sdspeed

Put a set of ZO6 shocks on my C5 today, car ride height doesn't seem to want to settle out( stock height, car isn't lowered) and ride is MUCH harsher than I would have ever expected. These are used 2003-04 shocks 7k to 8k mile on them. Difference in size of shock was obvious but shouldn't the ride height return to what it was and is the Z06 shock really like driving a 4x4 vs. my C5 shocks. Daily driver and weekend backroad fun time but these may have to come off.

omarcoolguy

there suppose to be harsher....there more stiff thats y there on a z.....so how much u gonna sell them for?

sdspeed

Thanks for the obvious, I'll drive em for a week or so and then decide!
I really didn't expect them to be this harsh.Just the same stay tuned for a possible sale since this is my daily driver.

unionlandlord

I went w/ 07 Zo6 shocks on my lowered Z51 97. The ride is pretty good.

The frunt came up some so I lowered ont down some more. Over all im happy.

Paul G.

sdspeed

I was gonna lower it while I was installing the shocks but couldn't get the front bolts to budge( I know they are reverse thread) also knowing the ZO6 was gonna be stiffer I thought the ride would be even worse.
Will the car settle, I didn't drive it but a few miles.

MIKER

I wonder if the harshness is due to the fact that those shocks are not tuned to match your springs? My '02 Z06 feels surprisingly soft to me. I'm using the 2004 Z06 shocks.
However, we all know that everyone has different tolerance for ride harshness, vibration levels, etc.

I have read a lot of shock absorber reviews/opinions. It sounds like you might like the Koni FSD shocks (>$630) or the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks (>$300).

Black 'n Tan

Harshness and ride height problems are caused by "stiction" a tendency of the shock to stay in place when it rebounds up. It will go away after a couple of hundred miles. I went back roads banging in my car for about 50 miles, when I came back, my car dropped 1/2". Give it time, they'll settle in.

John

stormrider

I think after a couple of 100 miles you may change your mind. If you don't, the Konis are unbelievable in both ride and handling

sdspeed

I'm Feel'in better already guys, I've had alot of rides in the past including Corvettes but this really seems out of place. I'll give it some mileage over the weekend and see what happens,.Any suggestions on getting the bolts loosened up to lower the front end. I haven't tried the back bolts yet.

gpotski

I put 2004 Z06 shocks on my 2004 CE coupe...not harsh at all.

81c3

Just in case you dont know, there a procedure to lowering the car. Its not just turning the bolts. You need to relive pressure off the spring then the bolt will turn. I would just drive the car around for a week or so, get the shocks to settle in & see what it does.

madmatt9471

Try lowering it before you remove the shocks!

If you get rid of them you might pick-up a set of C5 Z51 Shocks!

It's what I'm running on my '98 with C6 Z51 sway bars, it = Awesome Ride - and lowered all the way around!


Thanks,Matt

BitViper

Harsh is so subjective...

I had a lowered Camaro wirth G2 springs and Koni's shocks which I thought was "Firm" but after driving my ZO6...which is supposta' have firm shocks.....the Camaro was harsh...

morel...One mans firm is another's harsh

sdspeed

I had the car supported with two jack stands on the crossmember of the front suspension and then I used a floor jack at the end of the leaf to take off the load without lifting the car. Did I cross something up or are the bolts normally EXtremely tight(10mm) ones,had keepers on the threads.
I didn't get too aggressive,was concerned about stripping or snapping them.

sdspeed

Thanks Matt I may end up going that way. Beautiful ride,love your show!

81c3

http://www.z06vette.com/diy_lower.php

heres the procedure to lower a C5

hotwheels57

The threads are not reverse thread, but it can seem that way if you don't orient yourself in relationship to the bolt. It's easy to think that when you're under the car. One member recently posted images of oem bolts showing RH thread, not LH thread as in reverse thread.
Here's a prior thread which has images of the RH 10mm front bolts...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1750050

MyVetteDream

I like the C6 Z shocks I installed...

Sorry yours didn't work out.

sdspeed

Mine are C5 Z06 and I haven't given up yet, just rather perplexed as to the characteristics of the shocks. I'll run them for a couple hundred miles this weekend and then decide if I go back and just get a new set of standard C5 shocks to put back on or keep these.

gpracer1

Can you use the C6Z06 shocks on the C5 if it is lowered on stock bolts?
I only ask because it was listed on someones site next to the C6Z shocks and the price, that it was not recommended for C5s that are lowered. Maybe it was Gmpartsdirect or whoever lists the occasional specials on factory parts.