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New Shocks for C5?

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Old May 22, 2006 | 04:13 PM
  #1  
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Default New Shocks for C5?

My 99,000 mile C5 seems to be getting mushy. Seems like the right time to swap the shocks out.

I don't visit the track...and while I like a firm ride I'm not looking for pay for performance with pain.

What's a good choice for new shocks? Price *is* an object...

Is there a DIY guide to changing them or is this a major job I should leave to the pros?

-matt
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Old May 22, 2006 | 05:00 PM
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Just put on a set of 2004 ZO6 shocks on my 2000 vert. They're fantastic and a very popular choice here on the forum. Definitly stiffer than the base suspension, but not unduly harsh. I combined them with ZO6 sways and they make for a great ride. The ZO6 shocks were slightly revised in '04 compared with the '03 and older, which is why the '04 version are more sought after than the earlier years.
Another option that alot of guys seem to be going with are the ZO6 shocks from the new C6. I've heard good things, but don't have any first hand experience with them.
As for price, I know that the C6 version are actually less expensive the the '04 version.
Hope this helps a little. I'm sure some with more knowledge on the subject will chime in soon.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 05:11 PM
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The '04 Z06 shocks are a good way to go. That's what will be going on mine when the car needs them.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 05:12 PM
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Another vote for '04 Z06 shocks. My stockers are hardly harsh, especially compared to sports cars I've had in the past. And I hear the damping on the '04's is even better for bumps.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 05:15 PM
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Yes, the '04 Z06 (Sachs) shocks are the best from what I hear.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 05:19 PM
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The C6 Z06 shocks according to Gene Culley at Fred Beans are the best way to go... give you a firm predicatble ride and cost substantially less than the 2004 Z06 shocks and yes they fit.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by rws.1
The C6 Z06 shocks according to Gene Culley at Fred Beans are the best way to go... give you a firm predicatble ride and cost substantially less than the 2004 Z06 shocks and yes they fit.
Really, they are ok? I was going to recommend them, but I heard where the C6 Z06 shocks were a no-no for a C5 b/c the C6 Z shocks were designed for a much lighter car, etc, yada, ...I guess not then!!
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Old May 22, 2006 | 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by ayeroff
Just put on a set of 2004 ZO6 shocks on my 2000 vert. They're fantastic and a very popular choice here on the forum. Definitly stiffer than the base suspension, but not unduly harsh. I combined them with ZO6 sways and they make for a great ride. The ZO6 shocks were slightly revised in '04 compared with the '03 and older, which is why the '04 version are more sought after than the earlier years.
Another option that alot of guys seem to be going with are the ZO6 shocks from the new C6. I've heard good things, but don't have any first hand experience with them.
As for price, I know that the C6 version are actually less expensive the the '04 version.
Hope this helps a little. I'm sure some with more knowledge on the subject will chime in soon.
Reply
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Old May 22, 2006 | 06:13 PM
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Ok guys, that's great...

Followup

1) Can a weekend warrior slap these on with standard tools or is this something deserving of a garage visit? Concern to me is getting the caster/camber/toe in set right (though I'm fine if you can somehow swap the shocks without perturbing these parameters).

2) Does it seem about right that after 90k miles the shocks should be about done? Maybe I'm a car hypocondriac.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 06:23 PM
  #10  
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Default shocks

I put a set of C6 Z06 shocks from Fred Beans on my 04 a4 vert about a year ago along with the Z06 sway bars. Car does not ride rough and really takes to the twisties.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 07:14 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by mr_walsh
Ok guys, that's great...

Followup

1) Can a weekend warrior slap these on with standard tools or is this something deserving of a garage visit? Concern to me is getting the caster/camber/toe in set right (though I'm fine if you can somehow swap the shocks without perturbing these parameters).

2) Does it seem about right that after 90k miles the shocks should be about done? Maybe I'm a car hypocondriac.
I did 01 Z06 shocks and sways on the 'vert about a year ago. Fairly easy DIY project. Would have access to torque specs but I don't think it affects alignment.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 09:30 PM
  #12  
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I have the '04 Z06 shocks and sways for durability and performance. Love 'em!
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Old May 22, 2006 | 09:40 PM
  #13  
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Another vote for C6 ZO6 shocks. I receintly replaced mine with these and noticed a huge differance. The car really feels the road more. Did the install myself and took less than 2 hours for all four.
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Old May 22, 2006 | 10:48 PM
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I love the 04 Z06 shocks I currently have. I debated getting the 06 Z06 shocks since they are a bit cheaper but they are worth it. My vette is lowered on stock bolts but the vette still handles superbly, the suspension is firm without being jarring or too stiff and can handle NYC potholes without a problem. These shocks were tuned at the nurburgring and you can definitely tell when using them on a road course. I highly recommend them. I bought mine from Fred beans along with the Z06 sway bars.
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