Z51 Shocks
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have Z51 shocks on my 87 and there was a substantial difference in ride quality over the old shocks. The car has the Z52 "Sport" suspension so the old shocks were not quite the same as the base FE1 shocks.
For the 96 base suspension, the spring rates are the softest of any of the C4's. Adding stiff shocks will help with handling and rough roads but you may find the ride to be somewhat stiff if not hard. Shocks and springs are typically matched from the factory based on the suspension package.
If you drove a Z51-equipped 96 with new Z51 shocks, you may find that the ride quality is better than a base suspension car with Z51 shocks. The overall handling will be much better in a Z51 car but the ride is firm.
If you are looking for new shocks, the base Bilsteins are a good choice, but you should also look at the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. They are firm but not like the Bilstein Z51 shock. They are also cheaper at about $30 per shock at places like Summit Racing or JEG's.
For the 96 base suspension, the spring rates are the softest of any of the C4's. Adding stiff shocks will help with handling and rough roads but you may find the ride to be somewhat stiff if not hard. Shocks and springs are typically matched from the factory based on the suspension package.
If you drove a Z51-equipped 96 with new Z51 shocks, you may find that the ride quality is better than a base suspension car with Z51 shocks. The overall handling will be much better in a Z51 car but the ride is firm.
If you are looking for new shocks, the base Bilsteins are a good choice, but you should also look at the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. They are firm but not like the Bilstein Z51 shock. They are also cheaper at about $30 per shock at places like Summit Racing or JEG's.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 623
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
I have Z51 shocks on my 87 and there was a substantial difference in ride quality over the old shocks. The car has the Z52 "Sport" suspension so the old shocks were not quite the same as the base FE1 shocks.
For the 96 base suspension, the spring rates are the softest of any of the C4's. Adding stiff shocks will help with handling and rough roads but you may find the ride to be somewhat stiff if not hard. Shocks and springs are typically matched from the factory based on the suspension package.
If you drove a Z51-equipped 96 with new Z51 shocks, you may find that the ride quality is better than a base suspension car with Z51 shocks. The overall handling will be much better in a Z51 car but the ride is firm.
If you are looking for new shocks, the base Bilsteins are a good choice, but you should also look at the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. They are firm but not like the Bilstein Z51 shock. They are also cheaper at about $30 per shock at places like Summit Racing or JEG's.
For the 96 base suspension, the spring rates are the softest of any of the C4's. Adding stiff shocks will help with handling and rough roads but you may find the ride to be somewhat stiff if not hard. Shocks and springs are typically matched from the factory based on the suspension package.
If you drove a Z51-equipped 96 with new Z51 shocks, you may find that the ride quality is better than a base suspension car with Z51 shocks. The overall handling will be much better in a Z51 car but the ride is firm.
If you are looking for new shocks, the base Bilsteins are a good choice, but you should also look at the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. They are firm but not like the Bilstein Z51 shock. They are also cheaper at about $30 per shock at places like Summit Racing or JEG's.
The 96 rides stiffer than my Base 86.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 3
From: Clearwater FL
St. Jude Donor '06
I did just as you are thinking with my 96. Except I put the Z51 HO models which are a little stiffer than the regular ones. I also put on a full poly conversion at the same time and the ride is much more responsive and tighter. If you have alot of bumpy roads I wouldn't do it, but I'm glad I did. No more bobbing up and down with quick shifts either.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by C4DC
I did just as you are thinking with my 96. Except I put the Z51 HO models which are a little stiffer than the regular ones.
The Bistein replacement for the non-Z51 is the Bilstein HD.
Larry
code5coupe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
I am considering doing the same. Searched on it a long while back and remember that people who have done it like the change, but recent comments in this and a couple other threads seem more split.
Originally Posted by lefoy84
My 96 is non Z51. How much stiffer are the Z51 Bilsteins? Has anyone put Z51 shock on a base suspension?
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Charlottesville VA
My car has the Z51 springs with Koni Yellows. It also has the 30/26mm swaybars. All the bushings were replaced with Poly's and it has the crossbar and camber brace. It handles and responds superbly, that was expected. What surprised me was that the ride is so good. It is stiff, but by no means bone jarring. I know the shocks selection makes a big difference here, and if you are thinking of replacing yours, then the Koni's are 100% worth a look IMO regardless of the other components you add or not.