Bilstein HD shocks...
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 807
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From: Miami Lakes FL
Bilstein HD shocks...
I have heard a lot of people raving about these. My Z06 only has 26,000 miles so the factory shocks are still good, but I really want the car to have a nicer ride. I don't road race the car so I really don't want the sports as I have heard they are stiffer. To those of you out there who have switched to the bilstein HD's, was it really worth it? Does the car ride that much smoother? Also, which vendors sell these shocks?
Last edited by bigred6906; Apr 16, 2007 at 02:10 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
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From: Los Angeles
The sports aren't THAT stiff. I don't think I would want my sports riding any softer. They are perfect. (I actually wouldnt mind them a little stiffer). I believed all those posts saying they were way too stiff until I put them in my car. They are fine. Keep in mind I have the base FE1 springs. Those that have the Z51 or Z06 spring may think they are too stiff.
I got mine from Vette Brakes and Parts for about $280.
I got mine from Vette Brakes and Parts for about $280.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Miami Lakes FL
I dont have a problem with how the car rode from factory....I have the car lowered with cut bushings up front and longer rear bolts and that affected the ride....It doesn't ride "nice and firm". It rides terrible...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Los Angeles
Thats because you drastically altered the geometry. If you lower it, it's never going to ride "better".
Seriously, get some Bilstein Sports. They have a shorter valve body and will be of good use on a lowered car. Your current shocks are bottoming out.
Seriously, get some Bilstein Sports. They have a shorter valve body and will be of good use on a lowered car. Your current shocks are bottoming out.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The sports are designed with a shorter body so they are the correct choice for a lowered car. The HD's are too soft for the Z06 suspension. The sports ride nice and smooth at highway cruise and tighten when you need them to. I wouldn't mind if they rode a little firmer. You've probably bottomed out your stock shocks which is wny it's riding worse now.
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Burning Brakes
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From: Miami Lakes FL
Burning Brakes
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From: Fayetteville AR
I have the HD on my z51 and love them. More control, slightly firmer but improved high speed ride. The HD are also one inch shorter than the factory z51 shocks. You will love the ride.
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From: Greer SC
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I had the HD's on our lowered (1.5" back then) car. Hated them...it wasn't that good at the track and terrible on rough roads. Switched to Bilstein Sports and was still dissatisfied. At the time we had Z51 Springs & Hotchkis Bars.
When I read all the posts from those who love their Bilsteins, maybe it's me.
I have been through so many suspension changes looking for the best of both worlds...smooth ride and race handling...maybe I just expect too much.
When I read all the posts from those who love their Bilsteins, maybe it's me.
I have been through so many suspension changes looking for the best of both worlds...smooth ride and race handling...maybe I just expect too much.
Last edited by Sully C5; Apr 19, 2007 at 09:14 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
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From: Los Angeles
You're right! If you want a smooth easy ride, its going to handle like poop. Might as well buy a sport sedan. If you want race handling, its going to ride like a race car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
C5 with ZO6 sway bars, metal ends. Had the Bilstein Sports and they were nice and stiff, but too harsh on some roads. I changed to the Bilstein HDs and love them...just did a 500 mile round trip this past weekend and the ride was firm and handling was great. My car is not lowered this may make a difference in the ride. My $.02