Need better handling for my '02 coupe with base suspension any ideas???

[00Dale]

I have base suspension (FE1) for my 2002 coupe and I don't like it's spongy feel... Looking for stiffer shocks... lowering... whatever I need to do to for better handling and road feel! Any Ideas???

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

Z51 or Z06 sway bars are a good place to start. The Z51 sway bars aren't as stiff as the Z06 bars. I have Z06 bars on my F45 equipped car and have noticed flatter cornering with no loss of ride quality.

You will not have to change out endlinks as you have a 2002 Vette that comes equipped with aluminum end links.

Fichtner Chevrolet in Montana sells sway bar kits for Corvettes. I can't find the pages they have set up to sell Corvette parts but if you go to this page and send them a message I'm sure they will get back to you.

http://www.fichtnerchevrolet.com/en_US/frm_index.chtml?pageName=HomePage_1&noc=1&overrideUrl=f_HomePage_1.chtml

You also have choices for shock absorbers and springs as well. Others will certainly add to what I have said.

Good Luck and welcome to the CAC!!

 

[6 Shooter]

1st off - Welcome to the

I'd try and have your suspension modded as close to a Z51 or Z06 suspension as possible. As far as shocks go, I’ve read/heard the 2004 Z06 shocks were the best offered.

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[Bioscache2]

Lowering also helps, just becareful not to over do it depending on the quality of raods where you live. This lowering will help even with the base suspension.

 

[Glennm27]

All three replies above are good ideas.
1) Z06 sway bars (Z51 and Z06 have the same rear bar, but the Z06 front is fatter)
2) 2004 Z06 shocks
3) Lower the car.

That is a fairly inexpensive way to make your car handle much better than your FE1.

If you do 1 & 2 you'll pretty much be equivilant to an FE4 car

 

[00Dale]

Thanks Everyone! That's my project next weekend!

 

[Tuna]

What Glennm27 said!

Except for the lowering - this really depends on where you live and how much you really drive the car.

 

[68Roadster]

Try www.gmpartsdirect for shocks and sway bars.....another forum member ordered the shocks and said they were great.