I have a Z51 car and unless you REALLY love handling on the street stick with something softer. Good for the track, not so hot on the street.
Shock question.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 862
Likes: 0
From: Douglassville PA
Shock question.
I am looking at replacing the shocks on my 96. I want to go a bit firmer and I am looking at Bilsteins. The car has the base suspension. So my question is will the Bilstein z51 shocks fit? and, will they firm up the ride? I have heard they bolt right up, so I am unclear of the difference between the two sets, (base vs. z51). I am guessing the z51'a are just more of a sport shock.
any help is appreciated.
as always, thanks....
any help is appreciated.
as always, thanks....
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
There are lots of threads on this. Yes, HD or Sport will work on your car. Yes, Sport (Z51) will be stiffer. I have a Z51, if you are just street driving I would go with HD.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
My 94 was real stiff and were original shocks. Installed the HD and wheels stay on the ground much more, plus it is a softer ride. Its my DD and don't race it.
The sport is stiffer, but I can't see putting a stiffer shock on the car because thats was about what I took off.
The ones that came off were almost like road rally shocks but do not think they were ever bad. I just put them away for another day.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 862
Likes: 0
From: Douglassville PA
I agree completely.
My 94 was real stiff and were original shocks. Installed the HD and wheels stay on the ground much more, plus it is a softer ride. Its my DD and don't race it.
The sport is stiffer, but I can't see putting a stiffer shock on the car because thats was about what I took off.
The ones that came off were almost like road rally shocks but do not think they were ever bad. I just put them away for another day.
My 94 was real stiff and were original shocks. Installed the HD and wheels stay on the ground much more, plus it is a softer ride. Its my DD and don't race it.
The sport is stiffer, but I can't see putting a stiffer shock on the car because thats was about what I took off.
The ones that came off were almost like road rally shocks but do not think they were ever bad. I just put them away for another day.
I did a search but couldn't find anything like this on the forum. I'm probably not searching right...
thanks again
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
Thanks... You mention HD and sport... but the only two shocks I see in Mid America for example are Standard Bilstiens and Z51. Are the standards the HD's and the Z51 sports? They're the same price as well.
I did a search but couldn't find anything like this on the forum. I'm probably not searching right...
thanks again
I did a search but couldn't find anything like this on the forum. I'm probably not searching right...
thanks again
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 426
Likes: 16
From: Concord CA
on the subject of shocks.. I had a few people offer to sell me a few good used shock.. but they had different years.. and I have notice that on some.. 88 fronts are and sometimes different from other years (have different part numbers).. I have a 88..
Does anyone know or can tell what the interchange for years fit and doesn't fit ?.. what the different is/why ?
Does anyone know or can tell what the interchange for years fit and doesn't fit ?.. what the different is/why ?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
I did this also and really like the result. I haven't taken the plunge into autox or the like, so I can't speak to ragged edge performance of the combination, but I generally prefer a firmer feel even for street use.
Last edited by jrp; Mar 10, 2008 at 06:56 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: In front of C6s.
St: Jude Donor '10
To the OP:
HD=Base=softer
Sport=Z51=firmer
Yes, the Z51s bolt right up, and I would suggest making the upgrade if you are really into the handling aspect of the car, regardless of whether you track it or not.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 862
Likes: 0
From: Douglassville PA
I am really glad I upgraded to the Z51s as well. I actually got the idea from another forum member who had a very similar car to mine (FELNGR8, he has since passed on). The car definitely has a firmer feel and is more responsive, but not terribly rough or anything like that.
To the OP:
HD=Base=softer
Sport=Z51=firmer
Yes, the Z51s bolt right up, and I would suggest making the upgrade if you are really into the handling aspect of the car, regardless of whether you track it or not.
To the OP:
HD=Base=softer
Sport=Z51=firmer
Yes, the Z51s bolt right up, and I would suggest making the upgrade if you are really into the handling aspect of the car, regardless of whether you track it or not.
FELNGR8 was a good man.. had a few cruises with him as well. He will be missed..
