FX-3 shocks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 228
From: Northeast FL
FX-3 shocks
How do you tell if the shocks have gone bad? Is there an electrical test of the settings? I know vettes ride stiff but my 94 with FX-3 feels harsher than the 85 I had with Z-51. 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
FX3 shocks are gas pressurized so there is always a chance that the gas has leaked out reducing the ability of the shock to dampen the ride. The FX3 controller does a system test at stratup so if the Service Ride Control light in the DIC goes out in a few seconds, that simply means that the system components like the controller, shock actuators are working and the shock themselves are responding to system commands.
The 94 has a much softer spring and the shocks on the Tour setting should match the base (non-FX3) shock damping rate so if the car is riding harshly, you may have a shock that is getting weak but working electronically.
Bilstein can rebuild the shocks for you and even provide custom valving for specific applications like autocross or HPDE events. Call Bilstein at 1-800-537-1085 and ask for Jack or Bill in the tech dept. They are knowledgable about the FX3 shock and good guys to deal with.
The 94 has a much softer spring and the shocks on the Tour setting should match the base (non-FX3) shock damping rate so if the car is riding harshly, you may have a shock that is getting weak but working electronically.
Bilstein can rebuild the shocks for you and even provide custom valving for specific applications like autocross or HPDE events. Call Bilstein at 1-800-537-1085 and ask for Jack or Bill in the tech dept. They are knowledgable about the FX3 shock and good guys to deal with.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 228
From: Northeast FL
I'm not sure. I haven't looked real hard but the prices I have found so far for the shocks new is around $200.00 each. I would wonder how long Bilstein has them too.
I called a friend of mine today who has the same mileage on his with the FX3 so I can take a ride in his and compare it to mine. I don't want to spend the money if I don't have to.
I called a friend of mine today who has the same mileage on his with the FX3 so I can take a ride in his and compare it to mine. I don't want to spend the money if I don't have to.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
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How many miles do you have on your car? I'm at 80k and there seems to be a difference between my settings when i switch them but it still feels pretty stiff. It's also pretty squeaky when going over speed bumps but that's probably the springs.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 895
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From: Washington MO
I just bought "NEW" FX3 shocks thru shocks.com for $674.00 shipped to my front door. Bilstein wanted $135.00 each to rebuilt my shocks because the ones that I have for rebuild have broken gears! An extra $35.00 dollars just to replace each gear!, because according to Bilstein these gears are somehow matched to the shaft of each shock. Therefore, they can't just replace the gear, they have to replace the shaft and gear as a matched set! And this price doesn't even include a repaint! So for the extra $100.00 or dollars, I got me some brand new shocks with a life time warranty! Just my opinion 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 228
From: Northeast FL
Originally Posted by 94redrag
I just bought "NEW" FX3 shocks thru shocks.com for $674.00 shipped to my front door. Bilstein wanted $135.00 each to rebuilt my shocks because the ones that I have for rebuild have broken gears! An extra $35.00 dollars just to replace each gear!, because according to Bilstein these gears are somehow matched to the shaft of each shock. Therefore, they can't just replace the gear, they have to replace the shaft and gear as a matched set! And this price doesn't even include a repaint! So for the extra $100.00 or dollars, I got me some brand new shocks with a life time warranty! Just my opinion
I just got it a week ago. The car has 104K on it and is in nice shape. The guy I bought it from had a bunch of service records and knew more than most people about it so I don't think it was beat on.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 895
Likes: 3
From: Washington MO
Originally Posted by jwt1603
How harsh is the ride with your new shocks? I expect the ride to be stiff so it handles but this feels more bouncy and just plain hard. It like jars you on the slightest imperfection. I'm also thinking the ride may be the Kumho tires.
I just got it a week ago. The car has 104K on it and is in nice shape. The guy I bought it from had a bunch of service records and knew more than most people about it so I don't think it was beat on.
I just got it a week ago. The car has 104K on it and is in nice shape. The guy I bought it from had a bunch of service records and knew more than most people about it so I don't think it was beat on.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Southwest Kansas
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
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jwt, have you checked your RPO codes? If you have Z07 package it has higher spring rates and a rougher ride. I know my 94 rode a bit harsher than I thought it should, and when I checked the RPO's (bought the car prior to having total knowledge) it had Z07 package and then found out about the higher spring rates, larger sway bars, big brakes, etc that went with the Z07.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 228
From: Northeast FL
Originally Posted by teebee1994
jwt, have you checked your RPO codes? If you have Z07 package it has higher spring rates and a rougher ride. I know my 94 rode a bit harsher than I thought it should, and when I checked the RPO's (bought the car prior to having total knowledge) it had Z07 package and then found out about the higher spring rates, larger sway bars, big brakes, etc that went with the Z07.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 228
From: Northeast FL
Originally Posted by 89Corvette6spdFX3
How many miles do you have on your car? I'm at 80k and there seems to be a difference between my settings when i switch them but it still feels pretty stiff. It's also pretty squeaky when going over speed bumps but that's probably the springs.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Southwest Kansas
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
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Originally Posted by jwt1603
Yes I have the Z07 package. It just seems like the ride is hard with no give at all. There is a diffence when you change the setting and none of the shocks are leaking. My 85 Z51 seemed to be a little more forgiving. With the 94, I go over the small reflectors on the highway during a lane change and the rearview mirror has to be readjusted.
