C4 shock absorber set ups ,stock or uprated?
Discussion
Ive had a couple of mails asking for information on shock absorbers for C4's and ime curious to know what other owners run on their C4's,either stock,stock uprated or uprated aftermarket.
I run coilovers on the 90 but am looking to replace with another aftermarket make as the adjustment is limited on the present "Movit" shocks.
On my 91 i run completely stock but am looking to use "stock uprated",so any imfo on C4 shocks would be much appreciated.
I run coilovers on the 90 but am looking to replace with another aftermarket make as the adjustment is limited on the present "Movit" shocks.
On my 91 i run completely stock but am looking to use "stock uprated",so any imfo on C4 shocks would be much appreciated.
More questions being asked on this forum,some of the owners in the U.S.A might have some input.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
Exotic muscle,
www.exoticmuscle.com/webpage.php?EMCAT=vette&MENU=SHOWPARTS&CATSEL=SUSPENSION
Haibeck,
www.zr1specialist.com/HAT%20Web/products/coil%20over%20suspension.htm
>> Edited by ZR1cliff on Sunday 12th March 23:25
www.exoticmuscle.com/webpage.php?EMCAT=vette&MENU=SHOWPARTS&CATSEL=SUSPENSION
Haibeck,
www.zr1specialist.com/HAT%20Web/products/coil%20over%20suspension.htm
>> Edited by ZR1cliff on Sunday 12th March 23:25
Hello Cliff,
I've got a stock set up on mine - although it is the '86 Z51 option. It's pretty hard (most noticeable on curved flyovers, when you hit the expansion joint at some speed, back will put itself back down a few inches to one side) - and it give the car a lively, if sometimes a little tiring feel. However, I think the biggest difference with this is probably the quicker ration steering (2.25 turn lock to lock) in terms of feel. My Mum's '87 convertible features Z52 suspension, to be fair the convertible feels more like a'proper car' - chassis seems more solid than the coupe (they've got an X- frame underneath) but the set up is definitely more forgiving.
I think both Z51 and 52 set ups use Bilstein shocks - mine are probably a little tired (cars done 125k now), but certainly haven't got any lack of damping.
I got a book on suspension for Christmas, it was written by an ex-Pontiac engineer. He actually slated the Corvette set up, mostly on the rear, I think it was down to the amount of play the bushes allow.
Whilst I know this was about springs and shocks, have you had a look at all the different camber and caster settings you can use? I think Keith Beschi's site, www.eurovettes.com, still lists some alternative street and track settings.
I've got a stock set up on mine - although it is the '86 Z51 option. It's pretty hard (most noticeable on curved flyovers, when you hit the expansion joint at some speed, back will put itself back down a few inches to one side) - and it give the car a lively, if sometimes a little tiring feel. However, I think the biggest difference with this is probably the quicker ration steering (2.25 turn lock to lock) in terms of feel. My Mum's '87 convertible features Z52 suspension, to be fair the convertible feels more like a'proper car' - chassis seems more solid than the coupe (they've got an X- frame underneath) but the set up is definitely more forgiving.
I think both Z51 and 52 set ups use Bilstein shocks - mine are probably a little tired (cars done 125k now), but certainly haven't got any lack of damping.
I got a book on suspension for Christmas, it was written by an ex-Pontiac engineer. He actually slated the Corvette set up, mostly on the rear, I think it was down to the amount of play the bushes allow.
Whilst I know this was about springs and shocks, have you had a look at all the different camber and caster settings you can use? I think Keith Beschi's site, www.eurovettes.com, still lists some alternative street and track settings.
franv8 said:
Hello Cliff,
I've got a stock set up on mine - although it is the '86 Z51 option. It's pretty hard (most noticeable on curved flyovers, when you hit the expansion joint at some speed, back will put itself back down a few inches to one side) - and it give the car a lively, if sometimes a little tiring feel. However, I think the biggest difference with this is probably the quicker ration steering (2.25 turn lock to lock) in terms of feel. My Mum's '87 convertible features Z52 suspension, to be fair the convertible feels more like a'proper car' - chassis seems more solid than the coupe (they've got an X- frame underneath) but the set up is definitely more forgiving.
I think both Z51 and 52 set ups use Bilstein shocks - mine are probably a little tired (cars done 125k now), but certainly haven't got any lack of damping.
I got a book on suspension for Christmas, it was written by an ex-Pontiac engineer. He actually slated the Corvette set up, mostly on the rear, I think it was down to the amount of play the bushes allow.
Whilst I know this was about springs and shocks, have you had a look at all the different camber and caster settings you can use? I think Keith Beschi's site, www.eurovettes.com, still lists some alternative street and track settings.
Hi Fran,its interesting you mention about the cross member and how it seems to make the convertible handle better,certainly something worth thinking about,the only down side ive heard is the clearance issues.
Ive got a camber brace to fit on my 90 which strengthens the shock towers it will be interesting to see the difference this makes,as for the track settings,this will be worth a try once ive got the new shocks fitted,ive already poly bushed out the 90 but havent been able to cover the miles to see the advantages,the rear is worth doing and is relatively simple to "bush out"
Ive come across a couple of valuable threads on C4 suspension uprates that a few of you might be interested in.
