Z51 suspension question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Z51 suspension question
Okay guys please don't beat me up. I am a complete noob. Just trying to learn more about my car and make some improvements. I have 2009 Z51 coupe. This car comes with sway bars in the Z51 package correct? The best upgrade for suspension and handling would be coil overs? Any pointers would be appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
Likes: 2,712
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
What is "best" depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
A "street-only" car would be set up differently fron a "street-track" car and very differently from a "track-only" car.
Almost anything you do to help in one of those categories, will hurt in the others.
For a street car that gets occasional use in autocross or HPDE, you have a good start already.
When you can afford it, get better tires. Michelin PS2 runflats, or some good non-runflat if you like long walks in the country.
Set alignment to 0 toe front & rear.
.5 negative camber in front
.3 negative camber in rear
Other alignments will give more grip but your tires will die quicker.
Have the shop flush your brake fluid, DOT3 is ok with stock pads, DOT4 gives more margin against boiling.
Then before doing anything else, get some instruction in autocross or HPDE, whatever suits your desires.
Enjoy!
A "street-only" car would be set up differently fron a "street-track" car and very differently from a "track-only" car.
Almost anything you do to help in one of those categories, will hurt in the others.
For a street car that gets occasional use in autocross or HPDE, you have a good start already.
When you can afford it, get better tires. Michelin PS2 runflats, or some good non-runflat if you like long walks in the country.
Set alignment to 0 toe front & rear.
.5 negative camber in front
.3 negative camber in rear
Other alignments will give more grip but your tires will die quicker.
Have the shop flush your brake fluid, DOT3 is ok with stock pads, DOT4 gives more margin against boiling.
Then before doing anything else, get some instruction in autocross or HPDE, whatever suits your desires.
Enjoy!
Tolero Apto Victum
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 9,669
Likes: 37
From: Woodlands TX
What is "best" depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
A "street-only" car would be set up differently fron a "street-track" car and very differently from a "track-only" car.
Almost anything you do to help in one of those categories, will hurt in the others.
For a street car that gets occasional use in autocross or HPDE, you have a good start already.
When you can afford it, get better tires. Michelin PS2 runflats, or some good non-runflat if you like long walks in the country.
Set alignment to 0 toe front & rear.
.5 negative camber in front
.3 negative camber in rear
Other alignments will give more grip but your tires will die quicker.
Have the shop flush your brake fluid, DOT3 is ok with stock pads, DOT4 gives more margin against boiling.
Then before doing anything else, get some instruction in autocross or HPDE, whatever suits your desires.
Enjoy!
A "street-only" car would be set up differently fron a "street-track" car and very differently from a "track-only" car.
Almost anything you do to help in one of those categories, will hurt in the others.
For a street car that gets occasional use in autocross or HPDE, you have a good start already.
When you can afford it, get better tires. Michelin PS2 runflats, or some good non-runflat if you like long walks in the country.
Set alignment to 0 toe front & rear.
.5 negative camber in front
.3 negative camber in rear
Other alignments will give more grip but your tires will die quicker.
Have the shop flush your brake fluid, DOT3 is ok with stock pads, DOT4 gives more margin against boiling.
Then before doing anything else, get some instruction in autocross or HPDE, whatever suits your desires.
Enjoy!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Thank you. Seems I am in good shape for street and maybe an Hpde. I have the michelins already on the car. Will look into the alignment and brake fluid pointers.
Have a great weekend.
Have a great weekend.
