Is FX3 actually good for performance driving?
10-02-2023, 09:44 PM
#1
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Is FX3 actually good for performance driving?
I’m looking hard at 95 Z07 cars with the FX3 adjustable suspension. Are these shocks actually legit for Autocross or track use? I really like the idea of being able to adjust the ride with that switch but my main goal is to have a car that can compete at Autocross. There’s several videos on YouTube with people talking about the FX3 and repairing the system but literally none with people actually doing competitive driving.
10-02-2023, 09:45 PM
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I'd rather not have it. But three of my four C4s have had it. 2 of my 89s and my 93. It's, meh.....
10-02-2023, 09:54 PM
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10-02-2023, 10:02 PM
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10-02-2023, 10:10 PM
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10-02-2023, 11:01 PM
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10-04-2023, 02:15 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
I had a 1991 Z07 car with FX3. I did do a YouTube vid on repair and restoration. Drove the car a lot. My opinion is that the old technology is not as good as present day shocks.
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hbk_bkk (10-04-2023)
10-04-2023, 09:50 PM
#8
Having experienced both suspension setups in the same car my preference is the Z51 suspension by far. When I purchased my 91 it was a bone stock FX3 car. I’ve recently changed over to Z51 shocks and factory Z51 springs. If you are looking for a stiffer/sportier ride, a Z51 car is better imo. Keep in mind the spring rates got softer and softer as the C4 progressed. An earlier Z51 car is substantially “stiffer” than a later car.
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10-05-2023, 12:40 PM
#9
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I also have a 91 that originally came with FX3, but not a Z07. However, one of the previous owners had already taken out the FX3 shocks and replaced them with Bilstein Z51 spec shocks (B8?). It was very loose on the autocross course. The rear would come around very easily. I have gone further and put the 88-90 Z51 sway bars and springs into my car and can say it handles great now.
Stock you could have a Z51 car with FX3. In that case, they actually had softer springs than the non FX3 cars did. You want to look for a front spring from an 88-90 with a code of FHB (good luck finding one though). The rear you want a NYU spring. If you can find someone who will do it now, the shocks can be rebuilt and stepped up in stiffness.
I've driven my dad's ZR-1 with FX3 and can tell you it makes a huge difference between touring and performance on the selector switch.
Stock you could have a Z51 car with FX3. In that case, they actually had softer springs than the non FX3 cars did. You want to look for a front spring from an 88-90 with a code of FHB (good luck finding one though). The rear you want a NYU spring. If you can find someone who will do it now, the shocks can be rebuilt and stepped up in stiffness.
I've driven my dad's ZR-1 with FX3 and can tell you it makes a huge difference between touring and performance on the selector switch.
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hbk_bkk (10-07-2023)