Just recently purchased a 96 Collector Edition Coupe with the LT4 and six speed. I'd like to replace the shocks, and was interested if anyone has had any experience on what BRAND to use. The car does not have the Z51 suspension. Also! the targa glass roof has spider webs throughout, any advise on who may be repairing them? THANKS

 

Go with the OEM shocks. You know, the brand of yellow-colored shocks that starts with the letter 'B' :thumbs:

 

Bilsteins

 

I have a 96 CE, LT-1 with F45 and have Adelphi stock shocks. If your shocks are yellow then they are bilstiens, but you need to check your RPO codes. 96 CEs came with the F45 option in-place of the FX-3. Also if you have a selector switch in the center console you hav F-45 and most lickly have AC Delco Adelphi shocks.

 

I replaced my leaky Bilsteins with KYBs for just over $100 from Summit and I'm pretty happy with them. I did save the Bilsteins and probably will have them rebuilt .... someday

 

get the big "b", when i bought my car it had bilsteins on it from doug rippie motorsports with the custom valving. I dont kow exactly how much difference the custom valving makes but i love em'

 

You mentioned you do NOT have the Z51 , so you have the adjustable F45 suspension or the FE1 base suspension, both of which have the same springs, sway bars bushings etc. The F45 is adjustable but unlike its predescessor the FX3 it is NOT rebuildable (the shocks are not). New F45 shocks are $800 and really not that fantastic for the money. You can buy some Bilstein sports for relatively cheap (~$250+) and they are pretty good shocks. You can get custom valved Bilsteins (~$400+) that are very good shocks.

I also considered the HAL/QA1 adjustables. They are reasonably priced easily adjusted on the car and seem to work reasonably well. Only down side is they are not as well proven for autoXing and open tracking, which I do .

I just bought Koni single adjustables after much research here on the forum and among other Vette owners and racers. The Konis are well proven (MANY nationally ranked C4 autoXers use them), excellent for 99% of the street / weekend racers out there like myself and are fully rebuildable. I paid right at $500 from Summit for them. Only down side is having to remove the rears to adjust them. This is relatively easy and they shouldnt need to be adjusted that often unless you really race alot or want the them setup significantly stiffer/softer for one purpose or the other. Most find a good compromise setting (with your base springs -very soft- most likely near the softest setting) you would not need to change them very often. If you go to a more aggressive setup in the future , they will work marvelously there too.

Do a search in the C4 sections as well as AutoX and Roadrace and check out the threads........ hope that helps :seeya

 

I'm another KYB person. I am very pleased with them and they save you a few bucks too. :yesnod:

 

I went with custom valved Bilstiens. Fairly cheap (~$300/4) and they have a lifetime warranty.

Glass Top - I bought a replacement (and kept the original, the disadvantage of being involved with NCRS) from Melrose T-Top and I am quite happy with it. It has some very minor differences from the original, but most people aren't obsessive enough to notice.
Ted
96 CE LT4 Z51


[Modified by LT4CEZ51, 6:48 AM 12/17/2002]

 

I stuck with the stock bils. :cheers:

 

I'm getting ready to install Edelbrock IAS shocks on the 95. They're great on my 72. I'll let you know how they are.

 

I have the Z07 package on my car. I believe the shocks are valved tighter, is that true? Also, does anyone have any contact information with Bilstein for getting the shocks rebuilt?

Thanks,
spd

 

origional replacement shocks