shocks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Connecticut
shocks
People got a 2 part question for everyone,I have been in this room the last couple days talking shocks,I am sold on the Bilstein shocks,the question is will these shocks work just as good if I don't have the Z51 SUSPENSION, NEXT QUESTION IS IF i DO HAVE THE Z51 SUSPENSION WHERE CAN i OBTAIN THAT INFORMATIONi HAVE SEARCHED all over the car,both doors,the cubby holes behind the seats even looked under the hood,now I am in the manual. Quite sure when I purchase this car I had ask for the Z51. HELP
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
Regarding the equipment on your car, the RPO codes are either under the center console lid or in one of the storage bins behind the seats. If you don't find anything, you should be able to run the VIN and find a list of options for your specific car. Try this:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/vindecoder.php
A last resort would be to order a duplicate build sheet from the National Corvette Museum:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/...ndow-stickers/
Now your question about shocks: you say you are sold on the Bilstein shocks but you don't say if you are talking about the B6 shocks (HD shocks for the FE1 base suspension) or the B8 shocks which are specific to the Z51 suspension. I don't have experience to tell you either way, but you need to specify B6 or B8 before anyone can answer how they will work with your car... that is, after you determine which suspension you have
Happy hunting!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/vindecoder.php
A last resort would be to order a duplicate build sheet from the National Corvette Museum:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/...ndow-stickers/
Now your question about shocks: you say you are sold on the Bilstein shocks but you don't say if you are talking about the B6 shocks (HD shocks for the FE1 base suspension) or the B8 shocks which are specific to the Z51 suspension. I don't have experience to tell you either way, but you need to specify B6 or B8 before anyone can answer how they will work with your car... that is, after you determine which suspension you have
Happy hunting!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach NY
Look under the Center Armrest/Console door. There should be a sheet attached to it with the RPO codes. You can the google the meanings of the codes. Should be a Z51 code.
Barrier
Ignore please, someone just posted it.
Barrier
Ignore please, someone just posted it.
People got a 2 part question for everyone,I have been in this room the last couple days talking shocks,I am sold on the Bilstein shocks,the question is will these shocks work just as good if I don't have the Z51 SUSPENSION, NEXT QUESTION IS IF i DO HAVE THE Z51 SUSPENSION WHERE CAN i OBTAIN THAT INFORMATIONi HAVE SEARCHED all over the car,both doors,the cubby holes behind the seats even looked under the hood,now I am in the manual. Quite sure when I purchase this car I had ask for the Z51. HELP
Last edited by Barrier; May 9, 2017 at 12:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Connecticut
shocks
Regarding the equipment on your car, the RPO codes are either under the center console lid or in one of the storage bins behind the seats. If you don't find anything, you should be able to run the VIN and find a list of options for your specific car. Try this:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/vindecoder.php
A last resort would be to order a duplicate build sheet from the National Corvette Museum:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/...ndow-stickers/
Now your question about shocks: you say you are sold on the Bilstein shocks but you don't say if you are talking about the B6 shocks (HD shocks for the FE1 base suspension) or the B8 shocks which are specific to the Z51 suspension. I don't have experience to tell you either way, but you need to specify B6 or B8 before anyone can answer how they will work with your car... that is, after you determine which suspension you have Happy hunting!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/vindecoder.php
A last resort would be to order a duplicate build sheet from the National Corvette Museum:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/...ndow-stickers/
Now your question about shocks: you say you are sold on the Bilstein shocks but you don't say if you are talking about the B6 shocks (HD shocks for the FE1 base suspension) or the B8 shocks which are specific to the Z51 suspension. I don't have experience to tell you either way, but you need to specify B6 or B8 before anyone can answer how they will work with your car... that is, after you determine which suspension you have
Happy hunting!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Connecticut
Codes
Regarding the equipment on your car, the RPO codes are either under the center console lid or in one of the storage bins behind the seats. If you don't find anything, you should be able to run the VIN and find a list of options for your specific car. Try this:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/vindecoder.php
A last resort would be to order a duplicate build sheet from the National Corvette Museum:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/...ndow-stickers/
Now your question about shocks: you say you are sold on the Bilstein shocks but you don't say if you are talking about the B6 shocks (HD shocks for the FE1 base suspension) or the B8 shocks which are specific to the Z51 suspension. I don't have experience to tell you either way, but you need to specify B6 or B8 before anyone can answer how they will work with your car... that is, after you determine which suspension you have Happy hunting!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/vindecoder.php
A last resort would be to order a duplicate build sheet from the National Corvette Museum:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/...ndow-stickers/
Now your question about shocks: you say you are sold on the Bilstein shocks but you don't say if you are talking about the B6 shocks (HD shocks for the FE1 base suspension) or the B8 shocks which are specific to the Z51 suspension. I don't have experience to tell you either way, but you need to specify B6 or B8 before anyone can answer how they will work with your car... that is, after you determine which suspension you have
Happy hunting!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I searched for my '95 Corvette and found length and damping values by part number for these shocks.
**The only length difference between the HD or SP is the compressed length of the front shocks. The Z51 has more travel and can go slightly lower.
**The damping rates are quite different. The Z51 rates are about twice as firm in both jounce and rebound.
I like a firmer shock, so I went with the B8 (Z51) shocks on a base suspension car twice ('94 & '95). I am very happy with them.
The '84 to '87 suspensions are different from the '88 to '96 ones, so they don't compare directly and my '95 information may not apply to the early cars.