REAR
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
FRONT
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
REAR
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
FRONT
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
milling the bolts is not necessary,I used spax csx 28 point adjustable coilover shocks with 300lb in the rear springs and they bolted straight in no grinding reversing of bolts or anything.The only difference was the top mount I used a billet cnc mount that I bought from a corvetteforum member in USA
front shocks
Fronts will get done this week possible along with poly bushes,with the spax shocks being a smaller diameter than the USA kits there is no need for any modifications to the rest of the suspension or swaybars etc.I also plan on getting the alignment changed to the VBP advanced street setup aswell.Shocks were £99.99 +vat and around another £50 or so a corner for springs so works out considerably cheaper than any of the USA options available.
Cliff what ride height to the center of the wheel arch are you running on your coilover setup.I am currently at 26" a little higher than when the pics were taken.How are you getting on with the red zr1 any pics with new wheels and brakes fitted yet?
front shocks
Fronts will get done this week possible along with poly bushes,with the spax shocks being a smaller diameter than the USA kits there is no need for any modifications to the rest of the suspension or swaybars etc.I also plan on getting the alignment changed to the VBP advanced street setup aswell.Shocks were £99.99 +vat and around another £50 or so a corner for springs so works out considerably cheaper than any of the USA options available.
Cliff what ride height to the center of the wheel arch are you running on your coilover setup.I am currently at 26" a little higher than when the pics were taken.How are you getting on with the red zr1 any pics with new wheels and brakes fitted yet?
Jas,you were one of those i had in mind when i posted the links,maybe Brett could fill us in a bit more also once his coilovers come through from Doug Rippie. 
Ive just measured my ride height and it goes just over 26& 1/2",i dont go too low with these shocks as the quality of our roads are sh1te,have you got a number for who supplied your shocks?
Ive not done the brakes as yet but should be on them later this week and will post some pics once they are done.
Here is a pic of both cars outside the red 91 sits higher even though ive let the springs out an 1" but its made the suspension more floppy although the handling seems OK.
Did you not turn the bolt the other way round on the rear hub for better clearance?,Nice car by the way.
Ive just measured my ride height and it goes just over 26& 1/2",i dont go too low with these shocks as the quality of our roads are sh1te,have you got a number for who supplied your shocks?
Ive not done the brakes as yet but should be on them later this week and will post some pics once they are done.
Here is a pic of both cars outside the red 91 sits higher even though ive let the springs out an 1" but its made the suspension more floppy although the handling seems OK.
Did you not turn the bolt the other way round on the rear hub for better clearance?,Nice car by the way.
Edited by ZR1cliff on Tuesday 20th June 15:07
nope no need to with the spax as they use 1.9"ID springs whereas the american kits run 2.5".They bolt straight in no hassles really .I have had the springs compressed really high to lift the rear level with the front till I get the front done and it were very hard ride.I have the shocks set at mid way point on the adjuster knob.Not had a chance to experiment with the settings yet.Ride is better with the car lowered as it is not so harsh.Not going any lower as roads are shite up here too along with speed humps.
part #for fronts are SPXC100/140CF1C
Cant find bill for the rears at the minute but got them from Demon Tweeks
part #for fronts are SPXC100/140CF1C
Cant find bill for the rears at the minute but got them from Demon Tweeks
jayk said:
nope no need to with the spax as they use 1.9"ID springs whereas the american kits run 2.5".They bolt straight in no hassles really .I have had the springs compressed really high to lift the rear level with the front till I get the front done and it were very hard ride.I have the shocks set at mid way point on the adjuster knob.Not had a chance to experiment with the settings yet.Ride is better with the car lowered as it is not so harsh.Not going any lower as roads are shite up here too along with speed humps.
part #for fronts are SPXC100/140CF1C
Cant find bill for the rears at the minute but got them from Demon Tweeks
part #for fronts are SPXC100/140CF1C
Cant find bill for the rears at the minute but got them from Demon Tweeks
Where are DT and have you got a contact name?
Thanks.
right more info on front shocks
Top fitting is E standard stem
shock is c100/140
spring 1.9" ID
Bottom fitting DimP is 21mm
20mm bore required for bottom bushing
link to tech details for spax shocks
www.needforspeed.co.uk/htmlpages/techSUS08.htm
link for demon tweeks
www.needforspeed.co.uk/htmlpages/techSUS08.htm
Spax will make shocks to almost any specs as long as you have the measurements etc.
Top fitting is E standard stem
shock is c100/140
spring 1.9" ID
Bottom fitting DimP is 21mm
20mm bore required for bottom bushing
link to tech details for spax shocks
www.needforspeed.co.uk/htmlpages/techSUS08.htm
link for demon tweeks
www.needforspeed.co.uk/htmlpages/techSUS08.htm
Spax will make shocks to almost any specs as long as you have the measurements etc.
Dave,that would be cool if you could bring one with you,thanks.
Jas,i torqued it all in the air to be truthful although when i went and had the suspension set up they did it on the ramp,thanks for the info.
Edited to say there are some torques that should be redone on the ground that we didnt do when setting up suspension,does it make much of a difference?
Jas,i torqued it all in the air to be truthful although when i went and had the suspension set up they did it on the ramp,thanks for the info.
Edited to say there are some torques that should be redone on the ground that we didnt do when setting up suspension,does it make much of a difference?
Edited by ZR1cliff on Tuesday 20th June 16:09
Still waiting for my DRM package. The hold up is with Bilstien, Rippie says as soon as he receives the shocks he will turn the order around in a day. I'm staying with the Bilstiens as I want to retain the FX3 selectable ride - that way I can still have it set hard on those smooth French roads and back it off a bit on our crap bumpy ones - although they are valved to Rippies spec so I don't know how different that will be.
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