C6 mods for the track
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 812
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C6 mods for the track
My Z51 6 speed is my first Vette, and I am really having fun with it. Coming from an M3, and a road course track background, I am forming some opinions of the car after 3K miles. While the handling limits are high, the suspension has a bit more movement than I prefer, which results in a slight lack of precision in the overall handling feeling. The car's ride quality is great, and I am sure the design team decided on the components to offer some compromises for ride quality. The braking is, so far, very adequate for any road driving, but I anticipate needing a little help there too for track use.
So, I expect, after a couple of track events, I might be starting to look for some suspension enhancements in the way of springs, shocks, sway bars, etc. It's probably too early in the game for much to be available. But, based on my lack of Corvette experience, I would appreciate input from track-experienced folks out there who might have recommendations. And by the way, this will not be an exclusive track car, so I need to consider only street-compatable components. Thanks in advance for your comments.
Ed
So, I expect, after a couple of track events, I might be starting to look for some suspension enhancements in the way of springs, shocks, sway bars, etc. It's probably too early in the game for much to be available. But, based on my lack of Corvette experience, I would appreciate input from track-experienced folks out there who might have recommendations. And by the way, this will not be an exclusive track car, so I need to consider only street-compatable components. Thanks in advance for your comments.
Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
I agree with your comments about the suspension. It has a little more slop in it than I expected.
I have had 2 C5's. One with base suspension that I added Bilstein Sport shocks to, the other had Z51. Based upon those experiences, I'd guess that adding Bilstein sports to the C6 Z51 would be an excellent choice - then go from there.
I can't comment on the brakes as I have no experience in road racing a Corvette. There are a few guys on the forum who do track days who we will hopefully get some responses from.
I have had 2 C5's. One with base suspension that I added Bilstein Sport shocks to, the other had Z51. Based upon those experiences, I'd guess that adding Bilstein sports to the C6 Z51 would be an excellent choice - then go from there.
I can't comment on the brakes as I have no experience in road racing a Corvette. There are a few guys on the forum who do track days who we will hopefully get some responses from.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 13
From: Burlington NC
elh0102
We have some of the same concerns with the car as you do. We are lucky that we get paid to change the car around. We have a coilover setup, big brakes, coolers for about everything on the car, and now we are working on a big motor setup for the long straights. We have been setting up Corvettes for the track-street for many years and have many products to make your Corvette the way you need it.
Thanks
Randy
www.dougrippie.com
We have some of the same concerns with the car as you do. We are lucky that we get paid to change the car around. We have a coilover setup, big brakes, coolers for about everything on the car, and now we are working on a big motor setup for the long straights. We have been setting up Corvettes for the track-street for many years and have many products to make your Corvette the way you need it.
Thanks
Randy
www.dougrippie.com
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Brake Pads
Randy - What pads do you recommend for OEM replacement for the occassional track driver with mostly street use? Looking to reduce dust and noise from standard Z51 pads while improving overall braking.
Thanks
Dave
Thanks
Dave
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis Minnesota
There is one thing to do right away, and that is to replace the stock brake fluid with Motul from DRM. I'd say you would need to try some really good high performance non-runflat tires before you made suspension mods and see how the car improved.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw Georgia
DRM's got good STUFF !!!!Y'all might want to read the auto-cross and road race board for info on track prepping! If you have the Z51... then lowering and a race alignment will go a long ways in getting ready for the track!
Lot's of info on brakes over there too!