When I looked at a couple of sites for Bilsteins it looks like your '84 does not seem to offer the same choices. I only see B6 fronts and only B8 rears.
There is also a 4600 for the rear. I am not sure what that one is. I have read that it is the equivalent of the B6. I also saw somewhere that it is not made in Germany but made in the US and it is not rebuildable like the B6/B8s are. A couple sites recommended against the 4600s as a downgrade from the B6, but these were Jeep sites.
Good luck with your choices.
If you don't have the SPID label you may still look for some of the features of the Z51 to see if you have them.
Z51 included
Heavy duty springs (spring code BMB / BMH front / rear) visible by a stamp near the outer end on the bottom.
Shocks (I think it was yellow Bilstein vs black on the base car but not 100% sure)
Sway bars 25mm front 23mm rear ( base was 24 front 20 rear)
Fast steering ratio (fewer turns lock to lock, but I don't remember how many. Maybe someone else can tell.)
Engine oil cooler
Pusher radiator fan in front of radiator.
**The only length difference between the HD or SP is the compressed length of the front shocks. The Z51 has more travel and can go slightly lower.
**The damping rates are quite different. The Z51 rates are about twice as firm in both jounce and rebound.
I like a firmer shock, so I went with the B8 (Z51) shocks on a base suspension car twice ('94 & '95). I am very happy with them.
The '84 to '87 suspensions are different from the '88 to '96 ones, so they don't compare directly and my '95 information may not apply to the early cars.
When I looked at a couple of sites for Bilsteins it looks like your '84 does not seem to offer the same choices. I only see B6 fronts and only B8 rears.
There is also a 4600 for the rear. I am not sure what that one is. I have read that it is the equivalent of the B6. I also saw somewhere that it is not made in Germany but made in the US and it is not rebuildable like the B6/B8s are. A couple sites recommended against the 4600s as a downgrade from the B6, but these were Jeep sites.
Good luck with your choices.
If you don't have the SPID label you may still look for some of the features of the Z51 to see if you have them.
Z51 included
Heavy duty springs (spring code BMB / BMH front / rear) visible by a stamp near the outer end on the bottom.
Shocks (I think it was yellow Bilstein vs black on the base car but not 100% sure)
Sway bars 25mm front 23mm rear ( base was 24 front 20 rear)
Fast steering ratio (fewer turns lock to lock, but I don't remember how many. Maybe someone else can tell.)
Engine oil cooler
Pusher radiator fan in front of radiator.
Last edited by QCVette; May 9, 2017 at 08:30 PM. Reason: add info.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Connecticut
After doing a thorough research I found out that I didn't order the Z51 Suspension. I still plan on putting Bilstein shocks on all four corners,that year,1984, did come thru with Bilstein on them. Again I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO Participated in this conversation you really enlighten me on the knowlwedge of shocks, Quite sure there is still more that I could learn. On the lighter side of this coversation I am 73 and this is proof that you can teach a old dog new tricks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Connecticut
Shocks
Regarding the equipment on your car, the RPO codes are either under the center console lid or in one of the storage bins behind the seats. If you don't find anything, you should be able to run the VIN and find a list of options for your specific car. Try this:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/vindecoder.php
A last resort would be to order a duplicate build sheet from the National Corvette Museum:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/...ndow-stickers/
Now your question about shocks: you say you are sold on the Bilstein shocks but you don't say if you are talking about the B6 shocks (HD shocks for the FE1 base suspension) or the B8 shocks which are specific to the Z51 suspension. I don't have experience to tell you either way, but you need to specify B6 or B8 before anyone can answer how they will work with your car... that is, after you determine which suspension you have Happy hunting!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/vindecoder.php
A last resort would be to order a duplicate build sheet from the National Corvette Museum:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/...ndow-stickers/
Now your question about shocks: you say you are sold on the Bilstein shocks but you don't say if you are talking about the B6 shocks (HD shocks for the FE1 base suspension) or the B8 shocks which are specific to the Z51 suspension. I don't have experience to tell you either way, but you need to specify B6 or B8 before anyone can answer how they will work with your car... that is, after you determine which suspension you have
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
OF course you can install whatever shock you want. The B6 HD is the factory replacement for your car. (I have no idea what the Bilstein 4600 is.) As QCVette has done, many people opt for the firmer B8 shock with their base suspension and pleased with the results... although QCVette has a late C4 with softer springs on the base suspension. Early C4 models (such as your 1984) are notorious for very firm springs even on the base suspension. An early C4 with the B8 would be great for autocross or sport driving but possibly uncomfortable in everyday conditions. It depends what you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,527
Likes: 914
From: Communist Colorado
OF course you can install whatever shock you want. The B6 HD is the factory replacement for your car. (I have no idea what the Bilstein 4600 is.) As QCVette has done, many people opt for the firmer B8 shock with their base suspension and pleased with the results... although QCVette has a late C4 with softer springs on the base suspension. Early C4 models (such as your 1984) are notorious for very firm springs even on the base suspension. An early C4 with the B8 would be great for autocross or sport driving but possibly uncomfortable in everyday conditions. It depends what you want.
Last edited by 81c3; May 15, 2017 at 10:45 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Connecticut
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
go to autozone online.
They have the bilsteins and the KYB and gabriel shocks.
Check pricing. Usually, they are about 10% less.
The Bilsteins are $156 and the KYB are $100 cheaper.
Your decision
They have the bilsteins and the KYB and gabriel shocks.
Check pricing. Usually, they are about 10% less.
The Bilsteins are $156 and the KYB are $100 cheaper.
Your decision