Suspension upgrade question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 421
Likes: 128
Suspension upgrade question
I have a base 2019 Stingray without mag ride and want to upgrade the soft/mushy suspension and upgrade to the GM OEM Z51 shocks. I have already added the OEM Z51 sway bars and just want the Z51 shocks. Does anyone know the GM or Bilstein part number? I just got a quote from Gene at Cultrag and want to make sure they are the correct ones. Also, do I need to replace the softer leaf springs from the base Stingray for the Z51 ones or is that not needed? Any feedback or advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 46
From: Chandler, AZ
This brings to mind a question I have had for a long time. I know that Corvettes have a transverse leaf spring in the rear suspension, as both my first C2 and present C7. I have read several journalists comment about the front leaf spring. Is that true? thought you would know because of swapping front and rear sway-bars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,254
Likes: 781
From: Nashville TN
This brings to mind a question I have had for a long time. I know that Corvettes have a transverse leaf spring in the rear suspension, as both my first C2 and present C7. I have read several journalists comment about the front leaf spring. Is that true? thought you would know because of swapping front and rear sway-bars.
Scroll down to pic of front leaf spring and other suspension componentry. I doubt seriously that they are interchangeable from to rear.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 582
From: North Western Wyoming
If I were you I wouldn’t replace the leaf springs. I don’t think the difference between the non-Z51 and the Z51 springs is that significant to warrant going through the expense of replacing them.
I would just install Bilstein B6 shocks if your car is stock height and B8’s if your car is lowered.
I would just install Bilstein B6 shocks if your car is stock height and B8’s if your car is lowered.
Last edited by The Successful Plumber; Aug 19, 2020 at 05:08 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 467
From: Colorado
I have a base 2019 Stingray without mag ride and want to upgrade the soft/mushy suspension and upgrade to the GM OEM Z51 shocks. I have already added the OEM Z51 sway bars and just want the Z51 shocks. Does anyone know the GM or Bilstein part number? I just got a quote from Gene at Cultrag and want to make sure they are the correct ones. Also, do I need to replace the softer leaf springs from the base Stingray for the Z51 ones or is that not needed? Any feedback or advice is appreciated. Thanks.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 46
From: Chandler, AZ
Thanks for the link to a very good C7 suspension explanation and pics. I guess I had doubts about the transverse leaf spring in front because of the C2 I bought in the '70s. The previous owner had raised the body for clearance for '70 wide rims and tires. It had air shocks in the rear and he said spacers in the front coils. I think I actually saw the spacers in front coils, but maybe I am just remembering what he said. 50 years can fog memories. Could not believe Corvette would abandon coils for leaf in front. My C7 rides and handles great! As for the C2, it rode and handled like a farm truck. I try to just remember the fun times I had with that Vette. I forget about what a PITA it was!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,809
Likes: 615
From: Blacksburg Va
I would do the Z51 shocks and see how you like it. From a couple of posts here I believe the transverse springs are a fair amount of work to replace. I have done the Z51 shocks and bars and am quite happy.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,998
Likes: 324
From: North Carolina
I have a base 2019 Stingray without mag ride and want to upgrade the soft/mushy suspension and upgrade to the GM OEM Z51 shocks. I have already added the OEM Z51 sway bars and just want the Z51 shocks. Does anyone know the GM or Bilstein part number? I just got a quote from Gene at Cultrag and want to make sure they are the correct ones. Also, do I need to replace the softer leaf springs from the base Stingray for the Z51 ones or is that not needed? Any feedback or advice is appreciated. Thanks.