pcfred

Which is better for a C5 Coupe? Bilsteins or Z06 shocks to replace my F45's?
Looking to change sway bars to Z06 also and wondering if I need to order them with end links or use my stock links, are they the same?

TTK98

I really think you need to ride in a car equipped with the different shocks to judge them for yourself.I recently purchased a used set of 04 Z06 shocks from forum vender Karshop. Had to switch back to base,just too firm on the roads around here for me. Also will make a difference with tires,with run flats it will jar your fillings loose!
If you care to give them a try let me know, I too live in Riverside. Not sure what suspension you have but I also have an early Z51 front anti-sway bar you can have. It is only about 2.5 mm larger in diameter than a stock base bar.
Tom.

SLPRC5

I had the Bilstein Sport shocks...they were nice but too firm for the wife, so i went with the Bilstien DH shocks with my ZO6 sway bars and it is a perfect ride now.
I vote for Bilstien HDs

JEEP/C5

I have the Bilstein HD as well on my 01 z51 with z06 sway bars/aluminum links. IMO the HD are the way to go unless your A) Young and don’t have a spouse. B) Race occasionally. C) Don’t car how the car rides you just want all the performance you can get. I think it your going to replace the sway bars then go with the aluminum end links. My 01 had metal end links of front so you could still use the front links and replace the rear plastic ones.

SLPRC5

RoadReady

Yeah, but that only 2.5 mm plus a Z06 bar in the rear will make a different car out of a base suspension even with the stock ez-ride shocks.

pcfred

TTK98, Where are you in Riverside? I'm in LaSierra area off Pierce St. What activities do you participate in? I run with Corvettes of Temecula Valley, Corvettes of Riverside, & occasionally Corvettes West.

aleadfoot

Definitely do the zo6 bars and end links Much better car after that mod. Nice and flat around any turn. I swaped my f45 for c6zo6 shocks and love them. rides like a vette should without making your teeth hurt They are on sale, now.

99FewteRC5

Fred, you should have the alumin. endlinks already since you have an 02.

pcfred

THANKS Al, very helpful info
Saw a picture of you I think at the last Block, I hope to make the next one.

HiVoltge

Hi..I am going to upgrade the susp on my base 2000 coupe...Already purchased a set of bilstiens..Z06 sway bars are next..that said, do I need to add the Z06 springs or will that make the ride too stiff...maybe I should go with the Z51 springs...
comments please..

striper

It depends on whether you are going to lower your car. If not, I might try the '04 Z06 shocks. However, if you are going to lower it, which will improve the looks and handling as long as you don't go too much, then the Bilstein Sports are the way to go. They have a shorter shock body that works the best on lowered cars. I find they ride well on my car and handle great in the turns.

HiVoltge

yes..I plan on lowering it for sure...exactly why I'm wondering if I should replace the base spings with the Z06 or even Z51 springs to stiffen the suspension....or will it be too stiff for a weekend driver?
don't want to do the work twice...

Joe0121

I have Kony or Koni shocks and they seem kinda soft I am thinking about upgrading to z06 sway bars and bilstein sports or maybe some good adjustable shocks???

striper

Each person's butt decides for them what is a good ride. My car is a Z06 that is lowered with the Bilstein sports and I like the way the car rides. Smooth on the highway but firm on twisty roads.

rustyguns

which konis you running?

JEEP/C5

I have a 01 coupe with the z51 package and it is perfect for a weekend cruiser. I also upgraded to the z06 bars/aluminum links with Bilstein HD shocks and IMO it is perfect for my needs. I dont race but I enjoy the car on weekends and long trips to car shows or weekend get a ways. The HD shocks are slightly firmer than the z51 shocks but they absorb the rough roads better and handle interstate overpasses much better than stock. A definate improvement. If you value comfort on long trips or you have a spouse that values comfort then this is a perfect combo IMO.

Good luck in your quest.

Ol'55

I'm another happy Bilstein HD advocate.