Bilstein Z51 Shocks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 167
Likes: 10
From: Woodway, Texas
Bilstein Z51 Shocks
Fellow Vetters:
I'm comparing prices on a set of four Bilstein Z51 shocks when Eckkers pops up with a coupe and a convertible option for my '91. No other site I'm familiar with has ever asked this question. So, mine is "Is there really a difference?" Also, suggestions for best price on an entire set of Z51s would be appreciated. My eyez are crossed from too many hours on a Kindle!
SnorT91Man
I'm comparing prices on a set of four Bilstein Z51 shocks when Eckkers pops up with a coupe and a convertible option for my '91. No other site I'm familiar with has ever asked this question. So, mine is "Is there really a difference?" Also, suggestions for best price on an entire set of Z51s would be appreciated. My eyez are crossed from too many hours on a Kindle!
SnorT91Man
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
There is a difference in valving between the Z51 and base suspension shocks. The Z51 is firmer.
There is a slight difference in compressed length also. For my '95 the only difference in length was the Z51 fronts could go a little bit lower (about 1/4").
Either one can be used. I you have a very lowered front end, you should use the Z51's. If not lowered, it is personal preference on how firm you want it. I put the Z51 on two of my base suspension cars and like it. It is firm, but still not harsh.
I don't know where the best prices are. I just did some searches by part number for the ones I wanted. A few years ago I found eshocks and tire rack had good prices, but there are so many places and prices keep changing.
Good luck.
There is a slight difference in compressed length also. For my '95 the only difference in length was the Z51 fronts could go a little bit lower (about 1/4").
Either one can be used. I you have a very lowered front end, you should use the Z51's. If not lowered, it is personal preference on how firm you want it. I put the Z51 on two of my base suspension cars and like it. It is firm, but still not harsh.
I don't know where the best prices are. I just did some searches by part number for the ones I wanted. A few years ago I found eshocks and tire rack had good prices, but there are so many places and prices keep changing.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 167
Likes: 10
From: Woodway, Texas
Reply to Kevova and QCVette
Thanks for the info, guys! My base '91 convertible has heavier sway bars and stiffer monoleaves from VB&P all the way around. It was not originally equipped with the Z51 option. Given that, would the Z51 coupe shocks fit on both the front and rear ends? Seeing as the car has been on jack stands for several years now, I don't know if it will sit higher or lower once on the ground, and I really don't care. What I do care a lot about is spending $375-$400 for shocks that won't fit! The original Bilsteins had over 125K miles on them, dripped oil, and needed to be replaced.
Thanks again for your input and suggestions!
SnorT91Man
Thanks again for your input and suggestions!
SnorT91Man
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 19,691
Likes: 320
From: Alexandria VA
Intermediate<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/100-500.gif" border="0">
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 26
From: Portland Oregon
Speaking of Shocks !
Recently purchased a ‘96 Collectors Edition LT4 6spd with 67k miles. Looks great, but has several issues. Suspension is one of them ! Has Real Time Damping system, that either feels like it’s not functioning period or most or all of the components are wore out including ball joints and etc. ? Shakes/rattles on city streets, but doesn’t feel too bad on freeway ?
Recently sold my ‘02 C5 with low mileage and there’s an incredible difference in suspensions with the stock C5 out performing the C4 with an optional suspension. Love the C4, just need to resolve a few problems.
Recently sold my ‘02 C5 with low mileage and there’s an incredible difference in suspensions with the stock C5 out performing the C4 with an optional suspension. Love the C4, just need to resolve a few problems.
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