[Z06] Shock opinions needed!!!
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Panama City Beach Florida
Shock opinions needed!!!
My daily-driven 2001 now has about 55K on it and I'm considering a suspension freshening/upgrade. Considering getting involved in a very occasional auto-x in the future. Are the GM Sachs 2004 Z06 shocks my best bet or should I consider some aftermarket shocks like Bilsteins? Is there anything else that I should be looking at freshening/upgrading in the suspension? Thanks in advance!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Woodinville WA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
That depends on whether or not your car is lowered. If not, the '04 shocks would be fine. If you are lowered or contemplating doing so, then you should go for the Bilstein Sport shocks. They work better on lowered cars. BTW, lowering is easy and no cost. It will definetely enhance your handling and looks. There is almost no sacrifice in drivability other than ground clearance at curbs.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,061
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From: Menifee CA
04z shkcs, z06 springs, T1 bars is ur best bet if u have a street car...
i tried T1 suspension on the street and its too stiff around the corners...
people say Bilsteins are better than 04 Z shcks but they dont work well with T1 bars and Z06 springs....
i tried T1 suspension on the street and its too stiff around the corners...
people say Bilsteins are better than 04 Z shcks but they dont work well with T1 bars and Z06 springs....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Granbury Texas
That depends on whether or not your car is lowered. If not, the '04 shocks would be fine. If you are lowered or contemplating doing so, then you should go for the Bilstein Sport shocks. They work better on lowered cars. BTW, lowering is easy and no cost. It will definetely enhance your handling and looks. There is almost no sacrifice in drivability other than ground clearance at curbs.
My advice would be to look at this issue on the roadrace and autocross forum. Most racers/autocross prefer the 04 shock's rebound control for stock suspension cars.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 98
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From: Panama City Beach Florida
That depends on whether or not your car is lowered. If not, the '04 shocks would be fine. If you are lowered or contemplating doing so, then you should go for the Bilstein Sport shocks. They work better on lowered cars. BTW, lowering is easy and no cost. It will definetely enhance your handling and looks. There is almost no sacrifice in drivability other than ground clearance at curbs.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 98
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From: Panama City Beach Florida
That's kinda the route that I was thinking. T1 bars with '04Z shocks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
"LOWERED" up to 10 or 12 mm (1/2") is fine, and recommended bythe factory for use with the 04 Shocks. Lower below that at your own risk as the Z06 suspension is out of it's ideal geometry, and will not work (handle) as well no matter what shock you run.
My advice would be to look at this issue on the roadrace and autocross forum. Most racers/autocross prefer the 04 shock's rebound control for stock suspension cars.
My advice would be to look at this issue on the roadrace and autocross forum. Most racers/autocross prefer the 04 shock's rebound control for stock suspension cars.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You would have to check either the space from the top of the tires to the wheel well opening or the more difficult but accurate way is to look at the suspension adjustment bolts. On the front there should not be too many threads exposed if at stock height. If all threads are showing and the bushing is up against the control arm, then it's been lowered. The rear is the opposite. If the top of the bolt has no threads showing, it's been lowered. Stock, it will have at least about 1/2" showing (unless the rear bolts have been changed). If your car was lowered you will scrape alot, sounds worse than it really is, it's usually just the replaceable plastic front spoilers. Don't remove them though, they are essential to engine cooling. Basically though, from a distance, does your car look too high over the tires, almost like a 4x4? Stock, the space above the tire will be greater than the space in front and back of the tire. If it's even all around it's lowered.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,186
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From: Woodinville WA
Is that info you read or do you have personal experience regarding that advice? After lowering my car on stock bolts, which gave about 1" lowering, I had my suspension aligned and set-up by the shop that does alot of suspension develpoment for GM and races C5's sucessfully, winning several SCCA championships. John Heinricy, GM head of performance suspension development drives for them. I mention this because of their credentials, they did a thorough going over of all facets of alignment, ride height and corner weighting. After their work, my car handles and sticks to the road like a cat climbing drapes. Plus, with the Bilstein Sports the ride is still comfortable and does not beat you up at all. Aside from performance driving, my car is also a daily driver. I use it even for commuting to work and it now has about 55,000 miles. It's an '03 Z06.