suspension choice
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 6
From: South
suspension choice
New to GM and corvette so I have a question to the forum experts:
Since c8 is not AWD what suspension combination will deliver optimum stability in every day driving?
is z51 PLUS magnetic ride is the best for controlled driving ?
Also, if car doens't have z51 package it means no rear differential of any type?
Again, this is not for track driving but to have most controlled drive in any situation.
Thanks!
Since c8 is not AWD what suspension combination will deliver optimum stability in every day driving?
is z51 PLUS magnetic ride is the best for controlled driving ?
Also, if car doens't have z51 package it means no rear differential of any type?
Again, this is not for track driving but to have most controlled drive in any situation.
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 10,131
From: Garden Valley CA
Here we go again....
The best "control" would be from a Z51 with MSRC (FE4 suspension). How much better is a debate.
A base with MSRC would be close.
A Z51 will have a tighter feel because of the increased spring rates.
But all C8s are very good on the road, it's not like any of them are uncontrolled.
The base has a mechanical limited slip differential, the Z51 has an electronic limited differential. If you add MSRC to a Z51 then you also get PTM (Performance Traction Management) but that mostly a benefit on the track.
The best value for spirited driving in the curves is probably a base with MSRC.
The best "control" would be from a Z51 with MSRC (FE4 suspension). How much better is a debate.
A base with MSRC would be close.
A Z51 will have a tighter feel because of the increased spring rates.
But all C8s are very good on the road, it's not like any of them are uncontrolled.
The base has a mechanical limited slip differential, the Z51 has an electronic limited differential. If you add MSRC to a Z51 then you also get PTM (Performance Traction Management) but that mostly a benefit on the track.
The best value for spirited driving in the curves is probably a base with MSRC.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,910
Likes: 6,704
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
"...what suspension combination will deliver optimum stability in every day driving" Have you always driven 4-wheel drive vehicles? Come on, the C8 is a modern sports car, any suspension that comes on it is superior to most other vehicles, no matter how you define "optimum stability," as long as you mean on the street.
As for me I always get the simplest sports car suspensions available, no leaky shocks, glitched computer system, etc. Since I keep everything indefinitely, this approach has never disappointed. All the best, no matter what you choose.
As for me I always get the simplest sports car suspensions available, no leaky shocks, glitched computer system, etc. Since I keep everything indefinitely, this approach has never disappointed. All the best, no matter what you choose.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 6
From: South
"...what suspension combination will deliver optimum stability in every day driving" Have you always driven 4-wheel drive vehicles? Come on, the C8 is a modern sports car, any suspension that comes on it is superior to most other vehicles, no matter how you define "optimum stability," as long as you mean on the street.
As for me I always get the simplest sports car suspensions available, no leaky shocks, glitched computer system, etc. Since I keep everything indefinitely, this approach has never disappointed. All the best, no matter what you choose.
As for me I always get the simplest sports car suspensions available, no leaky shocks, glitched computer system, etc. Since I keep everything indefinitely, this approach has never disappointed. All the best, no matter what you choose.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 1,593
I have driven my C7 with Z51 and MSRC, on the track, and can tell you the system is excellent... however. you need to spring for wheels, and a set of Hoosiers...
I just bought a Cayman S with a 3.6 conversion... spent $6K on custom-valved Ohlins Coilovers, and can tell you the Ohlins shocks are outstanding, but the MSRC on my 2016 C7 Is superior...
You have the choice to **** all your money away on BS after-market equipment, but give the Professional Engineers at GM a little credit... they do know what they are doing...
I just bought a Cayman S with a 3.6 conversion... spent $6K on custom-valved Ohlins Coilovers, and can tell you the Ohlins shocks are outstanding, but the MSRC on my 2016 C7 Is superior...
You have the choice to **** all your money away on BS after-market equipment, but give the Professional Engineers at GM a little credit... they do know what they are doing...
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 13,180
Likes: 10,519
"...what suspension combination will deliver optimum stability in every day driving" Have you always driven 4-wheel drive vehicles? Come on, the C8 is a modern sports car, any suspension that comes on it is superior to most other vehicles, no matter how you define "optimum stability," as long as you mean on the street.
As for me I always get the simplest sports car suspensions available, no leaky shocks, glitched computer system, etc. Since I keep everything indefinitely, this approach has never disappointed. All the best, no matter what you choose.
As for me I always get the simplest sports car suspensions available, no leaky shocks, glitched computer system, etc. Since I keep everything indefinitely, this approach has never disappointed. All the best, no matter what you choose.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,361
Likes: 4,800
From: West Burbs of Chicago IL
New to GM and corvette so I have a question to the forum experts:
Since c8 is not AWD what suspension combination will deliver optimum stability in every day driving?
is z51 PLUS magnetic ride is the best for controlled driving ?
Also, if car doens't have z51 package it means no rear differential of any type?
Again, this is not for track driving but to have most controlled drive in any situation.
Thanks!
Since c8 is not AWD what suspension combination will deliver optimum stability in every day driving?
is z51 PLUS magnetic ride is the best for controlled driving ?
Also, if car doens't have z51 package it means no rear differential of any type?
Again, this is not for track driving but to have most controlled drive in any situation.
Thanks!
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 10,131
From: Garden Valley CA
Since nobody's mentioned the downsides of the Z51 I'll do that just to make sure you are aware of them (I'm a fan of the Z51 + MSRC).
1) Brake dust - There are aftermarket brake pads to address this.
2) Summer Tires - They suck in the snow and ice and have diminished traction in cold, wet conditions vs the all-season tires on the base. This may not be a problem depending on where you live.
1) Brake dust - There are aftermarket brake pads to address this.
2) Summer Tires - They suck in the snow and ice and have diminished traction in cold, wet conditions vs the all-season tires on the base. This may not be a problem depending on where you live.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5,767
Likes: 2,966
From: Rural NW Georgia. GO DAWGS!
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My C6 and C7 both had the Z51 package and they both rode much stiffer than my non-Z51 C8. I used the Z51 money to buy MSRC, performance exhaust, and the front lift. My C8 sticks to the road much better than either of my Z51 equipped C6 and C7 during spirited driving on curvy roads.
