Wicked Weasel

waht type of shocks are people running. I have T1 Sways and Z06 shocks, but I am thinking of changing the shocks to something different.

Wondering what my choices are and teh advantages to those choices over Z06 shocks.

95jersey

I run Blistein sports, had stock Z06 shocks before (2001). I hear the 04 Z shocks made a noticable difference, but they are expensive. I noticed a big difference going from 01 Z shocks to Bilstein sports. My car is lowered and I have always heard the sports work well with lowered cars vs the Z06 shocks.

At the very minimum for the $$$$, the sports are a nice upgrade. You can get them for $299 a set vs the 04's which are around $400 (I think). If you ever run plan on running T1 springs, you may want to consider using the Sachs T1 shocks. They are valved to work properly with the T1 spring rates.

My advice (before you get to mod crazy), think about where you would like to be in a year or two and plan your mods accordingly. Don't go through many of our mistakes,and buy the same mods 2 or 3 times over. Once you get use to the 04's or Bilsteins, you will want something else. If I could go back, I would do the full T1 kit FIRST. But the $5k installed was hard to swallow for HPDE, but in retrospect...would have saved money!!!

yellow01

Good advice and yes, I resemble those remarks...

Wicked Weasel

The T1s are now $137 each, but can they be used wihtout T1 Springs? I have T1 sways, but not sure if/when I am going to move to T1 Springs.

nassaufrc

I also run the Bilstein's. I think that the SACHS and the Bilsteins are pretty close. I don't think you would notice a big difference until you get up to the Penske's or other really good shocks. I have not had any problems with the Bilsteins and will run them until the blow out, or I get a sponsor that wants me to run Penske's.....Hint Hint....anyone out there?

95jersey

It's not the swaybar that dictates what type of shocks you should run, it's the springs. The valving in the shock needs to match the spring rate to propertly dampen the car. This is why many send their shocks to Bilstein for custom valving. I think John runs some heavy springs (maybe heavier than T1) and I beleive he had Bilstein do the custom valving to match the spring rates.

For example, the Bilstein sport shocks are valved for Z51/Z06 springs rates, the T1's are valved for the T1 springs. Beyond that you are in custom territorry or an adjustable shock. As many have said the T1 kit while not as good as coil overs, is ready to run very well out of the box as a complete system.

So, you can always get the sports, because they work well and are cheap. This might hold you over for a year or two and then you can do the T1 kit someday? If you were going to buy some $2000 custom shocks, I would do the T1 kit instead. $2000 shocks on a stock corvette suspension may be overkill.

Wicked Weasel

Sounds like I will wait until winter then and change over to the T1 springs. The Z06 shocks I have now are pretty new so I can live with them for the rest of this year.

95jersey

If I could start again where you are starting from, I would go this route. I have already spent a lot of money on my current mixed and matched Z06 suspension with T1 endlinks, poly, sways and sport shocks and while it all works well, I probably spent as much as a T1 kit, but I know the T1 kit would have been noticeably better.

John Shiels

Bilstiens Sports then if you change the springs you can revalve them.

Wicked Weasel

thanks John

GB'sZo6

Hey, Weasel.

I installed a set of '04 ZO6 shocks in my '02. I noticed quite a bit of differnece on the track. I got them cheap and once I added the T1 sway bars, the car handled much better.
GB

Wicked Weasel

I agree. I have the C6 Z06 shocks on the car with T1 bars, but I was looking for the next step. I think the winter I will go with springs and then figure out what shocks match those springs.

I never knew that shocks had to match springs . Forum is a big help....

Roadrace65

Under my 2K FRC I'm running a set of stock length Koni Single Adjustables with High Rate VBP Springs F-1200lb/R-850lb. My group in NCCC holds me to O.E. Z51 bars.

rgregory

Yes what you are looking for is the fastest settling time without overshoot (going beyond normal ride height).

If you have soft springs and hard shocks the suspension will take too long to return to normal ride height due to the springs fighting the stiff shocks but will not overshoot after a bump.

If you have hard springs and soft shocks the strong springs will overshoot past normal ride height because the shocks will not be strong enough to dampen the strong springs.

0EG@EnglandGreen

Bob,

I'm running DRM shortened and revalved coilovers with T1 sways. Love the setup - zero understeer (everyone predicted I would have). Car feels solid and sticks like velcro in the twisties.

I just need new wheels/tyres now

Stephen

95jersey

OH BTW, I have a set of Bilsteins that are about 1.5 years old (3000 miles) on them. They are in very good shape if not almost perfect. I am willing to let them go cheap and you can send them to Bilstein for a customer rebuild/revalve to match Z06 or T1 suspension. I think Bilstein charges something like $25 bucks a shock (not sure). This way you can have them revalved and not have your car up on stands for 2 weeks. They are $299 new on the web. I am willing to part for $100 shipped!

John Shiels

Bilstien Sports Matt?

varkwso

$65 a piece to rebuild Bilsteins - I am sending a set soon for "spares" to be revalved...

freefall

wow that price is steep - confirmed on the Bilstein page...DRM sells them with custom valving for 80 each!

John Shiels

65 plus parts