Hey everyone,
I just purchased a new Z-28 recently and have been searching this site to find out the best ways to modify this car. I just love the LS1. Obviously I want more power, but I would also like better handling. This is one area where my knowledge is a little limited. What are the best suspension mods I can do to my car? I have 16 inch wheels with Z-rated tires. Keeping cost in mind, what would it take to get my car to where it could handle as well as a C-5 vette or even a Z06 (if that is possible!). I have a cocky friend who says his C5 is a whole lot more powerful and that I could never get my car to handle as well as a Z06. Prove him wrong!!

Thanks!

Josh

 

First, you want to post this in the suspension part of the forums..

But..
His car will prolly be slower and show less on a dyno than yours stock for stock..
I know I dyno more than most stock C5's.. Reason being that since they have the IRS (independant rear suspension) they have the upper hand in the handling dept... But in the straight away dept you are better equiped from day 1.

A C5 is also lighter but not terribly so.. about 300lbs is the going margin people will quote...

I will get to a track very soon (its been wet for a while here) and see what I can do....

as for handling, the guys in the suspension forum will be the best guides for you.. they know what works and doesnt at the track... and if you want to beat a Z06 on a road course, it will take serious mods to your suspension... (I could be wrong but doubt it)...

 

I agree with what Psychocabbage said about the power differences between the LS1 F-bodies, and C5's (not Z06's). Since they have the same engine, they make pretty much the same power (except for the "true dual" exhaust on the 'Vettes, which gives them their higher HP rating). However, in your case, seeing as you have an A4 with 2.73's, you're at a bit of a disadvantage, and especially if your friend's C5 is a 6-speed, since they get the 3.42's same as M6 F-bodies get. Regardless of that, the C5 won't "dust" your car --- you would run very close. Depending on how well your friend can drive (and who got the best launch) would determine who would win in a straight line.

In terms of handling though, I think it would take a lot of time and $$$ put into the Z28 suspension to make it handle "like a 'Vette". The fact is, the Corvette is built to be a track-ready street car (the Z06 in particular). Maybe I'm wrong, but IMO, the reason the 'Vette costs so much more than the Camaros/Firebirds, is not due to power differences, but the difference in A) its class, and B) its advanced suspension and handling. Having never driven a C5 (only a C4 ) I can't speak from experience on their handling, but I'd be willing to bet that even a professional driver couldn't push a Z28 around a road course as fast as a 'Vette (especially a Z06!) even with suspension work done to the F-body --- unless it was converted to independent suspension!!!

If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't spend too much money on suspension upgrades just to try and compete with a C5. If you and your friend are both "average drivers", even with your stock setup, you could probably do OK, but on the street, or at the 1/4 mile, with the right engine setup, you should have no problem putting the C5 in its place.

 

Depends on what you want to do. The IRS beats the live axle mostly on uneven pavement. A smooth track will negate some of the advantage. The Vette has a lower center of gravity, better front to rear weight balance and is lighter. These factors work against the F-body. However, the Vette is as wide as the F-body keeping transitional speeds in the same ballpark. Things you can improve: Lower your car with a set of performance springs and upgrade the struts. Eibach, BMR, KYB and others make great stuff for the F-body. Make sure to "locate" the rear and get an alignment. Install a stiffer sway bar (research some combos for front and back and determine which will serve your needs best). Tires will make a huge difference, as will the size of the rims you use. Good luck!

 

You might also want to put some 17inch rims and tires on, I rode on 16s and they have a lot more sidewall flex when pushed to the limit. With 17s I get a lot more feedback since the sidewalls don't flew as much.