How long do the stock Bilsteins last??
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 37
From: Athens, GA
I've heard that getting 50k out of any shock is good - mine have just over 50k, so I bought a new set.
I ordered Bilstein Sports, as they are valved like Z51 shocks, and should provide a bit more control.
Steven
I ordered Bilstein Sports, as they are valved like Z51 shocks, and should provide a bit more control.
Steven
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Mine have 80K miles and 22 years on them. I have no idea what condition they're in, but the car seems to handle great.
I also drove it once without shocks, that was exciting.
When a gas charged shock dies, does it get stiffer? (gas leaked out?)
...or does it get softer? (fluid leaking out?)
I also drove it once without shocks, that was exciting.
When a gas charged shock dies, does it get stiffer? (gas leaked out?)
...or does it get softer? (fluid leaking out?)
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
FWIW, I decided to replace mine recently. ~53K miles and 11 years. Right rear showed some extra leaking and my daily driver Altima floats less than the Vette.
A quick search finds rocco16's on-point summary of the better options, Bilstein (my choice), and otherwise:
A quick search finds rocco16's on-point summary of the better options, Bilstein (my choice), and otherwise:
If you want a low-cost shock on your C4, go KYB.
If you want a good shock on your C4, go Bilstein.
If you want the best looking shock on your C4, go Edelbrock.
If you want the best performance shock on your C4, go Koni.
If you want a great looking, great performing shock, go QA-1.
I wouldn't consider anything else.
Larry
code5coupe
If you want a good shock on your C4, go Bilstein.
If you want the best looking shock on your C4, go Edelbrock.
If you want the best performance shock on your C4, go Koni.
If you want a great looking, great performing shock, go QA-1.
I wouldn't consider anything else.
Larry
code5coupe
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 0
From: CV ca
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13
The way I tested my shocks was to follow a friend through the twisties in his 06 z06. 
If the shocks weren't bad going into the first corner .......they were bad by the last one.
I got a good deal on some KYB's, so I decided to try them. They're ok. But I swear my care sits higher than before.
I will be going back to bilsteins one of these days.
If the shocks weren't bad going into the first corner .......they were bad by the last one.I got a good deal on some KYB's, so I decided to try them. They're ok. But I swear my care sits higher than before.
I will be going back to bilsteins one of these days.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: New Freedom PA
Shock Question
Desert
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa Kansas
I replaced my Bilsteins on Ruby at 99,000 miles (base suspension). My mechanic said they still felt like they were working. (Actually, I don't know if they were origional). I replaced with TPIS and have used it on track days. The TPIS shocks seemed to function very well (but also have Z07 sway bar and poly bushings.)
A Bilstein rep at MAM Funfest once told me the Bilsteins would last over 100,000 miles.
A Bilstein rep at MAM Funfest once told me the Bilsteins would last over 100,000 miles.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
I have 135,000 on mine, been thinking about replacement. Car rides just fine though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Rob,
You can do a bounce test on each corner of the car. Bounce it down as hard as you can. It should come back up and immediatly settle. If it bounces twice when you let go it needs shocks. Also if it floats twice or more when going over highway dips at high speed they are getting weak.
You can do a bounce test on each corner of the car. Bounce it down as hard as you can. It should come back up and immediatly settle. If it bounces twice when you let go it needs shocks. Also if it floats twice or more when going over highway dips at high speed they are getting weak.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 9
From: VA
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,941
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
Interesting post. Lotta variability.
My original rear Bilstein FX3 shocks were replaced at 95K but the fronts are still OK (mechanic and track day inspection verified). I'm up to 102K now and they still seem fine, but it would not surprise me if I needed to replace them within the next year.
My original rear Bilstein FX3 shocks were replaced at 95K but the fronts are still OK (mechanic and track day inspection verified). I'm up to 102K now and they still seem fine, but it would not surprise me if I needed to replace them within the next year.