just bought a Z-28

[OhSOSLow]

first time car owner, owned 7 trucks. looking for do's and don'ts. saw several sites mentioned. the Z's faster then anything ive driven. so upgrading hp would be nice, but i dont have a handle on the car as it is. so i was thinking of other things, like suspension, handling, etc. looking for any advice, pointers, and to learn from others mishaps. thanks

[metalhead_z28]

give yourself a little time to get used to the car and the way it handles... when i first got my Z i had alot of handling problems.. i spun ALOT but after i got used to it its fine.. plus a good set of rear tires would help w/ traction alot... if theres anything in particular u'd like to upgrade let me know and i could help ya out w/ any info u may need

[whiteZ916]

Hopefully your car has traction control because that has saved me many times.

[Upheval]

What year is your car?

[OhSOSLow]

its a 99, so far, ive installed Addco front, rear sway bars, Edelbrock strut tower brace, Hotchkis adj panhard bar. changed the air lid, modified the lower air box, ported and polished the MAF. i noticed a huge difference with the strut tower brace, i think i would have been satisfied with just that.

[Mykdiver]

I did not notice anything with my strut tower brace, but then again I have springs, SFCs, LCAs, APHB, and relocation brackets.
The suspension is a good place to start.
Get some Eibach Pro Kit Springs they lower the car about 1 1/2 inches and offer way better handling.

[OhSOSLow]

i put the STB on first since it was the easiest to do, then 2 days later install the other 3 bars. think thats why i noticed the difference of it. then i install the sway bars and panhard same time. so the effect they had was hidden. next im looking to get is torque bar and LCA's. im looking at short throw shifter. with my limited knowledge, i beleave the Z is stock with hurst shifter and the SS comes with SLP? is there a huge difference with the 5.0 pro and ours, or does the short stick make the biggest difference? thanks

[Mykdiver]

The Pro 5.0 is the Sh!t! I love it. I have driven all the shifters and I personally think the 5.0 is the best.

[cmssz28]

definitley the short throw shifter makes a hell of a difference......................smoother quicker crisp shifts..............after driving the new shifter as opposed to the stock its like driving a truck ..............feels like you have to move the shifter a mile

[z28ss]

Guys,
Is the pro 5.0 also a short shift? Whenever I try to shift fast my hand hits the CD search and I change songs!

thanks,
z28ss

[metalhead_z28]

ya it is... and if the stock handle is still too long for ur liking.. u can cut off over an inch of the top of the handle.. or buy a shorter stick I love my 5.0.... but i will go ahead n tell u , u will probably notice more "noise" w/ it over stock... u'l just hear transmission noise because the insulation n crappyness of the stock shifter wont be there

[Mykdiver]

Originally posted by metalhead_z28
ya it is... and if the stock handle is still too long for ur liking.. u can cut off over an inch of the top of the handle.. or buy a shorter stick I love my 5.0.... but i will go ahead n tell u , u will probably notice more "noise" w/ it over stock... u'l just hear transmission noise because the insulation n crappyness of the stock shifter wont be there

Yeah, I noticed the noise, but the shifter rules! I cut 3/4 inch off of mine and I love it.

[metalhead_z28]

much agreed. i've driven LS1's w/ other shifters.. and my personal opinion 5.0 is the best out there... Btw i just got my McLeod Adjustable Master Cylinder in