Grand Sport Suspension
07-03-2010, 08:12 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Grand Sport Suspension
I always hear the GS has stiffer suspension than the base coupe. The problem that's all I hear.
Does anyone know for a fact that the suspension is stiffer than the base coupe? If so what are the specs. Wikipedia doesn't say anything and from my recollection chevy doesn't mention anything on their website.
Am Not looking hard enough?
Does anyone know for a fact that the suspension is stiffer than the base coupe? If so what are the specs. Wikipedia doesn't say anything and from my recollection chevy doesn't mention anything on their website.
Am Not looking hard enough?
07-03-2010, 08:35 PM
#3
Racer
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Geneva, IL USA
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had a 2001 corvette back in 2001. This new 2010 Grand Sport seems to be a much smoother ride...the 2001 could be outright jaring. What ever they have done it's really been great - this car seems to handle better, is quieter in the inside, and smother for everyday driving than I ever expected.
Suppose you could go to a dealer and try both out.
Good Luck,
Mark
Suppose you could go to a dealer and try both out.
Good Luck,
Mark
07-03-2010, 09:13 PM
#4
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Posts: 40,078
Received 8,917 Likes
on
5,327 Posts
The GS got what used to be the old Z51 suspension which is about the minimum stiffness you would want in a Vette.
Bill
Bill
07-03-2010, 09:28 PM
#6
Team Owner
We've been discussing this for a year and so far I haven't seen any spring rate charts that include the GS and now we are trying to confirm which springs the 2011 GS with F55 will have. So the best right now is some deductive reasoning.
All C6's start with the same "standard" suspension, known as RPO FE1...seen here from the Order Guide:
Then up until the 2010 Model Year you either "added" the F55 Mag Ride Shocks, which does not mention or include "different" springs:
OR you opted for the RPO Z51, which does mention and include "different" springs, shocks and sway bars but NOT the F55 shocks:
Starting in 2010 with the GS, which is a "separate" model, the Order Guide shows the same listings for the "Base Coupe and Convertible" as far as the FE1 base suspension and the only option is adding the F55 shocks to the base suspension, same as prior years.
For the GS, the Order Guide only lists ONE suspension, standard on all GS's, RPO Z16:
Notice the exact same words used to describe both the Z51 and Z16 extra cooling, stiffer springs and sway bars and specific shocks? Does that mean the GS HAS the old Z51 suspension? I (most of us) think so but not everyone agrees. Some seem to think the GS suspension is unique, somewhere between the Z51 and Z06 and I haven't seen any documentation to prove either.
Then you throw in the 2011 GS now offering the F55 option, with no mention of "different" springs:
It is known fact that on the Base Coupe and Convertible the F55 shocks are "added" to the base FE1 suspension, no different springs. So one must conclude that the F55 shocks for the GS are "added" to the base GS Z16 suspension. Yes? Yet some here are saying and believing that the GS with F55 is getting "softer" springs and shocks. But again I haven't seen any proof either way.
Bottom line, I deduce that the GS has the old Z51 suspension and the 2011 GS with F55 will have the F55 shocks "added" to the Z51 suspension, the way F55 should have been all along (my editorial
).
If I'm proven wrong I'll admit I was wrong, but I don't think I am.
Reference C5 and C6 spring and sway bar chart:
All C6's start with the same "standard" suspension, known as RPO FE1...seen here from the Order Guide:
FE1---Suspension, 4-wheel independent, includes transverse composite
springs
springs
F55---Magnetic Selective Ride Control for ultimate driver control and comfort through the use of driver-selected Tour or Sport modes
Z51---Z51 Performance Package, performance-oriented package for the Gymkhana/Autocross enthusiast; includes extra cooling, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, specific shock absorbers, larger brakes with cross-drilled rotors, specific tires and Z51-specific 6-speed manual when ordered with 6-speed manual transmission or (GU2) performance axle ratio with 6-speed paddle shift automatic
1 - Not available with (F55) Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
1 - Not available with (F55) Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
For the GS, the Order Guide only lists ONE suspension, standard on all GS's, RPO Z16:
Z16---Z16 Performance Package, performance-oriented package for the Gymkhana/Autocross enthusiast; includes extra cooling, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, specific shock absorbers, larger brakes with 6 piston front and 4 piston rear cross-drilled rotors, specific tires and Z16-specific 6-speed manual when ordered with 6-speed manual transmission or (GU2) performance axle ratio with 6-speed paddle shift automatic
Then you throw in the 2011 GS now offering the F55 option, with no mention of "different" springs:
F55---F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control for ultimate driver control and comfort through the use of driver-selected Tour or Sport modes
1 - When ordered with (MN6) 6-speed manual transmission, also includes Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar GEN2 tires.
