Shocks and struts question
02-25-2015, 04:28 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Shocks and struts question
I'm looking at replacing the front and rear shocks on my 94 base model C4. I'd like to stick with Bilstein and I'm curious if the Z51 sport duty shocks will work?
02-25-2015, 09:12 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
The Z51 shocks will work. They are stiffer than the HD Bilstein's. Some people don't believe they are a good match to the base suspension springs. However, I have put the Z51 shocks on a base '94 and a base '95. I like a little stiffer ride and thought these were great.
I was looking into this a while back for my '95 and found some information that I posted in a previous thread.
Good luck with your choice.
I was looking into this a while back for my '95 and found some information that I posted in a previous thread.
I have posted this on a couple of threads, but this is what I found when I called Bilstein and got some info from them about the C4 shocks. I was concerned about the damping rate differences and the lengths since I read that the Z51's are used on lowered cars.
I found some info on the Bilstein HD (non Z51) and SP (Z51) for comparison.
I searched for my '95 Corvette and found length and damping values by part number for these shocks.
**The only length difference between the HD or SP is the compressed length of the front shocks. The Z51 has more travel and can go slightly lower.
**The damping rates are quite different. The Z51 rates are about twice as firm in both jounce and rebound.
For me the choice is easy. I will go with the Z51 shocks on my '95. I liked them on my '94 and was investigating it to see the differences. I like a firmer ride.
HD (B6) Front (non Z51) 24-020534
Length Min/Max 10.18" / 13.56"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 106 Nm/ 76 Nm
SP (B8) Front (Z51) 24-184861
Length Min/Max 9.43" / 13.56"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 228 Nm/ 261 Nm
HD (B6) Rear (non Z51) 24-020541
Length Min/Max 9.61" / 14.69"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 134 Nm/ 114 Nm
SP (B8) Rear (Z51) 24-184878
Length Min/Max 9.61" / 14.69"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 222 Nm/ 222 Nm
I found some info on the Bilstein HD (non Z51) and SP (Z51) for comparison.
I searched for my '95 Corvette and found length and damping values by part number for these shocks.
**The only length difference between the HD or SP is the compressed length of the front shocks. The Z51 has more travel and can go slightly lower.
**The damping rates are quite different. The Z51 rates are about twice as firm in both jounce and rebound.
For me the choice is easy. I will go with the Z51 shocks on my '95. I liked them on my '94 and was investigating it to see the differences. I like a firmer ride.
HD (B6) Front (non Z51) 24-020534
Length Min/Max 10.18" / 13.56"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 106 Nm/ 76 Nm
SP (B8) Front (Z51) 24-184861
Length Min/Max 9.43" / 13.56"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 228 Nm/ 261 Nm
HD (B6) Rear (non Z51) 24-020541
Length Min/Max 9.61" / 14.69"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 134 Nm/ 114 Nm
SP (B8) Rear (Z51) 24-184878
Length Min/Max 9.61" / 14.69"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 222 Nm/ 222 Nm
02-27-2015, 08:15 PM
#4
Racer
Worked great on my '96, ride was way too soft when I got it. Also put gs speck bars on, kept stock springs, has gs size tires. Goldilocks ride for me, really corners well. '95 & '96 had softer springs, don't know about '94.
03-02-2015, 12:08 AM
#5
5th Gear
Member Since: Feb 2015
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does the z-51 shocks make for a rougher ride, even though they're firmer and corner better ? I just bought my first vette, a 90 L-98, great shape, love it, fun to drive, but rides a little rough, feel all the bumps hard. not sure what is on there, they're black shocks. what would be a decent riding set-up, for just weekend cruising through the hills, occasional freeway, without breaking the bank ?? just got new tires and alignment, and that helped a lot...... any suggestions out there?? thanks, Kmac.
03-02-2015, 02:01 PM
#7
Pro
03-02-2015, 02:37 PM
#8
Instructor
Thread Starter
That's kinda what I thought, but wanted to double check. Now a bigger question, is it all worth it? I know it kinda depends on personal taste, but for a weekend driver?
03-03-2015, 12:41 AM
#9
Racer
As you say, depends on what you want. For my '96 it was worth every penny to me, I wanted a good firm ride and good cornering. Who wants a floaty sports-car ;-)
The '94's do have stiffer springs than the 95 & 6 so standard shocks might be what you want. If you are not satisfied with the ride you get now, then I'd say go for the sport shocks.
BTW, you didn't mention how old your present shocks are; that is something to crank into the equation.
The '94's do have stiffer springs than the 95 & 6 so standard shocks might be what you want. If you are not satisfied with the ride you get now, then I'd say go for the sport shocks.
BTW, you didn't mention how old your present shocks are; that is something to crank into the equation.
03-03-2015, 12:44 AM
#10
Racer