Adding option code "Z51" sway bars to my 2016
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,296
Likes: 156
From: Location: Location: kAnSaS
Adding option code "Z51" sway bars to my 2016
I ordered the z51 sway bar kit for my 2016 C7. Rick from suburban auto group has a great price on front and rear sway bar kit (think it was around 400ish).
On my C6 I also added the upgraded sway bars to it (think I did the Z06 bars if I remember right?) . Pretty hard to tell much of a difference of course unless you are a real road course freak but I'm sure it does add some stability. It is a little shocking the base C7 doesn't have any sway bar on the back at all? seems a little weird but whatever. The size difference on the front is around 2mm bigger.
They really do a great job with there kit!!!! including both bars, 2 rear links, nuts and bolts and new front and rear bushings of course. for a really nice price, Pretty simple 30 minute job.. take care, paul
Stock front bar width
New bar width
On my C6 I also added the upgraded sway bars to it (think I did the Z06 bars if I remember right?) . Pretty hard to tell much of a difference of course unless you are a real road course freak but I'm sure it does add some stability. It is a little shocking the base C7 doesn't have any sway bar on the back at all? seems a little weird but whatever. The size difference on the front is around 2mm bigger.
They really do a great job with there kit!!!! including both bars, 2 rear links, nuts and bolts and new front and rear bushings of course. for a really nice price, Pretty simple 30 minute job.. take care, paul
Stock front bar width
New bar width
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 27
From: Lexington KY
I put the Z51 set on my '14, and it took me a little over two hours. Getting the nuts off the old links was very tedious with limited space for wrenches.
It was worth it! My last cars, a '95, a '99, and an '06 were all Z51s, and now the C7 corners flat like they did.
Dave
It was worth it! My last cars, a '95, a '99, and an '06 were all Z51s, and now the C7 corners flat like they did.
Dave
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,296
Likes: 156
From: Location: Location: kAnSaS
I put the Z51 set on my '14, and it took me a little over two hours. Getting the nuts off the old links was very tedious with limited space for wrenches.
It was worth it! My last cars, a '95, a '99, and an '06 were all Z51s, and now the C7 corners flat like they did.
Dave
It was worth it! My last cars, a '95, a '99, and an '06 were all Z51s, and now the C7 corners flat like they did.
Dave
A tip is to put the links on before you set the new bars up in there. then you only have to do 2 nuts up in the air per bar. When tightening them up use a small ratchet with an 8mm or 5/16 socket and a 18mm wrench holding the nut, tighten up the 8mm part while holding the big nut until you get them pretty snug with the 5/16 socket first then put a wrench on both to full tighten.
But I know what you mean about those links, they are a little tricky until you get the right just the socket/wrench setup,,,,,
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 27
From: Lexington KY
"A tip is to put the links on before you set the new bars up in there. then you only have to do 2 nuts up in the air per bar. When tightening them up use a small ratchet with an 8mm or 5/16 socket and a 18mm wrench holding the nut, tighten up the 8mm part while holding the big nut until you get them pretty snug with the 5/16 socket first then put a wrench on both to full tighten."
The instructions had me removing the mounts on the old front bar first. That made it harder to remove the links. I agree that the links should come off first, and installed before putting the bar in place..
I avoided turning the 8 mm because that will twist the piece in the rubber and cause unnecessary wear on the link cushion.
Dave
The instructions had me removing the mounts on the old front bar first. That made it harder to remove the links. I agree that the links should come off first, and installed before putting the bar in place..
I avoided turning the 8 mm because that will twist the piece in the rubber and cause unnecessary wear on the link cushion.
Dave
Last edited by DavePowell; Dec 18, 2015 at 10:13 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 585
Likes: 65
From: Sierra Nevada Foothills CA
I really think that the Z51 MRC rear swaybar is superior in handling to the 26mm non MRC rear bar. I had both and the 26mm was too small to notice significant handling differences. You can get the 31mm MRC rear bar from GM Parts Direct for a little more than $70. Well worth it.
BTW - I moved on to the aFe bars as I found the stock Z51 28mm front bar too small for my handling taste.
BTW - I moved on to the aFe bars as I found the stock Z51 28mm front bar too small for my handling taste.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,296
Likes: 156
From: Location: Location: kAnSaS
I really think that the Z51 MRC rear swaybar is superior in handling to the 26mm non MRC rear bar. I had both and the 26mm was too small to notice significant handling differences. You can get the 31mm MRC rear bar from GM Parts Direct for a little more than $70. Well worth it.
BTW - I moved on to the aFe bars as I found the stock Z51 28mm front bar too small for my handling taste.
BTW - I moved on to the aFe bars as I found the stock Z51 28mm front bar too small for my handling taste.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 585
Likes: 65
From: Sierra Nevada Foothills CA
Sway bar 22936510
Bushings 22950837 - you need two of this.
Pretty sure that the bushing part# is correct but, call and check just in case. I ordered a some other parts with the same order and not 100 percent sure which part# was for what.
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