Sway Bars
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 46
From: va
The factory bars can be had the cheapest, but as far as what to get- that depends on the driver, the specific model car, the tires, and the intent.
Which model/option c6 do you have and what tires are you running?
Which model/option c6 do you have and what tires are you running?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Calhoun Ga
I have 2006 Z51 package and the car is stock with the stock rims and tires. I will be running Nitto NT05's soon. I plan to race once I am finished with my instructor time. So I will adding more mods as I go.
Last edited by jstargell34; Jun 5, 2012 at 11:16 AM. Reason: update
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,002
Likes: 2,703
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
You've got a very good street/track package right now.
I'd recommend getting more seat time in the road course/autocross realm, before changing anything.
Of course, you'll need to change the tires when they get worn, the factory Supercar tires have a lot of grip but rather sudden breakaway at the limit. The Michelin PS2 runflats are much more predictable, other brands are probably good also but I haven't tried them.
Z51 shocks tend to give a harsh ride and skitter over bumps, there are several better choices for street but for the track they are good.
I'd recommend getting more seat time in the road course/autocross realm, before changing anything.
Of course, you'll need to change the tires when they get worn, the factory Supercar tires have a lot of grip but rather sudden breakaway at the limit. The Michelin PS2 runflats are much more predictable, other brands are probably good also but I haven't tried them.
Z51 shocks tend to give a harsh ride and skitter over bumps, there are several better choices for street but for the track they are good.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Calhoun Ga
I was told to upgrade to Hawk performance brake pads and Nitto tires to get started, and the shop wants to put sway bars on too. But your right seat time will let me know what I need as I get better.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 46
From: va
sway bars:
If youre sticking to lower grip tires like ultra/max performance summer tires, then I wouldnt change anything or maybe just change the front bar for the stiffer zr1 front bar
if you plan to run extreme performance or better (generally 200 wear or lower):
GM T1 bars if you go factory route
aftermarket Id say any of the 3 pfadt kits
hawk pads:
For mixed track/street use you can go with the hawk HP+ or DTC30
They both work at low minimum operating temps like a regular pad but have more bite
The DTC30 has the higher friction of the two, and also has a higher max temp (1200 deg)
Both sets will make noise and dust. Proper bedding and being careful about dragging the brakes at low speeds will minimize the noise.
Tire:
you may want to reconsider the nittos for something else with a bit more grip
If youre sticking to lower grip tires like ultra/max performance summer tires, then I wouldnt change anything or maybe just change the front bar for the stiffer zr1 front bar
if you plan to run extreme performance or better (generally 200 wear or lower):
GM T1 bars if you go factory route
aftermarket Id say any of the 3 pfadt kits
hawk pads:
For mixed track/street use you can go with the hawk HP+ or DTC30
They both work at low minimum operating temps like a regular pad but have more bite
The DTC30 has the higher friction of the two, and also has a higher max temp (1200 deg)
Both sets will make noise and dust. Proper bedding and being careful about dragging the brakes at low speeds will minimize the noise.
Tire:
you may want to reconsider the nittos for something else with a bit more grip
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 772
Likes: 4
From: Ottawa ON
Stock swaybar on a z51 (what I have) are great. The car will not lean much, so no sway bar upgrade necessary. I did autocross and track lapping, the car barely leaned in the corners. Save your money, at this point early in your racing 'career', you wouldn't get better times with a different setup.
As mentioned before, the important issues are your brakes. If you can, get a new set of rotors and Hawk HP+ to use on the track. Keep your original pads and rotors for the street. Swap them the night before, remember to put really good braking fluid and bleed the lines.
I drove for a month with my HP+ and new rotors, just changed back to stock last weekend. I got tired of the squeal and it's also a little too much grip for street tires.
As mentioned before, the important issues are your brakes. If you can, get a new set of rotors and Hawk HP+ to use on the track. Keep your original pads and rotors for the street. Swap them the night before, remember to put really good braking fluid and bleed the lines.
I drove for a month with my HP+ and new rotors, just changed back to stock last weekend. I got tired of the squeal and it's also a little too much grip for street tires.
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