Z51 vs. Z06 suspension
 

For any of you that have had the C6 Z51 and the new Z06, how do the suspensions compare? I find that I wish the Z51 suspension was stiffer. And what can be done to make the Z51 suspension feel more like the Z06 assuming there's any large differences?

Contact Modshack - a Forum Member specialist in suspensions.

Springs are virtually the same, different shocks, and larger anti-roll bars on the Z06.

so can Z06 sway bars replace the Z51's? or are there some better aftermarket ones?

Yes and Yes, Hotchkis.

Virtually the same? So there are differences then?

Would anyone happen to have any numbers for spring or wheel rates?

What do you actually mean by "Stiffer"?? Most will tell you the Z51 spring rate is a tad high. Believe it or not, the base springs are almost a perfect match to the chassis. The weak link on both versions typically is the shocks. Compliant springs, good shock control, and lots of (Balanced) sway bars are the formula for a suspension working well on the road. "Stiff" does not equal Good suspension in the day to day real world. If you're 20 years old and don't mind having your kidneys pounded into submission, knock youself out with the "stiff" thing, but your compromising the cars street handling. Your current Z51 sways are almost perfectly matched to the Chassis and very neutral (what you want). Even Pfadt has volunteered that. If you want to change for stiffer bars, make sure the are balanced so the chassis doesn't inherit any oversteer/understeer characteristics. Adding a ZO6 rear bar alone willl make the car oversteer unless you make some other modifications. That characteristic can be dangerous on the street. IMO the best thing you can do for a Z51 is Shocks (Bilstein sport or FSD's). The best thing you can do for a base car is add both shocks and Z51 sways. Both these combinations will work excellently and are relatively inexpensive.....Add the Pfadt Poly sway bushings while you're at it to improve response. On Pfadt bars, they are tunable so you can maintain neutral balance and are, from the chart below, stiffer

From Pfadt:

http://images29.fotki.com/v320/photo...swaydia-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v318/photo...parison-vi.jpg