Current thinking on base C7 with Z51 sways
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
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Current thinking on base C7 with Z51 sways
Is the current thinking on the base with sways to go with the Z51 mag on non mag bars? I have read threads where the opinion goes both ways. Some even stating the larger bar induces too much overseer. Some say you get no benefit at all from the smaller bars and the roll persists. Also, do the dealers still refuse to install these on the base? I saw some threads from about a year ago where there was a tsb that instructed dealers not to install this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 409
From: Bremerton Wa.
I installed the standard Z51 sway bars on my base 1 LT today.
Easily done in the driveway with a floor jack and 2 jackstands.
The rear bar goes on super easy without removing anything.
On front bar installation I removed the tires to gain better access to the end link nuts. Then it's just an R&R.
I'm not a road racer, just wanted the car to feel more planted to the road.
I could immediately feel the rear had been tightened up with the addition of the bar.
One of the least expensive mods you can do to your Corvette.
Easily done in the driveway with a floor jack and 2 jackstands.
The rear bar goes on super easy without removing anything.
On front bar installation I removed the tires to gain better access to the end link nuts. Then it's just an R&R.
I'm not a road racer, just wanted the car to feel more planted to the road.
I could immediately feel the rear had been tightened up with the addition of the bar.
One of the least expensive mods you can do to your Corvette.
Last edited by Mike Jesse; Oct 3, 2016 at 10:03 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 585
Likes: 65
From: Sierra Nevada Foothills CA
If you like to drive winding roads, the Z51 mag setup is considerably more neutral due to the larger rear bar. For me the non-mag bars were not sufficient improvements over the base. The larger rear bar makes the car feel better and still has a decent amount of understeer build into it for general safety.
Having said that, I finally moved on to the aFe bar set with the dual adjustable large front bar and the tripple adjustable rear bar. This is an additional improvement as the Z51 front bar is simply too soft, allowing a (for me) bothersome dip and delay at the front end when turning-into a corner. As it is the real difference between the Z51 mag setup and my aFe setup is the increased front bar size as the rear bar in the mid position that I use is pretty much the equal of the Z51 mag rear bar.
Having said that, I finally moved on to the aFe bar set with the dual adjustable large front bar and the tripple adjustable rear bar. This is an additional improvement as the Z51 front bar is simply too soft, allowing a (for me) bothersome dip and delay at the front end when turning-into a corner. As it is the real difference between the Z51 mag setup and my aFe setup is the increased front bar size as the rear bar in the mid position that I use is pretty much the equal of the Z51 mag rear bar.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 839
Likes: 209
From: SC from CT
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
I have Z06 front and rear sways along with Johnny O'connell shocks.
What a difference! Such a noticeable improvement. The dealership has a Corvette Master Mechanic there and he also adjusted the alignment and it just sings around the corners.
What a difference! Such a noticeable improvement. The dealership has a Corvette Master Mechanic there and he also adjusted the alignment and it just sings around the corners.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
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Yeah, I am leaning to the Mag ride sways but I have read posts during research that say it was so much oversteer they immediately removed the rear and went to the smaller sway. I have read AXR6's posts about his experience but he is the only one with that opinion I can find.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 780
Likes: 94
From: Pittsburgh PA
I am very interested in the Johnny O shocks; I have been debating them even longer than the sways. Any feedback you can provide would be great. Please PM me if you don't want to discuss it here.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 839
Likes: 209
From: SC from CT
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
Just as the description I had read regarding the shocks. They provide a firm ride, evens out the bumps. Between the bars and the shocks it rides pretty level around curves. Not sure how they compare to coilovers. The ride is more firm at slower speeds than the stock setup. Nothing jarring about bumps, feel more connected with the road.
I can't help you on the alignment settings though. That was done at the dealership.
I can't help you on the alignment settings though. That was done at the dealership.
Last edited by JoeD-C8; Oct 4, 2016 at 07:31 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 780
Likes: 94
From: Pittsburgh PA
Just as the description I had read regarding the shocks. They provide a firm ride, evens out the bumps. Between the bars and the shocks it rides pretty level around curves. Not sure how they compare to coilovers. The ride is more firm at slower speeds than the stock setup. Nothing jarring about bumps, feel more connected with the road.
I can't help you on the alignment settings though. That was done at the dealership.
I can't help you on the alignment settings though. That was done at the dealership.
"The aFe CONTROL JOC shocks were built around the racers Johnny O'Connell's specifications as far as dampening and valving is concerned, along with using OEM quality seals, shock body and pistons. aFe aquired PFADT and addressed many of the concerns and issues others had with quality. We certainly don't want to put our name on something, that is no good or fails. So we have address the quality issues in the past.
