Base C6 track mods/suspension
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Base C6 track mods/suspension
Looking to set up my base c6 for track use. It will still be driven on the streets to and from the track. Trying to find intermediate options without going full send. I was thinking aFe Johnny O’Connell rear suspension kit? Maybe going to coil overs up front? Upgraded radiator options? I plan on getting race pads and stainless brake lines. Is an Accusump necessary? I’m fairly new to this so don’t beat me up too much 😂 thank you in advance
Drifting
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,606
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From: Atlanta GA
Been there, done that. In my experience,1st you will over heat oil, then P/S fluid, then coolant or brakes. BTW wet sump LSs hate long sweepers. My LS3 sucked air and bounced a lifter. After many many mods and an engine, I bought a ZL1. Good luck!..
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thanks for the heads up! I’ll look into mods to try to mitigate those problems!
Drifting
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,606
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From: Atlanta GA
Short list of your probable needs. Z06 P/S return hose/cooler, Z06 oil/air cooler or fat radiator w/oil cooler, Z06 front brake cooling ducts. Poly motor and trans/rear mounts a good idea as well.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
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From: WI
Lots of reading to do in the race section, for example https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,438
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From: CONCORD NC
I agree with above, cooling and brakes will likely need addressing before you can really take full advantage of any suspension mods.
I personally would spend a penny on pfadt products (afe) after all of the people they screwed over.
I personally would spend a penny on pfadt products (afe) after all of the people they screwed over.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 415
Likes: 247
From: Seattle, WA
You didn't mention the z51 option so we'll assume you have a straight base. Cooling mod's have been mentioned above. Maybe find some z51 sway bars. As for shocks, I put Bilstein B8 DRM's with poly bushings on my '08 z51 and the car is noticeably better after only one track day on them. When you're ready for new rotors, go with slotted and avoid drilled rotors that will crack. Upgrade brake pads - I currently run Carbotech XP10 up front & XP8 on the rear and recommend that to start. If not solely a track car then you might want street oriented pads for normal driving, the XP 10 & 8's are squeaky around town. If needed, you can upgrade to z51 sized rotors w/o much investment, I think you just need the z51 caliper brackets. Install SS brake lines and use good brake fluid and flush your lines. I haven't had any engine oil issues running it with about 1/2 quart extra in it. Michelin PS4S's seem to be the preferred tire which are great for both daily driving & track days. This all should keep you busy for a bit. And the biggest improvement is just more time on track adjusting the nut behind the wheel.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2011
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You didn't mention the z51 option so we'll assume you have a straight base. Cooling mod's have been mentioned above. Maybe find some z51 sway bars. As for shocks, I put Bilstein B8 DRM's with poly bushings on my '08 z51 and the car is noticeably better after only one track day on them. When you're ready for new rotors, go with slotted and avoid drilled rotors that will crack. Upgrade brake pads - I currently run Carbotech XP10 up front & XP8 on the rear and recommend that to start. If not solely a track car then you might want street oriented pads for normal driving, the XP 10 & 8's are squeaky around town. If needed, you can upgrade to z51 sized rotors w/o much investment, I think you just need the z51 caliper brackets. Install SS brake lines and use good brake fluid and flush your lines. I haven't had any engine oil issues running it with about 1/2 quart extra in it. Michelin PS4S's seem to be the preferred tire which are great for both daily driving & track days. This all should keep you busy for a bit. And the biggest improvement is just more time on track adjusting the nut behind the wheel.
thank you for all the advise! This will definitely keep me busy! Haha
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,537
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From: Lombard, IL (Chicago suburbs)
don't forget about the other deferred maintenance, if you have the original rear diff fluid and transmission fluid those will need to be replaced, I have run the redline in both and typically get about a year of track days before it needs to be changed.
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how many track days would you consider a year? 8-10?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Lombard, IL (Chicago suburbs)
Sadly I don't get out all that often. Typically my season is 6'ish days a season and about 1/2 of those are 1/2 day/evening 3 session events. To give you perspective, I typically get 2 seasons out of a set of Goodyear SC3 tires, so think fluid change twice every tire change. I typically change the fluid as soon as I hear the slightest hint of friction modifier breakdown.
This year i'll have 8 events assuming I don't break the car and that is my busiest season to date.
This year i'll have 8 events assuming I don't break the car and that is my busiest season to date.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Sadly I don't get out all that often. Typically my season is 6'ish days a season and about 1/2 of those are 1/2 day/evening 3 session events. To give you perspective, I typically get 2 seasons out of a set of Goodyear SC3 tires, so think fluid change twice every tire change. I typically change the fluid as soon as I hear the slightest hint of friction modifier breakdown.
This year i'll have 8 events assuming I don't break the car and that is my busiest season to date.
This year i'll have 8 events assuming I don't break the car and that is my busiest season to date.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
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From: Southeast TX
I got in on the very end of their rein. Mine might have been one of the last orders that they actually filled. Looking back on it, I'd rather have had them refund my money vs actually taking delivery of those crappy tri y headers. Guess I was lucky to get what I paid for....even though it was substandard at best.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 389
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From: Maryville, TN
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
Likes: 707
From: WI
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 389
Likes: 165
From: Maryville, TN
Really nice data! I've had their baffle on my wish list for a while. https://www.improvedracing.com/oil-p...n-baffles.html
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/irp-egm-216
(OP may be able to find one somewhere with model number = EGM-216)
Also installed their oil pump pickup tube brace:
https://www.improvedracing.com/ls-en...ace-clamp.html