Shock Replacement....?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
Shock Replacement....?
In the not to distant furture I'll need to replace my shocks. (80,000 on the clock.) Thing is I don't know what's on the car now. Stock or replacement. The car has the adjustable shock controls on the console if that is of any help. What I do know is I'm not happy with the ride. I would like to replace the current set with Blisteins or Konis. The type that came with the car are $500 apiece, or so I was told. The aftermaket Bilsteins are $300 for the set. Opinions....
The bigger question is what, if any, modifications are needed to replace the stock shocks with aftermarket shocks?
The bigger question is what, if any, modifications are needed to replace the stock shocks with aftermarket shocks?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Detroit area MI
I have a '98 vert with the F45 3 way adjustable shocks, and I fail to see their value. Alot of guys here suggest late model (like '04) Z06 shocks.....with sway bars and end links to finish the package. $300 for the shocks, not clear to me that the other parts are necessary, in case you are budgeting.
Also many, many have reported that going to non runflats greatly increases ride.
Also many, many have reported that going to non runflats greatly increases ride.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Detroit area MI
F 45 delete link
From my bookmarked saved links http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...+BCM+Procedure
If you do a search and find something more up to date please post, thanks.
If you do a search and find something more up to date please post, thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield VA
St. Jude Donor '07
I for one endorse the the Z-06 shock upgrade. I had the stock "soft ride" suspension, it was actually mushier and floatier than my stock '04 Mustang GT, which of itself was AWFUL! After alot of research, I ended up with swapping springs, (I installed Z-51 front and rear), 2004 Z06 sway bars front and rear, 2007 Z06 shocks, all the way around. Ladies and Gentleman, I now have a SPORTSCAR! Excellent firm ride, minimal "chop" on rough roads, handling, like on rails. I'm also sold on the BF Goodrich G-force KDW's, incredible wet/dry grip, no more wandering like the run-flats. Total cost: $750 tires, $418 bars and shocks (Gene Culley), $270 springs (thanks John Shiels)
John
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
My personal choice was Bilstein HDs as they are valved for softer dampening. If you want to retain a competition type ride characteristics go with the Bilstein Sports with stiffer valving. Both sets cost the same at $300 for 4 shocks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: 90% of all Fords are still on the road.....the other 10% actually made it home!
I didn't check out that link, but if you do in fact still have the stock F45 shocks in it, you will either have to get shock simulators for it, or have a Service Tech delete the SRC system from the computer. Replacing them without doing this will throw codes on your DIC. 
I actually have a set of (Brand New) Bilstein Sport shocks I'll sell you for $250 + S&H. I bought them last week because I lowered the car on stock bolts and wanted a shorter shock. That and I also have around 70K on the clock. Anyway, today I ended up buying a set of Coil-overs for it and no longer need the Bilsteins. I paid $300 for them.......
I actually have a set of (Brand New) Bilstein Sport shocks I'll sell you for $250 + S&H. I bought them last week because I lowered the car on stock bolts and wanted a shorter shock. That and I also have around 70K on the clock. Anyway, today I ended up buying a set of Coil-overs for it and no longer need the Bilsteins. I paid $300 for them.......
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
I didn't check out that link, but if you do in fact still have the stock F45 shocks in it, you will either have to get shock simulators for it, or have a Service Tech delete the SRC system from the computer. Replacing them without doing this will throw codes on your DIC.
I actually have a set of (Brand New) Bilstein Sport shocks I'll sell you for $250 + S&H. I bought them last week because I lowered the car on stock bolts and wanted a shorter shock. That and I also have around 70K on the clock. Anyway, today I ended up buying a set of Coil-overs for it and no longer need the Bilsteins. I paid $300 for them.......
I actually have a set of (Brand New) Bilstein Sport shocks I'll sell you for $250 + S&H. I bought them last week because I lowered the car on stock bolts and wanted a shorter shock. That and I also have around 70K on the clock. Anyway, today I ended up buying a set of Coil-overs for it and no longer need the Bilsteins. I paid $300 for them.......
