Better cornering
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 100
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From: San Jose CA
Better cornering What can I do with my 2002 convertible to make it corner better? Everything is stock except I've added Kenny Brown DD subframes and a STB. I've got 16" tires, the original Eagle RSA's.
Can I go wrong by just slapping a set of Bilstein shocks on it?
Can I go wrong by just slapping a set of Bilstein shocks on it?
TECH Resident
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 977
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From: Hawaii
Re: Better cornering Lowering springs (not too low), Bilsteins, some big swaybars (ST), and poly bushings will all help the cause. <img border="0" alt="[Corvette]" title="" src="graemlins/corvette.gif" />
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 110
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Re: Better cornering Even with SFCs, be careful with your sway bar selection - you can easily overwhelm the conv's chassis with big bars. Same for the spring and shock rates you pick. If you are doing the shocks, it's a good time to do the springs as well, but the shocks by themselves will definately help.
As for poly, avoid control arms (front or rear) that use poly bushings, as they don't allow the arms to pivot on their mounting points as required, despite what the salesman says.
https://ls1tech.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...;f=25;t=000654
So what to do?
I considered the SLP Level one kit 70001, as it gives you upgraded shocks (Bilstein), higher rate springs, 1LE rear control arms, and lowers the car an inch. Sound like a good basic kit, and most people should be quite happy with it. (Do not confuse it with the 70001A kit that uses poly bushings.)
I installed GW SFCs and LCA relocation brackets. I bought the 1LE pieces individually, and added the 21mm rear bar. QA1 shocks give me adjustable damping and spring perch height. Suspension Techniques Speedtech springs have higher rates and lower the car a lot more (2"), and Airlift bags in the rear coils minimize bottoming out over bumps.
My car rides nice, corners flat, and clears all the local speed bumps. Even with the 16" tires, handling was pretty good.
Just running 17" tires and wheels adds a lot of cornering grip, but you have to be really smooth so that the chassis doesn't get out of step.
Hope this helps.
DaveH
As for poly, avoid control arms (front or rear) that use poly bushings, as they don't allow the arms to pivot on their mounting points as required, despite what the salesman says.
https://ls1tech.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...;f=25;t=000654
So what to do?
I considered the SLP Level one kit 70001, as it gives you upgraded shocks (Bilstein), higher rate springs, 1LE rear control arms, and lowers the car an inch. Sound like a good basic kit, and most people should be quite happy with it. (Do not confuse it with the 70001A kit that uses poly bushings.)
I installed GW SFCs and LCA relocation brackets. I bought the 1LE pieces individually, and added the 21mm rear bar. QA1 shocks give me adjustable damping and spring perch height. Suspension Techniques Speedtech springs have higher rates and lower the car a lot more (2"), and Airlift bags in the rear coils minimize bottoming out over bumps.
My car rides nice, corners flat, and clears all the local speed bumps. Even with the 16" tires, handling was pretty good.
Just running 17" tires and wheels adds a lot of cornering grip, but you have to be really smooth so that the chassis doesn't get out of step.
Hope this helps.
DaveH