Now the Z51 shocks will handle better than the base C7 shocks, but if you are looking for comfort, while maintaining a flatter cornering ability the JOC shocks will meet your requirements. The base shocks are very soft in low speeds, tending to be mushy and unrefined, while you drive on higher speeds and hit bumps that are bigger they really tend to be harsh. The Z51 shocks are a level better over the base C7 shocks, but still hold the same characteristics as the base shocks.
We adjusted the dampening to be soft, yet precise in low speeds. While we removed the harsh ride during higher speed bumps. We are confident you will feel the improvement over your current setup."
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 780
Likes: 94
From: Pittsburgh PA
For street use it seems they are saying they will be more supple with good control, so yes. Perhaps not on track since Z51 shocks are larger diameter so will flex less and probably have more oil and will maybe be more resistant to fade.
Not to steer this thread away from sway bars much more, but I just saw that the Koni adjustable shocks for base C7 are now available. https://www.corvettepartsandaccessor...tte-parts/koni Cheaper than the JO Pfadt it seems. And Bilsteins which differ in some unknown amount from the stock Bilsteins I suppose. https://www.corvettepartsandaccessor...parts/bilstein
Not to steer this thread away from sway bars much more, but I just saw that the Koni adjustable shocks for base C7 are now available. https://www.corvettepartsandaccessor...tte-parts/koni Cheaper than the JO Pfadt it seems. And Bilsteins which differ in some unknown amount from the stock Bilsteins I suppose. https://www.corvettepartsandaccessor...parts/bilstein
Last edited by Roadrogue; Oct 5, 2016 at 10:27 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 839
Likes: 209
From: SC from CT
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
Thanks for the response. So do you agree with this description that I received from AFE?
"The aFe CONTROL JOC shocks were built around the racers Johnny O'Connell's specifications as far as dampening and valving is concerned, along with using OEM quality seals, shock body and pistons. aFe aquired PFADT and addressed many of the concerns and issues others had with quality. We certainly don't want to put our name on something, that is no good or fails. So we have address the quality issues in the past.
Now the Z51 shocks will handle better than the base C7 shocks, but if you are looking for comfort, while maintaining a flatter cornering ability the JOC shocks will meet your requirements. The base shocks are very soft in low speeds, tending to be mushy and unrefined, while you drive on higher speeds and hit bumps that are bigger they really tend to be harsh. The Z51 shocks are a level better over the base C7 shocks, but still hold the same characteristics as the base shocks.
We adjusted the dampening to be soft, yet precise in low speeds. While we removed the harsh ride during higher speed bumps. We are confident you will feel the improvement over your current setup."
"The aFe CONTROL JOC shocks were built around the racers Johnny O'Connell's specifications as far as dampening and valving is concerned, along with using OEM quality seals, shock body and pistons. aFe aquired PFADT and addressed many of the concerns and issues others had with quality. We certainly don't want to put our name on something, that is no good or fails. So we have address the quality issues in the past.
Now the Z51 shocks will handle better than the base C7 shocks, but if you are looking for comfort, while maintaining a flatter cornering ability the JOC shocks will meet your requirements. The base shocks are very soft in low speeds, tending to be mushy and unrefined, while you drive on higher speeds and hit bumps that are bigger they really tend to be harsh. The Z51 shocks are a level better over the base C7 shocks, but still hold the same characteristics as the base shocks.
We adjusted the dampening to be soft, yet precise in low speeds. While we removed the harsh ride during higher speed bumps. We are confident you will feel the improvement over your current setup."
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,448
Likes: 160
From: JARRELL TEXAS
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 839
Likes: 209
From: SC from CT
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
As I said.......
"Yes, I do agree BUT I had the bars installed at the same time as the shocks. Sorry no individual comparison,"
It was my tech's suggestion and I trust him as far as recommendations. I don't mess with success.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,448
Likes: 160
From: JARRELL TEXAS
Dealer techs anymore are mostly parts swappers IMHO. But, there are exceptions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 839
Likes: 209
From: SC from CT
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
The tech, as in Paul Koerner. He seems to have a large amount of experience in Corvettes and setting them up for what the driver needs, he's without a doubt the exception.
I am not tracking my car but enjoy spirited driving when safety allows. SO I am sure if I was tracking my car he would be going the AFE route but $900 for bars is excessive for my use.
I am not tracking my car but enjoy spirited driving when safety allows. SO I am sure if I was tracking my car he would be going the AFE route but $900 for bars is excessive for my use.