Bilstein shock difference?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Bilstein shock difference?
I'm in the market for new shock on my 95 coupe... I want to pick up the Z51 Bilsteins, which a forum member has a set forsale for a fair price. Problem is that Bilstein lists a different part number for the 95 & 96 cars as compared to the 89 to 94 cars.... while every other company list the same part number for 89 thru 96. :confused:
I can't find any tech support contact for Bilstein, anyone have any idea what might be different? I'm almost positive they will work, but just would like to know what changed.
Thxs
Jim
I can't find any tech support contact for Bilstein, anyone have any idea what might be different? I'm almost positive they will work, but just would like to know what changed.
Thxs
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 9
From: Houston TX
Re: Bilstein shock difference? (Springer's 95)
jim, i went through this already...
i originally ordered koni sports. they were supposed to be for '89-up (later turned out to be in boxes for '89-'94). the bottom mount didn't fit my control arms ('96). the bolt holes on the control arms were too close together, as compared to the holes in the shock.
this is when i discovered that there's a different part number for '95-'96. this holds true for almost all brands. i called bilstein and got confirmation that the control arm is different. i then ordered bilstein sports for a '96, and they fit.
i was still perplexed, since many catalogs list the same shock for all of those years. some even list the same part number for all C4s. more fuel to the fire came when a friend i race with said he put '89 shocks straight onto his '96 with no problem. he also said the gm parts book shows the same part number control arm for '89-up.
so, i still don't know the answer. could be that those konis were misboxed, and were totally the incorrect shocks. or, could be that the control arms really are different.
how about someone measure the bolt spacing on their '89, and i'll check it against my '96?
i originally ordered koni sports. they were supposed to be for '89-up (later turned out to be in boxes for '89-'94). the bottom mount didn't fit my control arms ('96). the bolt holes on the control arms were too close together, as compared to the holes in the shock.
this is when i discovered that there's a different part number for '95-'96. this holds true for almost all brands. i called bilstein and got confirmation that the control arm is different. i then ordered bilstein sports for a '96, and they fit.
i was still perplexed, since many catalogs list the same shock for all of those years. some even list the same part number for all C4s. more fuel to the fire came when a friend i race with said he put '89 shocks straight onto his '96 with no problem. he also said the gm parts book shows the same part number control arm for '89-up.
so, i still don't know the answer. could be that those konis were misboxed, and were totally the incorrect shocks. or, could be that the control arms really are different.
how about someone measure the bolt spacing on their '89, and i'll check it against my '96?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Bilstein shock difference? (MSR)
Now thats something I wasn't expecting... thanks for the info michael, I can do some measuring before i pick these up! :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 1
From: Lake Ozark MO
Re: Bilstein shock difference? (Springer's 95)
I tossed a set of Z51 Bilsteins on my '96 until I can find some reasonably priced F45 shocks. I'm very happy with 'em. Just make sure you add an extra washer to the fronts.
When I first put these on I noticed a slight "jangle" on certain surfaces... ended up the shock actuator was a tad too long. Added another washer and also found out you can change the front shocks without removing the wheels :) Everything's been good for 5K miles. Shocks are one thing that's cake on a Vette.
When I first put these on I noticed a slight "jangle" on certain surfaces... ended up the shock actuator was a tad too long. Added another washer and also found out you can change the front shocks without removing the wheels :) Everything's been good for 5K miles. Shocks are one thing that's cake on a Vette.
