sway bar vs transverse springs...

[dfootdoc]

I've read most of the info on the site regarding autocross set ups.
I hve a c5 z06. I've already changed alignment to a near track setting, upgraded to Bilstein Sport shocks, upgraded brakes and am looking for more stability/traction for "low" and high speed autocross (mostly on tracks with sweeping turns more than quick transitions) in NCCC Group II.
My understanding is that the NCCC rules say a GP II car can upgrade sway bars and transverse springs as long as you retain the stock mounts.
It's been said (I think by Denny) that upgrading the spring to VB&P extreme spring is best to do first (before swaybar); however, in another post it was said that the swaybar would be better first. Someone told me there are only two manufactures of springs. True? who are they? cost comparisons?

Anyone with experience with upgrading springs vs. swaybar separately?
I've heard the Pfadty swaybars are very good. any comparison between these and the T-1 swaybars would be helpful.
I'd like to limit the cost of upgrades by doing it in stages. It makes more sense to me to upgrade swaybars first (and of course install poly bushings).
anyone with some pointers here? I'd also like the car to be "tolerable" on the street.

[LEJ ZO6]

I'll guess you'll get about as many people recommending one way as the other.

I autocrossed with local clubs, NCCC and the SCCA (on both the regional and national level) for about 15 years in a C3 Corvette. Here's my 2 cents worth:

Make the major adjustment to handling through the springs and then do the fine tuning swapping sway bars and changing shock settings.

[DennyM]

Gp II
Stock sway bars for class OK
Any diameter sway bar allowed. May be Heim jointed. May have adjustable sway bar end links. OK
Factory or aftermarket adjustable spring of correct configuration for year group - C5-newer. Modify/remove spring mounting pads. OK

Go to the NCCC web site and you can check the table in Chapter 2.
I can't take credit for the suggestion attributed to me, but I'm inclined to agree with it ...
I think you really want to keep four contact patches working through turns and transition s...
I am NOT a suspension engineer ... but what I understand from what I've read ...
I would first go to poly bushings ... so that the alignment set is more consistent thru suspension loading, unloading, loading.
This isn't rocket science. ... but it's close ...
The leaf spring and the sway bar work in parallel. ... and the shocks need to be matched to the spring and bar ... and you can't run adjustable shocks in GP II ...
For AutoX the roll transition is desireable ... where permitted, sometimes guys even disconnect the rear sway bar.
For road course, roll resistance is important ... thus the T-1 bar.
Ask the suspension engineers what they think of increasing spring rate and leaving sway bars stock for autox ... works to keep the car flatter and still maintains transition ...
FWIW ...

[DennyM]

Originally Posted by LEJ ZO6

I'll guess you'll get about as many people recommending one way as the other.

I autocrossed with local clubs, NCCC and the SCCA (on both the regional and national level) for about 15 years in a C3 Corvette. Here's my 2 cents worth:

Make the major adjustment to handling through the springs and then do the fine tuning swapping sway bars and changing shock settings.

I just realized that you said the same thing much more elegantly (simply)
Thanks for posting up on

[dfootdoc]

thank you
I certainly need to go with the polygraphite bushings. The bushings in my lower A arms are pretty much gone. They are all squished over to one side.
Any brands that you'd recommend for these bushings? Are all polygraphite bushings the same?
I've heard about camber plates to help maintain the alignment, but don't know what to look for...any advice there?

thanks again!

[DennyM]

Don't think you can use camber plates in GP II - Regional Competion Director would know for sure.
Phadt (supporting vendor) and Hardbar most commonly used.
Most go with VBP polygraphite bushings. But check with Phadt there as well ...