Upgrading/replacing shocks on 96 LT4
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 6
From: The Woodlands TX TX
Upgrading/replacing shocks on 96 LT4
My current Bilstein shocks are shot.
Next month I am planning to install 4 brand new shocks. The car has the standard suspension, and I was considering ordering the Z51 shocks. I want a bit more performance out of the car. The car seems to float alot at present, due to the shocks being shot. I have no referance to what it should actually handle like. I did alot of reading on the forum and found that the 96 has the softest suspension out there, interesting to start there. Anyway, I dont feel like ordering some expensive package including new springs bars shocks etc. The car appears to sit at the correct stock ride height, so I think the springs are still good.
If I put the Z51 shocks on the standard suspension car, will there be any adverse affects or issues that come up? Has anyone done this? I am sure someone has to have done this same job before.
When I go to order shocks, what else will I need? Do I need to order bushings etc? Also, where is the best place to order new shocks? I want Bilstein Shocks, unless there is something better.
Thanks
Next month I am planning to install 4 brand new shocks. The car has the standard suspension, and I was considering ordering the Z51 shocks. I want a bit more performance out of the car. The car seems to float alot at present, due to the shocks being shot. I have no referance to what it should actually handle like. I did alot of reading on the forum and found that the 96 has the softest suspension out there, interesting to start there. Anyway, I dont feel like ordering some expensive package including new springs bars shocks etc. The car appears to sit at the correct stock ride height, so I think the springs are still good.
If I put the Z51 shocks on the standard suspension car, will there be any adverse affects or issues that come up? Has anyone done this? I am sure someone has to have done this same job before.
When I go to order shocks, what else will I need? Do I need to order bushings etc? Also, where is the best place to order new shocks? I want Bilstein Shocks, unless there is something better.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 4
From: Severna Park MD
Originally Posted by USAFPILOT
My current Bilstein shocks are shot.
Next month I am planning to install 4 brand new shocks. The car has the standard suspension, and I was considering ordering the Z51 shocks. I want a bit more performance out of the car. The car seems to float alot at present, due to the shocks being shot. I have no referance to what it should actually handle like. I did alot of reading on the forum and found that the 96 has the softest suspension out there, interesting to start there. Anyway, I dont feel like ordering some expensive package including new springs bars shocks etc. The car appears to sit at the correct stock ride height, so I think the springs are still good.
If I put the Z51 shocks on the standard suspension car, will there be any adverse affects or issues that come up? Has anyone done this? I am sure someone has to have done this same job before.
When I go to order shocks, what else will I need? Do I need to order bushings etc? Also, where is the best place to order new shocks? I want Bilstein Shocks, unless there is something better.
Thanks
Next month I am planning to install 4 brand new shocks. The car has the standard suspension, and I was considering ordering the Z51 shocks. I want a bit more performance out of the car. The car seems to float alot at present, due to the shocks being shot. I have no referance to what it should actually handle like. I did alot of reading on the forum and found that the 96 has the softest suspension out there, interesting to start there. Anyway, I dont feel like ordering some expensive package including new springs bars shocks etc. The car appears to sit at the correct stock ride height, so I think the springs are still good.
If I put the Z51 shocks on the standard suspension car, will there be any adverse affects or issues that come up? Has anyone done this? I am sure someone has to have done this same job before.
When I go to order shocks, what else will I need? Do I need to order bushings etc? Also, where is the best place to order new shocks? I want Bilstein Shocks, unless there is something better.
Thanks
Ride harshness is a very subjective thing, but my car feels to me like a Corvette should.
Van Steel is a forum vendor with a link on the left of these pages. When I bought it was a Group Purchase so they may not be the cheapest source at this time.
I would not go to a softer shock like the KYB with the FE1.
Last edited by FELNGR8; May 21, 2005 at 06:56 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,864
Likes: 196
From: Southern CA
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 6
From: The Woodlands TX TX
So you have the C series QA1's that are adjustable? They look pretty cool. How often do you adjust them and how much difference can you gain from the 12 settings? What do you normally run at? I was considering the Z51 Bilsteins of course, and they are going for 70 bucks instead of 140. Is doubling the price worth it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
You can just replace the shocks without any issues, but you may want to consider getting some poly bushings while you're at it...it's the perfect time to change the out the rubber ones!
I had the base suspension on my 96, I replaced them with a new set of Bilsteins that I bought and set out to Bilstein to have revalved. It's a great ride now, not quite as stiff as Z51, but much better than the stock ride!
I had the base suspension on my 96, I replaced them with a new set of Bilsteins that I bought and set out to Bilstein to have revalved. It's a great ride now, not quite as stiff as Z51, but much better than the stock ride!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
From: royal palm beach florida
Originally Posted by FELNGR8
I have the 94 FE1 base suspension much like yours. When I replaced my stock shocks I bought Bilstein Z51 shocks from Van Steel for the same price as the standard Bilsteins. They made a world of difference on my car and the ride is not too harsh. The shocks are physically the same and bolt right in.
Ride harshness is a very subjective thing, but my car feels to me like a Corvette should.
Van Steel is a forum vendor with a link on the left of these pages. When I bought it was a Group Purchase so they may not be the cheapest source at this time.
I would not go to a softer shock like the KYB with the FE1.
Ride harshness is a very subjective thing, but my car feels to me like a Corvette should.
Van Steel is a forum vendor with a link on the left of these pages. When I bought it was a Group Purchase so they may not be the cheapest source at this time.
I would not go to a softer shock like the KYB with the FE1.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,864
Likes: 196
From: Southern CA
Originally Posted by USAFPILOT
So you have the C series QA1's that are adjustable? They look pretty cool. How often do you adjust them and how much difference can you gain from the 12 settings? What do you normally run at? I was considering the Z51 Bilsteins of course, and they are going for 70 bucks instead of 140. Is doubling the price worth it?
Driving home set 1 click all around (which is still more firm that base Bilstein shocks)but pretty comfortable for street use.
The difference between clicks is not vague, they are pretty accurate. Both bump & rebound are adj with one ****.
This is a very good price for manual adj. shocks for a c4. It's worth it to me.
If all you do is cruise then anything works I suppose.
I autox frequently & want to win. I don't think many scca class winning Vettes are run that do not have some kind of adj shock.
These shocks are about 1/2 the weight of Koni/Bil (I weighted them), & they can be rebuilt on your workbench (not high press gas).
