frankb

I have a stock 2012 vette and I am finding that in sharp turns, Left or right the car feels very soft almost floating up and down. Does someone know of a shock that gives a smooth ride on the highway( standard shock) but when you want to carve into a corner it will stick without the bouncing. I don't even know if they make shocks that do both or do you need to choose between one or the other. thanks

RicK T

Your car has the standard "soft ride" suspension. Better shocks will reduce or eliminate the "float" you describe. But if you want a totally better feeling while corner carving you need to upgrade to the Z51 sway bars too.

The most popular shocks are Bilstein. The Bilstein HD shocks are the recommended ones for your suspension as it stands now. Bilstein Sport shocks are recommended for the Z51 suspension. But you can put either shock on either suspension for a slightly different result, depending on your goal/desire. Either version runs "around" $350 a set.

So, can you say at this time, is flat corner carving a goal, or just reducing or eliminating float?

red2012

I had a 2012 coupe and know what your feeling. What I'm about to say is moot because PDFAT is no longer in business but I did put their JOC setup in ( shocks and sways ) and it really helped. The ride was a little firmer ( not that much )and really helped in cornering. So I would assume if you buy an equivalent setup you would reach your desired goals.

frankb

I'm looking to reducing the float. I will look up the HD shocks as you suggested. I just like going around clover leafs quick and making left or right turns on a dime.

petsur

Check out Doug Rippie Motorsports as he periodically sells Bilsteens set up just for our 'Vette's. I should have a set from him by the end of the month for my GS. There's a couple threads in here about his Bilsteens.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/c6-tec...ing-these.html

frankb

Thanks guys for the help. I will look them up. Thanks

AORoads

Rick answered your question, but he gave you more. If you really want to carve an exit ramp, do the sway bars first, then the shocks. Or do them at the same time (then you won't know which one really helped you but no matter, it will work).

familyman's C7

I installed the Z06 shock and bars on my 2011 1LT and it made a HUGE difference. Check out GM partshouse. Can't beat the price either, under $500.

http://www.gmpartshouse.com/partslis...tte-parts-list

Z06 Shocks
10313647 – Z06 Front Shocks
25819268 – Z06 Rear Shocks
Both sets of front and rear shocks, total of 4, $254.60
Use part number c6z06shocks on the website to order this kit.

Z06 Sway Bar Kit
25919502 – Front stabilizer bar
20777536 – Rear stabilizer bar
10387838 (2) – Front stabilizer insulators
15262795 (2) – Rear stabilizer insulators
Complete kit front and rear is $238.36
Use part number c6z06bars on the website to order this kit.

raspyc6

Bilstein HD or sports compete with brands like Koni like I chose. The Frequency Selective Damping model actually softens the ride yet you lose nothing in cornering...and end up much better with a hard launch, especially with wheel hop in my HO. The turn-in is different than stock but very predictable. Active Handling can activate in a higher g turn before I ever sweat it as a driver.

Wampa

I felt exactly the same as you OP when I bought my 1lt 2010 10 months ago. I installed z51 sway bars from GMpartshouse first and then Bilstein sport shocks a month later. sways made the biggest difference--very happy. I honestly can't tell a difference between factory 'soft ride' shock and bilstein sport; but definitely enjoyed the distinct difference after sway bar install

Boomer111

Some of us like the Koni FSD technology, but it ill be twice the Bilstein shocks in cost.

I second the upgraded sways too.

Nosferatu

ask a few members here who have rode in my car (TLS Addict for one he's on here a lot)

Bilstein B8 shocks (whichever ones are the stiffer option)
Sway bars

That and you'll be set. Car is like a go-kart in the corners (e.g. ZERO body roll). I know the HUD G meter isn't an accurate reading of actual G forces but it gives me a before/after comparison. Before I could only nail a 0.96G and peak at 1.0G and have the rear end kicking out. After, I can hit around 1.02G and sustain it in a corner. It'll kick the rear out and that's at around 1.06/1.07G now.

Car handles like a beast. I can also plant power down better. When the rear squats it stays down instead of bouncing back up and letting the tires light up.

Ask raspy above he'll be meeting up with me tonight. Weather permitting I'll show him what upgrades suspension can do for a base model. Z51...pfft....Grand Sport...lol.

raspyc6

^Yes, sir. Tonight at 7, menu looks awesome...and you are buying. hahahaha

Yes the Koni are a bit more expensive but they give you a gorgeous ride when just on a highway cruise and stiff when you need in the corners. The way they absorb highway expansion joints and other roadway irregularities is perhaps their best trait however.

vettejbb

For my 2010 base I put on Z51 Sways, but it was still a little bouncy. Put on Bilstein HDs and it made a huge difference. While it is not a Z51 suspension (I have driven one), it is very comfortable while cruising and feels solid in the turns.. Plus it was a very reasonable price.

ls1121

I have an 08 Z51 and the shocks were jarring my kidneys loose. I switched to the Bilstein HD shock and am Very Happy with the ride now. Eventually when I need tires I will go with non-run flat tires to soften it up a little more.

frankb

Thanks for the reply's. I now know which way to go. I'm thinking of going with Gene on the sway's and shock's. Thanks for the help. Now I need to tell the wife why I need them.

Boomer111

Before or after the fact?

AORoads

Dave, you mean "ask for permission," or "ask for forgiveness"????

frankb

Boomer111 Always after the fact and as for forgiveness, What after almost 40 yrs you think having no sex for a week is going to matter

familyman's C7

Only a week, man you're lucky.