John-in-Dallas

I need to replace my shocks and would appreciate any experience you can relay on the non-Z51 Bilstein shocks that are sold in sets from Corvette Central, ZIP, Ecklers, MA, etc. They're a great price at $290 - $300 a set of 4 from these suppliers in my opinion. I'm guessing that all of these suppliers sell the same parts.

My car is a '91 Vert with, what I think is called, the comfort ride suspension. I guess that's what all non-Z51 cars were called??

What I want are shocks that perform similar to the OEM parts - and I'm concerned that these aftermarket parts could be too firm or stiff for my taste. I love Bilstein shocks, but I've had the experience of uncomfortably stiff ride with them before (on other cars).

If you've purchased these shocks, please let me know how you liked them, and if they are stiffer than the originals. Thanks!!

Aardwolf

I replaced mine and the ride was less harsh. I used the HD not the Z51 and had a tough time deciding. I use the car for track use but also do some long street cruises. The replacement Bilsteins are about as stiff as I would like for street use and I am happy with them. I replaced the originals at 100,000 miles.

cdnguyred88

Bought mine a few months back from MA. The originals had just over 100,000 miles on them. I should have replaced earlier, maybe 10,000 miles before.. (or 2 years ago). Ride was smoother and less jarring, makes the Car more enjoyable to drive again.

John-in-Dallas

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've also done a search on this site and find that the Bilsteins sold for Z51 application are the "sports" and for non-Z51 are the "HD" Bilsteins. Like Aardwolf says, the HD's are reported to be fairly comforable on the street by most users. There seem to be no negative posts on Bilsteins at all.

Some of the posts state that the original Bilsteins are designed to last about 100K miles - but age is also a factor on monotube shocks due to slight seepage past the seals and associated evaporative loss. Several posters report that their cars got some "float" with 50-60K miles.

My car feels floaty over bumps on the highway (i.e. not enough rebound control) with only 31K miles - but then it's 16 years old.

Aardwolf

I've been wondering if some of the float sensation isn't from the front spring getting weak. The standard spring is pretty weak to start with!

montie98

I wonder how much difference in stiffness ther is between a HD billstein and a KYB ?