BTW the Z06 front spring in combination with the Base rear spring give similar front to rear ratio as the Z51 springs but are a few lbs stiffer.
Note: the z51 springs are going to dial in more understeer, as the base springs are set up with a more oversteer characteristic. The Z06 Springs are set up similar to the base ones (the ratio) but are much stiffer and the Zr1 springs should be simillar in ratio and thickness to the z06, except that it has been noted that the ZR1 springs are a bit softer than the z06 ones. I have not seen the spring rates for the Zr1 springs yet, so I would not suggest using them in a base car or mixing them with anything.
Last edited by el es tu; Jun 26, 2011 at 05:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,835
Likes: 5
From: Avon Park FLORIDA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Those upgrades will help a lot. I wouldn't bother with the Z51 leafs.
The stock suspension is junk IMHO. I went with the Callaway/Eibach suspension, Hotchkis adjustable sways and LG endlinks (endlinks not installed yet). I also went with wider wheels (CCW C10 18X10.5 fronts, 18X13 rears) and R compound tires (295/30/18 fronts, 335/30/18 rears with Toyo R888s). Handles great.
San
The stock suspension is junk IMHO. I went with the Callaway/Eibach suspension, Hotchkis adjustable sways and LG endlinks (endlinks not installed yet). I also went with wider wheels (CCW C10 18X10.5 fronts, 18X13 rears) and R compound tires (295/30/18 fronts, 335/30/18 rears with Toyo R888s). Handles great.
San
I have a set of r888 same as you on 18x13 wheels and it seems they are out of round, I've looked into truing them or shaving them, but have not found any shop around here that does it, have you had any issues with yours, besides how loud they are??
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 6
From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
San
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I tried a bunch of combo's, but wasn't happy until I finally bit the bullet and bought a Pfadt suspension kit. Coilover, really sweet sway bars and alignment kit.
I wish had just done right the first time and saved a bunch time and money.
I wish had just done right the first time and saved a bunch time and money.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,835
Likes: 5
From: Avon Park FLORIDA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I checked the wheels prior to the install and they were fine, and I have had them roadforce balanced, but they still vibrate around 75-86. and they are loud, at first I thought the rear end was going away
I got mine new, not shaved, shaved are great, but you loose 3/32 of street use.
Have you used them in the Rain??
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 6
From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
Sorry to the op for the highjack!!
I checked the wheels prior to the install and they were fine, and I have had them roadforce balanced, but they still vibrate around 75-86. and they are loud, at first I thought the rear end was going away
I got mine new, not shaved, shaved are great, but you loose 3/32 of street use.
Have you used them in the Rain??
I checked the wheels prior to the install and they were fine, and I have had them roadforce balanced, but they still vibrate around 75-86. and they are loud, at first I thought the rear end was going away
I got mine new, not shaved, shaved are great, but you loose 3/32 of street use.
Have you used them in the Rain??
San
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
I changed from base suspension to:
Z06 front/rear bars
Bilstein Sport shocks
265/305 Hankook Ventus V12s
I LOVE the way it handles now...great upgrade for about 1400 bucks all in after mounting/balancing.
Z06 front/rear bars
Bilstein Sport shocks
265/305 Hankook Ventus V12s
I LOVE the way it handles now...great upgrade for about 1400 bucks all in after mounting/balancing.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The Hotchkis bars worked fined, I just like have all the parts from on supplier that were designed to work together. The Z06 and Bilstein shock were to stiff and the lower bolts were junk and by the time I tried the HardBar ones, the only ones worth having in my opinion, my mind was made up to buy a kit from Pfadt.
If you start to do the math, the Pfadt kit would have been bargain when you consider all my labor.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
I can't believe that you found the Bilstein sports too stiff.
My wife was just talking yesterday about how she thought the Bilsteins Sports would be stiffer after how I talked about them (based on forum posts). We were both surprised at how tame they were and couldn't believe all of the "too stiff" comments. Much stiffer than the base buick suspension that the car came with, but I do wish it were a bit stiffer now that I've driven it around for a couple weeks.
My wife was just talking yesterday about how she thought the Bilsteins Sports would be stiffer after how I talked about them (based on forum posts). We were both surprised at how tame they were and couldn't believe all of the "too stiff" comments. Much stiffer than the base buick suspension that the car came with, but I do wish it were a bit stiffer now that I've driven it around for a couple weeks.
Last edited by FloydSummerOf68; Jun 28, 2011 at 08:41 AM.