What Shocks Would Be Best For My Style of Driving
04-29-2016, 12:49 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
What Shocks Would Be Best For My Style of Driving
I own a 2003 A4 50th Anniversary Convertible with 71,500 miles. I am having the F55 shocks checked out tomorrow by a GM World Class Master Mechanic that is a good friend and I have known for a long time. If it's time to replace the shocks, what should I buy?
In the past I owned a 2001 A4 convertible with the Z51 suspension. The ride was a little stiff but was not unbearable. I also owned a 2007 A6 convertible with the base suspension. I really liked and prefer the ride of that suspension the best.
I am 64 years old and use the Corvette for touring and pleasure driving only on nice days. I don't need a car that handles like it is on rails.
There is no way I am paying $3,000 - $4,000 for new F55's. I want good shocks that are going to provide a nice comfortable ride. I don't know if the 2013 C6 Z06 shocks will provide that or a Bilstein HD shock. Am I better off with the standard GM Corvette shock. If yes, what shock would that be? I know the F55 has to be programmed out of the ECM with a GM Tech II if I put non F55's on the car. The GM Master Mechanic that I am using has one and will use the procedure spelled out on this forum.
In the past I owned a 2001 A4 convertible with the Z51 suspension. The ride was a little stiff but was not unbearable. I also owned a 2007 A6 convertible with the base suspension. I really liked and prefer the ride of that suspension the best.
I am 64 years old and use the Corvette for touring and pleasure driving only on nice days. I don't need a car that handles like it is on rails.
There is no way I am paying $3,000 - $4,000 for new F55's. I want good shocks that are going to provide a nice comfortable ride. I don't know if the 2013 C6 Z06 shocks will provide that or a Bilstein HD shock. Am I better off with the standard GM Corvette shock. If yes, what shock would that be? I know the F55 has to be programmed out of the ECM with a GM Tech II if I put non F55's on the car. The GM Master Mechanic that I am using has one and will use the procedure spelled out on this forum.
Sounds like something I would be interested in. Mike
04-29-2016, 06:56 AM
#3
Based on your post, I think you should go with Bilstein HD's. You will not find better for the money. I used to have them on my car and they are extremely comfortable for everyday driving. According to the manufacturer, they are 20% stiffer than the base C5 shocks. So you will have better handling without a significant reduction in comfort.
I ended up changing mine out after about 10K km for some adjustable Koni Sports. I wanted something a little stiffer with adjustability. The Koni's were perfect but at 4 times the price of the Bilsteins.
I ended up changing mine out after about 10K km for some adjustable Koni Sports. I wanted something a little stiffer with adjustability. The Koni's were perfect but at 4 times the price of the Bilsteins.
04-29-2016, 10:26 AM
#4
Intermediate
I own a 2003 A4 50th Anniversary Convertible with 71,500 miles. I am having the F55 shocks checked out tomorrow by a GM World Class Master Mechanic that is a good friend and I have known for a long time. If it's time to replace the shocks, what should I buy?
In the past I owned a 2001 A4 convertible with the Z51 suspension. The ride was a little stiff but was not unbearable. I also owned a 2007 A6 convertible with the base suspension. I really liked and prefer the ride of that suspension the best.
I am 64 years old and use the Corvette for touring and pleasure driving only on nice days. I don't need a car that handles like it is on rails.
There is no way I am paying $3,000 - $4,000 for new F55's. I want good shocks that are going to provide a nice comfortable ride. I don't know if the 2013 C6 Z06 shocks will provide that or a Bilstein HD shock. Am I better off with the standard GM Corvette shock. If yes, what shock would that be? I know the F55 has to be programmed out of the ECM with a GM Tech II if I put non F55's on the car. The GM Master Mechanic that I am using has one and will use the procedure spelled out on this forum.
In the past I owned a 2001 A4 convertible with the Z51 suspension. The ride was a little stiff but was not unbearable. I also owned a 2007 A6 convertible with the base suspension. I really liked and prefer the ride of that suspension the best.
I am 64 years old and use the Corvette for touring and pleasure driving only on nice days. I don't need a car that handles like it is on rails.
There is no way I am paying $3,000 - $4,000 for new F55's. I want good shocks that are going to provide a nice comfortable ride. I don't know if the 2013 C6 Z06 shocks will provide that or a Bilstein HD shock. Am I better off with the standard GM Corvette shock. If yes, what shock would that be? I know the F55 has to be programmed out of the ECM with a GM Tech II if I put non F55's on the car. The GM Master Mechanic that I am using has one and will use the procedure spelled out on this forum.
04-29-2016, 10:55 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
I bought a whole NEARLY brand new set of C6 shocks off the C6 for sale forum and LOVE them... perfect for our 04 Vert that had the base suspension which was a little too soft...the C6 shocks made it firmer but, not STIFF... we use our car for weekend excursions and some summer longer trips...they are the perfect, viable, bolt on, inexpensive upgrade 
Last edited by 73Corvette; 04-29-2016 at 11:46 AM.
