C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

shocks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 18, 2018 | 12:35 PM
  #1  
Perrbear88's Avatar
Perrbear88
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Abbotsford BC
Default shocks

Hi, I have a 1992 Corvette that my daughter and I are working on, not sure if I have a Z-51 suspension on it or not, have not found sticker yet that might tell me and don't know by looking at the suspension. Would it matter if I got the Z-51 shocks all around either way?
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2018 | 01:48 PM
  #2  
Haggisbash's Avatar
Haggisbash
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
Default

Hi, from Abbotsford NZ. Have you checked the RPO codes? Z51 package is code 1BL
Personally I wouldn't mix the Z51 spec shocks with the standard suspension, you would likely find the suspension would be over damped. JMPO someone may chime in who has tried this and can give you a verdict.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2018 | 01:50 PM
  #3  
rklessdriver's Avatar
rklessdriver
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,624
Likes: 431
From: Dale City VA
Default

It won't matter if you use the Z51 shocks to replace what is on there currently.

IF you do happen to have the FE1 base suspension, the Z51 shocks will firm up the ride a minimal amount.
Will
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2018 | 05:05 PM
  #4  
Perrbear88's Avatar
Perrbear88
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Abbotsford BC
Default

Thanks Will. That's kind of what I thought from my research online and in this forum. Appreciate it!!
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2018 | 11:35 AM
  #5  
QCVette's Avatar
QCVette
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
Liked
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
Default

I have put the Z51 bilstein shocks on base suspension cars. I like it better than the base shocks. They are a little firmer, but still not harsh. It just feels a little more "planted" to me.

I did this on my '94 and liked it, so I did it again when I got my '95.

The Z51 shocks have the same length fully extended or compressed, except that the fronts can go a little more compressed than the base shocks.

Good luck with you choice.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2018 | 05:05 PM
  #6  
Perrbear88's Avatar
Perrbear88
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Abbotsford BC
Default

Thanks a lot!!
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2018 | 11:18 AM
  #7  
DGXR's Avatar
DGXR
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
Default

My 1995 has the FE1 base suspension. I don't know if the spring rates are the same as a 1992 base (or maybe you have the Z51). Anyway my Bilsteins were busted and I replaced them with the standard B6 "performance" Bilsteins that my car had from the factory. The ride is comfortable but more floaty than I wanted... wish I had gone with the B8 Bilsteins. But my life is full of high quality problems so I just enjoy the car. Hope this helps you.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2018 | 06:15 PM
  #8  
Purple92's Avatar
Purple92
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 863
Default

Another vote for using the Z51 shocks either way.

One real quick thing - if the car has 13" front brake rotors its almost guaranteed to have the handling (Z51) package.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 23, 2018 | 05:34 AM
  #9  
grandspt's Avatar
grandspt
Drifting
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 289
From: MA
Default

I have the Z51 suspension and had the OEM Bilsteins on my 1996 GrandSport. I recently replaced them with the Ridetech adjustable shocks and I am very happy with them.
Adjust them firm for great handling or soft for a smoother ride. Just another choice which works well!
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2018 | 09:24 PM
  #10  
VikingTrad3r's Avatar
VikingTrad3r
Oil Producer
Supporting Gold
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,363
Likes: 2,734
Default

i put the non-z51 bilsteins (hd i believe) on my base 86 and its too floaty. wish i had put z51 bilsteins on.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2018 | 03:06 PM
  #11  
mixalive's Avatar
mixalive
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 668
Likes: 38
From: Austin TX
Default

The RPO codes on a 92 are on the bottom side on the console lid.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2018 | 08:53 AM
  #12  
Kevova's Avatar
Kevova
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Default

Z51 stopped in 91 resumed for 96. 92 -95 went to Z07 which used electric shocks. IDK if there is advantage to z51 vs base Bilsteins replacement shocks, unless car is lowered. Bilstein recommends Z51 shocks for lowered C4s. The replacement shocks are not the same as the OEM. Replacements are multiple year or semi generic. OEM are many times year and model specific or different part numbers for different years and options.
Reply
Old May 28, 2019 | 08:23 PM
  #13  
scottszo6's Avatar
scottszo6
2nd Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
Default

c6zo6 penske dbl adjustable track day use
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To shocks





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:33 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE