Difference between coupe/vert Z51 shocks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 191
Likes: 11
From: Suffolk VA
Difference between coupe/vert Z51 shocks
I was shopping around for a pair- my old steins are pretty blown and it's way too bouncy.
1989 MY
I noticed that zipcar is listing separate SKU's and P/N's for the Z51 package shocks for the coupe and Vert.
I can't imagine there are any physical differences, are they maybe talking about the Z52 package for the vert?
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/Kits/KitDetails.aspx?KitItemID={4cad4aaa-a396-43b1-9c75-38e47b3265a3}&gid={bd8939e5-781e-4fe9-95e6-a9bd0553d2c3}&GroupName=Bilstein+Shock+P ackages&pname=89-94+Cpe+Z51+Bilstein+Shock+Package&Refere r=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/Kits/KitDetails.aspx?KitItemID={6a6aee39-2357-4897-93da-ac7ea9f483a8}&gid={bd8939e5-781e-4fe9-95e6-a9bd0553d2c3}&GroupName=Bilstein+Shock+P ackages&pname=89-96+Conv+Z51+Bilstein+Shock+Package&Refer er=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&
1989 MY
I noticed that zipcar is listing separate SKU's and P/N's for the Z51 package shocks for the coupe and Vert.
I can't imagine there are any physical differences, are they maybe talking about the Z52 package for the vert?
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/Kits/KitDetails.aspx?KitItemID={4cad4aaa-a396-43b1-9c75-38e47b3265a3}&gid={bd8939e5-781e-4fe9-95e6-a9bd0553d2c3}&GroupName=Bilstein+Shock+P ackages&pname=89-94+Cpe+Z51+Bilstein+Shock+Package&Refere r=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/Kits/KitDetails.aspx?KitItemID={6a6aee39-2357-4897-93da-ac7ea9f483a8}&gid={bd8939e5-781e-4fe9-95e6-a9bd0553d2c3}&GroupName=Bilstein+Shock+P ackages&pname=89-96+Conv+Z51+Bilstein+Shock+Package&Refer er=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&
Last edited by ThatVguy; Jan 30, 2013 at 08:29 PM.
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There IS a difference is springs on verts and coupes..so a difference in shocks would not be a surprise. Weight distribution on the front end. Vert springs are a little stiffer/faster according to the charts.
OEM list 3 suspensions (possible shocks).....Performance, Sport and Base. Most aftermarket suppliers don;t make the 3 distinctions. They will offer base or performance. What that means ...depends on who you buy from. IIWM, I'd stay part specific and order the known part from a supplier that deals with that mfg full time. 'Steins are more expensive but they are a step above most. KYB makes a good priced alternative but it won;t last as long and it won;t be anywhere nearly as versatile as the Bilstein. Kinda get what ya pay for in the shock dept. Don;t forget the springs...those dictate what ANY shock can do for your car. The factory matched the shock to the spring/car.
OEM list 3 suspensions (possible shocks).....Performance, Sport and Base. Most aftermarket suppliers don;t make the 3 distinctions. They will offer base or performance. What that means ...depends on who you buy from. IIWM, I'd stay part specific and order the known part from a supplier that deals with that mfg full time. 'Steins are more expensive but they are a step above most. KYB makes a good priced alternative but it won;t last as long and it won;t be anywhere nearly as versatile as the Bilstein. Kinda get what ya pay for in the shock dept. Don;t forget the springs...those dictate what ANY shock can do for your car. The factory matched the shock to the spring/car.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 191
Likes: 11
From: Suffolk VA
There IS a difference is springs on verts and coupes..so a difference in shocks would not be a surprise. Weight distribution on the front end. Vert springs are a little stiffer/faster according to the charts.
OEM list 3 suspensions (possible shocks).....Performance, Sport and Base. Most aftermarket suppliers don;t make the 3 distinctions. They will offer base or performance. What that means ...depends on who you buy from. IIWM, I'd stay part specific and order the known part from a supplier that deals with that mfg full time. 'Steins are more expensive but they are a step above most. KYB makes a good priced alternative but it won;t last as long and it won;t be anywhere nearly as versatile as the Bilstein. Kinda get what ya pay for in the shock dept. Don;t forget the springs...those dictate what ANY shock can do for your car. The factory matched the shock to the spring/car.
OEM list 3 suspensions (possible shocks).....Performance, Sport and Base. Most aftermarket suppliers don;t make the 3 distinctions. They will offer base or performance. What that means ...depends on who you buy from. IIWM, I'd stay part specific and order the known part from a supplier that deals with that mfg full time. 'Steins are more expensive but they are a step above most. KYB makes a good priced alternative but it won;t last as long and it won;t be anywhere nearly as versatile as the Bilstein. Kinda get what ya pay for in the shock dept. Don;t forget the springs...those dictate what ANY shock can do for your car. The factory matched the shock to the spring/car.
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech...l#.UQnId79EExo
do you have a different set of charts you're referring to?
I was sort of planning on keeping the FE1 springs, I'm not looking to destroy the ride, I had my fill of a hugely bouncy/rock hard ride in the miata.
If the FE1/Z51 shock combo is still not enough, I may do the springs, but afaik, the Z52 combined the FE1 springs with the Z51 shocks, so I'm not doing anything wild or crazy.
KYB's did look interesting if only because they're only $140 shipped from rock auto, but if they're anything like what the car rides like now, I'm definitively not interested. It's simply far too bouncy and crashes over the rough roadways.
Last edited by ThatVguy; Jan 30, 2013 at 08:36 PM.
