I installed the Bilstein shocks today, I used MacRat’s shock replacement “How To” as a guide (http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm).
Took the vette for a test drive after the install and the improvement was noticeable. The car doesn’t bounce over bumps like before. They
are simply suppressed or handled betters. I’m looking forward to further testing!

For those riding the fence on replacing their shocks its not really that hard. The install went as expected except for three things;

1) After removing the rear shocks I was unable to remove the nut from the shocks shaft so I could remove the bracket (See pic below). So I
used a hacksaw to cut the rod right below the nut to free the bracket.


2) It wasn’t necessary to do this to remove the front shocks, but to install the new ones I had to disconnect the radiator and windshield
washer reservoirs (did not have to disconnect hoses) from their mounts so I could access the the tops of the shock shafts. An Alan
wrench is used to prevent the shaft from turning while tightening the retaining nut.


3) This was not covered in anything I read but the bottom mount tabs on the front shocks (see pic below) are not positioned correctly out of
the box. Look at the position of the tabs on the old shocks and turn the ones on the new shock to match it. They are tight! I had to use my
bench vice to turn them. Vice Grips might work, I’m not certain.



Here’s a pic with the wire ties holding the shock compressed for install;


Also took the opportunity to install a little bling;

 

Good deal! BTW, where did you buy the bling?

 

Nice.

Does one need to get an alignment after installing new shocks? I know it must be done if the car has been lowered on stock bolts, so it seems that would be that case with new shocks. I don't know. I will be tackling this soon and was wondering.

 

I thought I got them at MidAm but I can't find them. Eckler has them but I don't beleive I paid that much!

 

No alignment needed for new shocks (I'm happy to report).

 

Sweet, those are the shocks I am thinking about replacing my F45 setup with--thanks for the good install pictures and tips

 

Thanks for the writeup and pics I should be doing this whole deal here pretty soon along with 4.10s and LG LT headers

 

LG LTs and 4.10s, sweet!!

 

Hi Vetteran -

We put those on TJK's Z06 last summer.

I could do it in a couple hours now that I know all the "tricks" - but it took 7 hours the first time around....just taking our time and doing it slowly and carefully.

Nice look with the calipers and brake pad covers....

Thanks for posting the pics and your driving impressions -

best regards -

mqqn

 

I looked at your web pictures and you have one beautiful looking Vett. I really liked the front a rear improvements the most, but the whole car is a well organized custom setup

 

Great pics. And, very cool mods. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Good. I just had one about a thousand miles ago. Thanks

 

I installed Bilstein Sports after a few months with Z06 shocks. The first thing I noticed was how compliant the ride was cruising but how firm and controlled it was in spirited driving. Last, there was no more "axle hop" hitting a bump at mid curve.

 

Thank you!

 

Yeeesssss, no more axle hop!!! I just got back from running and errand (in
the vette of course) and was noticing that too. I agree with your eval,
definitely a better ride!

 

One of the first mods I did. Added Z06 sway bars and got a Z06 alignment at the same time. Completely changed the way the car handles.

 

Thanks for the writeup. Going to have to change my shocks one of these days and this will help.

 

Nice write-up and pictures

Great looking Vette too