1 - When ordered with (MN6) 6-speed manual transmission, also includes Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar GEN2 tires.
Bottom line, I deduce that the GS has the old Z51 suspension and the 2011 GS with F55 will have the F55 shocks "added" to the Z51 suspension, the way F55 should have been all along (my editorial
).If I'm proven wrong I'll admit I was wrong, but I don't think I am.
Reference C5 and C6 spring and sway bar chart:
07-03-2010, 09:37 PM
#7
Pro
Thread Starter
We've been discussing this for a year and so far I haven't seen any spring rate charts that include the GS and now we are trying to confirm which springs the 2011 GS with F55 will have. So the best right now is some deductive reasoning.
All C6's start with the same "standard" suspension, known as RPO FE1...seen here from the Order Guide:
Then up until the 2010 Model Year you either "added" the F55 Mag Ride Shocks, which does not mention or include "different" springs:
OR you opted for the RPO Z51, which does mention and include "different" springs, shocks and sway bars but NOT the F55 shocks:
Starting in 2010 with the GS, which is a "separate" model, the Order Guide shows the same listings for the "Base Coupe and Convertible" as far as the FE1 base suspension and the only option is adding the F55 shocks to the base suspension, same as prior years.
For the GS, the Order Guide only lists ONE suspension, standard on all GS's, RPO Z16:
Notice the exact same words used to describe both the Z51 and Z16 extra cooling, stiffer springs and sway bars and specific shocks? Does that mean the GS HAS the old Z51 suspension? I (most of us) think so but not everyone agrees. Some seem to think the GS suspension is unique, somewhere between the Z51 and Z06 and I haven't seen any documentation to prove either.
Then you throw in the 2011 GS now offering the F55 option, with no mention of "different" springs:
It is known fact that on the Base Coupe and Convertible the F55 shocks are "added" to the base FE1 suspension, no different springs. So one must conclude that the F55 shocks for the GS are "added" to the base GS Z16 suspension. Yes? Yet some here are saying and believing that the GS with F55 is getting "softer" springs and shocks. But again I haven't seen any proof either way.
Bottom line, I deduce that the GS has the old Z51 suspension and the 2011 GS with F55 will have the F55 shocks "added" to the Z51 suspension, the way F55 should have been all along (my editorial).
If I'm proven wrong I'll admit I was wrong, but I don't think I am.
Reference C5 and C6 spring and sway bar chart:
All C6's start with the same "standard" suspension, known as RPO FE1...seen here from the Order Guide:
Then up until the 2010 Model Year you either "added" the F55 Mag Ride Shocks, which does not mention or include "different" springs:
OR you opted for the RPO Z51, which does mention and include "different" springs, shocks and sway bars but NOT the F55 shocks:
Starting in 2010 with the GS, which is a "separate" model, the Order Guide shows the same listings for the "Base Coupe and Convertible" as far as the FE1 base suspension and the only option is adding the F55 shocks to the base suspension, same as prior years.
For the GS, the Order Guide only lists ONE suspension, standard on all GS's, RPO Z16:
Notice the exact same words used to describe both the Z51 and Z16 extra cooling, stiffer springs and sway bars and specific shocks? Does that mean the GS HAS the old Z51 suspension? I (most of us) think so but not everyone agrees. Some seem to think the GS suspension is unique, somewhere between the Z51 and Z06 and I haven't seen any documentation to prove either.
Then you throw in the 2011 GS now offering the F55 option, with no mention of "different" springs:
It is known fact that on the Base Coupe and Convertible the F55 shocks are "added" to the base FE1 suspension, no different springs. So one must conclude that the F55 shocks for the GS are "added" to the base GS Z16 suspension. Yes? Yet some here are saying and believing that the GS with F55 is getting "softer" springs and shocks. But again I haven't seen any proof either way.
Bottom line, I deduce that the GS has the old Z51 suspension and the 2011 GS with F55 will have the F55 shocks "added" to the Z51 suspension, the way F55 should have been all along (my editorial
).If I'm proven wrong I'll admit I was wrong, but I don't think I am.
Reference C5 and C6 spring and sway bar chart:
Thanks for the reply though.
07-04-2010, 01:18 AM
#8
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Posts: 40,078
Received 8,917 Likes
on
5,327 Posts
It should be easy to tell from the RPO sticker. The Z51 package had the FE3 suspension. If the GS has FE3 in the RPO list then it is the same as the Z51. Z06 is the FE4 suspension.
Bill
Bill
07-04-2010, 10:07 AM
#13
Pro
07-04-2010, 10:31 AM
#14
Melting Slicks
07-04-2010, 01:34 PM
#15
Race Director
We've been discussing this for a year and so far I haven't seen any spring rate charts that include the GS and now we are trying to confirm which springs the 2011 GS with F55 will have. So the best right now is some deductive reasoning.
All C6's start with the same "standard" suspension, known as RPO FE1...seen here from the Order Guide:
Then up until the 2010 Model Year you either "added" the F55 Mag Ride Shocks, which does not mention or include "different" springs:
OR you opted for the RPO Z51, which does mention and include "different" springs, shocks and sway bars but NOT the F55 shocks:
Starting in 2010 with the GS, which is a "separate" model, the Order Guide shows the same listings for the "Base Coupe and Convertible" as far as the FE1 base suspension and the only option is adding the F55 shocks to the base suspension, same as prior years.
For the GS, the Order Guide only lists ONE suspension, standard on all GS's, RPO Z16:
Notice the exact same words used to describe both the Z51 and Z16 extra cooling, stiffer springs and sway bars and specific shocks? Does that mean the GS HAS the old Z51 suspension? I (most of us) think so but not everyone agrees. Some seem to think the GS suspension is unique, somewhere between the Z51 and Z06 and I haven't seen any documentation to prove either.
Then you throw in the 2011 GS now offering the F55 option, with no mention of "different" springs:
It is known fact that on the Base Coupe and Convertible the F55 shocks are "added" to the base FE1 suspension, no different springs. So one must conclude that the F55 shocks for the GS are "added" to the base GS Z16 suspension. Yes? Yet some here are saying and believing that the GS with F55 is getting "softer" springs and shocks. But again I haven't seen any proof either way.
Bottom line, I deduce that the GS has the old Z51 suspension and the 2011 GS with F55 will have the F55 shocks "added" to the Z51 suspension, the way F55 should have been all along (my editorial).
If I'm proven wrong I'll admit I was wrong, but I don't think I am.
Reference C5 and C6 spring and sway bar chart:
All C6's start with the same "standard" suspension, known as RPO FE1...seen here from the Order Guide:
Then up until the 2010 Model Year you either "added" the F55 Mag Ride Shocks, which does not mention or include "different" springs:
OR you opted for the RPO Z51, which does mention and include "different" springs, shocks and sway bars but NOT the F55 shocks:
Starting in 2010 with the GS, which is a "separate" model, the Order Guide shows the same listings for the "Base Coupe and Convertible" as far as the FE1 base suspension and the only option is adding the F55 shocks to the base suspension, same as prior years.
For the GS, the Order Guide only lists ONE suspension, standard on all GS's, RPO Z16:
Notice the exact same words used to describe both the Z51 and Z16 extra cooling, stiffer springs and sway bars and specific shocks? Does that mean the GS HAS the old Z51 suspension? I (most of us) think so but not everyone agrees. Some seem to think the GS suspension is unique, somewhere between the Z51 and Z06 and I haven't seen any documentation to prove either.
Then you throw in the 2011 GS now offering the F55 option, with no mention of "different" springs:
It is known fact that on the Base Coupe and Convertible the F55 shocks are "added" to the base FE1 suspension, no different springs. So one must conclude that the F55 shocks for the GS are "added" to the base GS Z16 suspension. Yes? Yet some here are saying and believing that the GS with F55 is getting "softer" springs and shocks. But again I haven't seen any proof either way.
Bottom line, I deduce that the GS has the old Z51 suspension and the 2011 GS with F55 will have the F55 shocks "added" to the Z51 suspension, the way F55 should have been all along (my editorial
).If I'm proven wrong I'll admit I was wrong, but I don't think I am.
Reference C5 and C6 spring and sway bar chart:
07-06-2010, 04:48 PM
#18
Racer
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Memphis TN
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
St. Jude Donor '08
I just finished putting a GS conversion on my '07 Z51 coupe. Per GM replacement parts (thanks Gene and Patrick
), I found the following:
GS, Z51 and Z06 all use the same front sway
GS and Z06 use the same rear sway ... Z51 is smaller
GS and Z51 use the same springs ... Z06 is stiffer
GS and Z06 use the same front shocks ... Z51 is different
GS, Z51 and Z06 all have different rear shocks
Base model uses completely different parts.
), I found the following:GS, Z51 and Z06 all use the same front sway
GS and Z06 use the same rear sway ... Z51 is smaller
GS and Z51 use the same springs ... Z06 is stiffer
GS and Z06 use the same front shocks ... Z51 is different
GS, Z51 and Z06 all have different rear shocks
Base model uses completely different parts.
The following users liked this post:
wildgoat (11-08-2016)
07-06-2010, 05:01 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