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: 90% of all Fords are still on the road.....the other 10% actually made it home!
I didn't notice until just now that you're in Hawaii. I bet it would probably be cheaper just to order them for the $300 since it includes free shipping. It would probably cost $50 or more for me to ship them that far with how much they weigh. I doubt you even save any money by trying to get these because of that. Plus with all the $$ I've shelled out in the last few weeks, I really need to try and get these and some other things sold ASAP. Ya never know what might happen though between now and then. 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
OH WOW I didn't notice until just now that you're in Hawaii. I bet it would probably be cheaper just to order them for the $300 since it includes free shipping. It would probably cost $50 or more for me to ship them that far with how much they weigh. I doubt you even save any money by trying to get these because of that. Plus with all the $$ I've shelled out in the last few weeks, I really need to try and get these and some other things sold ASAP. Ya never know what might happen though between now and then.
I didn't notice until just now that you're in Hawaii. I bet it would probably be cheaper just to order them for the $300 since it includes free shipping. It would probably cost $50 or more for me to ship them that far with how much they weigh. I doubt you even save any money by trying to get these because of that. Plus with all the $$ I've shelled out in the last few weeks, I really need to try and get these and some other things sold ASAP. Ya never know what might happen though between now and then. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 1
From: Lower Lake Ca
OH WOW I didn't notice until just now that you're in Hawaii. I bet it would probably be cheaper just to order them for the $300 since it includes free shipping. It would probably cost $50 or more for me to ship them that far with how much they weigh. I doubt you even save any money by trying to get these because of that. Plus with all the $$ I've shelled out in the last few weeks, I really need to try and get these and some other things sold ASAP. Ya never know what might happen though between now and then.
I didn't notice until just now that you're in Hawaii. I bet it would probably be cheaper just to order them for the $300 since it includes free shipping. It would probably cost $50 or more for me to ship them that far with how much they weigh. I doubt you even save any money by trying to get these because of that. Plus with all the $$ I've shelled out in the last few weeks, I really need to try and get these and some other things sold ASAP. Ya never know what might happen though between now and then. PM'd you
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: 90% of all Fords are still on the road.....the other 10% actually made it home!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 174,312
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From: Here
Pilot of Beer Force 1
Tampa Regional Coordinator
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
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I believe in the Beer Fairy
I did the C6 Z06....
it is a PITA if you don't have a way to compress the shock to get them in there but they bolt right up
it is a PITA if you don't have a way to compress the shock to get them in there but they bolt right up
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
Just installed Bilstein HDs on my 2001 at 30,000 miles when I changed to Michelin A/S ZPs - drives WAY BETTER than it ever has.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield VA
St. Jude Donor '07
I agree those C-6 Z06 shocks are a pain in the *** to put in the rear end, they are freakin crazy stiff. I removed the rear tie rod end and slighly rotated the spindle to lower the arm, and clear the CV boot.
John
John
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 1
From: Kingsport TN
I have a question re: my 99 vert. How would I know if I have the F45 on mine? What is the easiest way to check?
Also, if I upgrade to 04 z06 shocks or Bilstein, and it turns out I have the F45, would I still have to get the F45 deleted w/ a Tech 2?
Thanks in advance for any input.
Also, if I upgrade to 04 z06 shocks or Bilstein, and it turns out I have the F45, would I still have to get the F45 deleted w/ a Tech 2?
Thanks in advance for any input.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 2
From: tampa florida
In your center console you should have a three position switch, if its there you have the selective ride control.
As stated earlier, you can go to ratshack and get four 10 watt 10 ohm resistors and solder them in and it does the same thing for 10 bucks.
Brad
As stated earlier, you can go to ratshack and get four 10 watt 10 ohm resistors and solder them in and it does the same thing for 10 bucks.
Brad