Chips

I have 2002 convertible with 111,000 miles. Shocks don't leak and car drives fine. On bumpy, curvey roads it does bounce around a little but it has done that from day one--not scary but noticeable. I bought the car new so the shocks are original. I don't take the vette to the track but I don't baby it either. What do you guys think?

WetteVette

For a 13 year old car with 111.000 miles on it, I would think it would be a no brainer. Don't wait another day. Put some new shocks on your baby.

And if you are still running the original engine coolant and brake fluid, it might be a good time to replace those items also.

CQRT

No brainer- replace them . . .you'll see a big difference.

Its the same as belts, hoses and fluids - - -there's a time to replace `em even if they're not broken . . .

Napa will have some good OEM shocks for you very reasonable.

bartsky

I have a set of 7k mile 03 Z06 shocks for sale...

Tru Blu

If you have Magnetic Ride shocks be prepared for a very high price shock. You may change your mind about replacing them.

Vetteman Jack

I'd have to agree - probably time to replace the shocks after 111K miles. A set of C6 Z06 shocks would make a big difference.

JR-01

Yes. That is a problem with magnetic ride. I definitely won't replace mine until they are shot.

4XLR8N

I replaced by base suspension shocks ('97 with 33k miles) this past summer with C6 Z06 shocks (also installed C6 Z51 sways with metal end links). What a difference!

JrRifleCoach

I replace shocks every 5 years or 50K miles on my DD's On the Vette more often, usually after two sets of tires.
Shocks are an often overlooked suspension component.
They wear with every revolution of the tire. And the absence of leaks are not an indicator of a shock's lifespan.

AngelDeath

I bought a '87 C4 last year in July, had 130,000 miles on it and in very good shape for the price, first thing I look at is the shocks, they are the original! Pulled the shock off pushed it down, and it never came back up, then you know your riding on leaf springs.

If you drive it regularly, I'd say 75,000 change the shocks, 50,000 if your always on bumpy roads cause thats more wear and tear.

JR-01

With normal driving you should be able to get 100K on stock C5 shocks.

cessna10

Anyone using Bilstein gas shocks?

3tt3v8P

Just replaced the shocks on my 98 vert with a set of oem c6 z06 shocks. No leaking either but 1 of them had no dampening left at all causing a slight clunk on the road cracks when cruising. Easy project and very nice ride now. I posted a do it yourself post in the tech and tune section with pics.

guido7834

I put them on my 02 at about 60,000 miles. Very happy with them. Bilstein HD. Not a Daily driver, but noticed the difference right away. 3 years later (and 15,000 miles) still happy with them.

JrRifleCoach

Like wise at least 80K on a set of tires

JR-01

Corvettes are pretty light, don't usually carry heavy loads, have fairly stiff springs, aren't usually driven off road, come with decent quality shocks from the factory and are mostly driven on good roads. If C5s are driven normally the shocks should last longer than your average car. My wife had 120K miles on her car when she replaced her OE shocks and 3 out of 4 were still in good shape.

Black 02

I have their sport shocks on my C5Z and like them a lot.

Most people don't notice their shocks going bad because it's a slow process that happens over time. Once replaced, the "wow" moment tends to happen

JrRifleCoach

So much to learn. So little time to understand.

rlgood

I've been thinking of doing this on my 65,000 mile '99. When u say "what a difference", what do you mean? Better ride? Better handling? Both? Thanks

4XLR8N

Biggest difference is in cornering, which is totally flat now - no body lean or roll whatsoever. Ride is slightly stiffer due to the valving in the C6 Z06 shocks vs. the original OEMs, but not so stiff that it upsets the car on these crappy Michigan roads. The key here is that I kept my base suspension springs, which are alot more compliant on bumpy surfaces. I have driven several C6 Z06's here in Michigan over several weeks time and, although they were monsters in terms of power and handling, they beat the hell out of you on crappy roads, which is about all we have here in Michigan.