Retrofit FX3 shocks

[92ghost]

For a 92 coupe auto with the standard suspension (no Z51) can I upgrade to the FX3 shocks? Is it worth the effort to just replace the shocks or should I upgrade to stiffer springs and sway bars.

 

[twiget]

The last year the FX3 suspension was availble was '95, so I'm going to move this to the C4 mods forum. You'll probably get more responses there.

Jason

 

[c4cruiser]

Upgrading to the FX3 system is a BIG job! Besides the shocks, you need the actuators, controller with chip, a wiring harness from a donor car and an upgraded CCM.

Shocks can run as high as $200 each for new, the actuators are close to $150 each and the controller is about $150. I don't think you could get a new harness from GM, so you would need to search boneyards or Corvette parts places for the harness and other components.

I like my FX3 suspension, but there are lot of good suspension set-ups that will greatly improve handling at a fraction of the cost of retrofitting FX3 into your car. You may want to look at using Z51 components.

The FX3 option in 92 was an shock upgrade to the base FE1 suspension. Z51 did not have the FX3 adjustable shocks. The Z07 package had stiffer springs, bigger sway bars and FX3.

 

[supernatural400]

Along with the added cost of the parts, you'll also de-value the car as it did not come from the factory with that RPO code. If you decide to sell they will know it's and after market add on

 

[92ghost]

Thanks for the replies, I am now thinking of only minor mods to suspension such as increase sway-bar diam. size etc. From what I can gather, and BTW this sight is an excellent knowledge base, the 92 coupe (stock) suspension already has fairly stiff springs as is. Not as stiff as the Z51 but not too far from it. With 275-40's on all four corners it does handle well but I have not driven a Z51 susp. vette to compare it with. Any thoughts on the amount of gain from swapping larger Sway-bars front and back?

 

[c4cruiser]

If you want to do a step-by-step mod, try replacing all of the factory sway bar bushings with after-market poly bushings. If your car has high miles it just may be a good starting point. If the OEM Bilstein's are still on the car, you can get them rebuilt by Bilstein with stock or even custom valving. Call them at 1-800-537-1085. Koni adjustable shocks would be another option.

Depending on what you will be doing with the car (touring, autocross or track days), you can think about specific alignment settings and different tires. Vette Brakes has some good starting alignment specs on their website www.vbandp.com BFG KD's or the new Kuhmo's are great sticky tires for dry pavement.

 

[Topless]

92ghost...
I have thinking about the same swap. I have been quoted $1200-$1500 for everything needed to make the swap. You can also have the FX3 shocks revalved to make them stiffer if you want.

If you are serious, from what I understand, there are 2 different controllers out there. The Z07 vettes had a different controller, probably due to the different springs.

Something to think about.