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which shocks

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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 10:39 AM
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Default which shocks

Have a 96 vette with z51 and need help on finding the best shock setup for this car. Really would like to help the ride comfort- more concerned for long trips than auto cross driving.
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 04:58 PM
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What's your price range?
For the $$, I'd say Bilsteins.

Larry
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 02:00 PM
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I just put new Bilsteins on the 92. Picked them up at Mid America Funfest for $270. but I saved the tax and shipping since i bought them at the show. Mine are the base suspension and it really made a difference in the ride. I didn't realize my old ones were so bad.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by code5coupe
What's your price range?
For the $$, I'd say Bilsteins.

Larry
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 03:00 PM
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Bilstiens ...IMHO
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 04:24 PM
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This topic was just covered a few days ago...
Try a search...

FWIW, I have bilsteins on mine and cant stand them.
I'll be trying something else (not sure what) this spring.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
This topic was just covered a few days ago...
Try a search...

FWIW, I have bilsteins on mine and cant stand them.
I'll be trying something else (not sure what) this spring.
I've been through 3 different sets of shocks before settling with the Edelbrock's. I bought new Bilsteins only to take them out and sell them a month later.

I think it's all in preference/opinion, but I love my Edelbrock's
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 08:53 PM
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That's the problem I have also. I need new shocks, as I'm pretty sure the originals are still on the car. I have the selective suspension, so I guess I'll be spending some big bucks for these. I would like to keep the car as stock as possible. Any suggestions appreciated.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 10:07 PM
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I also have to put new shocks on my car. I figure it can be a winter project. I want to actually soften up the ride a little for hiway cruising. I dont do autocross, so I dont need the stiff suspension. Besides my b*tt needs a break from hitting all these hiway rumble strips, or what ever they call them now. Just a little less harsh riding.

I did not have this problem until I put the low profile wheels on the car. With the stock rims and tires, it was a pretty smooth ride. Now I feel every bump in the road.

One previous comment was to do a search so thats what I'll do and hopefully find some alternatives.

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kdf 1973 454
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Kwikerthanu
That's the problem I have also. I need new shocks, as I'm pretty sure the originals are still on the car. I have the selective suspension, so I guess I'll be spending some big bucks for these. I would like to keep the car as stock as possible. Any suggestions appreciated.
If you have a '96 with adjustable suspension, you don't have Z51. The cars equipped with the F45 RTD adjustable suspension use base suspension parts.

The '96 F45 RTD shocks are a one year only design (same designator for the '97 C5, but different physical design and not interchangeable). The shocks were made by Delphi. Many people don't realize this and confuse it with the previous FX3 system that used Bilstein shocks.

You can either buy new F45 shocks from your favorite GM parts man ($$$...$! even at wholesale price) or punt them and install an aftermarket shock.

If you install an aftermarket shock, you'll have to live the the "Service Ride Control" light or you can do one of two things...Remove the lightbulb from the SRC socket in the DIC, or insert resistors in the empty electrical connector at each corner of the car such that the computer *thinks* the F45 shocks are still there.

I punted the F45 shocks, installed resistors, and run Bilsteins. The Bilsteins were fine for the street but the front end dives too much during hard braking on the track. As a result, I'm getting ready to switch to Koni adjustables.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by JB666
I've been through 3 different sets of shocks before settling with the Edelbrock's. I bought new Bilsteins only to take them out and sell them a month later.

I think it's all in preference/opinion, but I love my Edelbrock's

Edelbrock's? How much, and where did you get them?
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 10:40 PM
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Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
Edelbrock's? How much, and where did you get them?

You know, I forget how much!!

I got them from Summit, and if I recall, they were around $100 each, but I could be a little off. They were a few bucks higher then a couple of on-line stores, so they lowered their price by about $10 per shock..

I try to stick with Summit as much as possible.

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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by JB666
You know, I forget how much!!

I got them from Summit, and if I recall, they were around $100 each, but I could be a little off. They were a few bucks higher then a couple of on-line stores, so they lowered their price by about $10 per shock..

I try to stick with Summit as much as possible.

thanks
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 12:27 AM
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Originally Posted by JB666
and if I recall, they were around $100 each,
For that price you could buy Koni's, and add a little more for QA-1's.

-JRC-
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