FX3/ZR-1 Wheels

[Chris Kennedy]

Good Afternoon:

I am in the process of evaluating an '89 FX3 equipped car to replace a beloved '81 4-spd hit by someone earlier this month, and want to confirm my impression that I can simply replace the FX3 shocks with regular Bilsteins for the Z-51 suspension if I decide that I don't want to fool with the FX3 system. Of course, this means the FX3 won't function, but the car would still perform like a regualr Z-51 equipped non FX3 car. Is this all correct?

Also, I am a fan of the ZR-1 style wheels (the ones in black--my father calls me a monument to automotive bad taste), and wonder if anyone knows of an exchange service whereby you'd exchange the original wheels for the ZR-1 wheels, and receive a credit. Or, a company which buys original wheels would also do if someone knows of such an operation.

Thanks,

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[c4cruiser]

The FX3 system uses the same standard springs and swaybars as the base FE1 suspension. Z51 cars had stiffer springs and larger swaybars along with different lower control arm bushings.
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html

So simply swapping out the shocks will not give you the same handling characteristics as the original Z51 package. The FX3 system can be modified by Bilstein to customize shock valving and Doug Rippie and Lingenfelter have replacement FX3 controllers that allow the use of custom prom's to fine tune the system.

As far as wheels, most companies that offer ZR1- style wheels and take in trades usually do a like-for-like wheel. So swapping your stock wheels for the GS style 5-spokes may not give you as big a credit. Try looking thru Corvette Fever or Vette magazines for vendors that may take wheels in trade. You can alos buy them outright and sell your origianl wheels. Try AFS Wheels for the GS type wheel www.afswheels.com

 

[Hib Halverson]

Good Afternoon:

I am in the process of evaluating an '89 FX3 equipped car to replace a beloved '81 4-spd hit by someone earlier this month, and want to confirm my impression that I can simply replace the FX3 shocks with regular Bilsteins for the Z-51 suspension if I decide that I don't want to fool with the FX3 system. Of course, this means the FX3 won't function, but the car would still perform like a regualr Z-51 equipped non FX3 car. Is this all correct?

Unfortunately, that's not correct. Any 89 with FX3 has base suspension. Not only do you need the Z51 shocks, but you need springs, stab. bars, front lower control arms and the quick steering rack.

Also, I am a fan of the ZR-1 style wheels (the ones in black--my father calls me a monument to automotive bad taste), and wonder if anyone knows of an exchange service whereby you'd exchange the original wheels for the ZR-1 wheels, and receive a credit. Or, a company which buys original wheels would also do if someone knows of such an operation.

Thanks,

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

I've never heard of any business which takes old 89 wheels in trade for ZR-1 wheels. The stock 89 wheels are not real attractive and probably have not much value.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Thanks, everyone, for replying to my question.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[*89x2*]

I've never heard of any business which takes old 89 wheels in trade for ZR-1 wheels. The stock 89 wheels are not real attractive and probably have not much value.

I like the 88/89 17" wheels over any of the other C4 designs - clean looking and hidden lugs make it a nice wheel - wide too - unlike many of the later sawblades :eek

I think the Zr1 wheels have been overplayed - FWIW, try a used wheel dealer in your local telephone book - I know of a chain around here that does take trades on factory alloys - maybe not much $$ , but....