[Z06] Front shock replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: Santa Ynez Ca.
OK found the treads in the tech section. Still interested in knowing who has tried the Bilstein Z51 sport vs. regular shocks. I'm leaning towards the Z51 but would like to hear from anyone who has tried them.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: Santa Ynez Ca.
As of now I havn't made any choice. I didn't even consider a later model shock as this is the first I've heard about useing them. I assume they fit but don't have any knowledge regarding their compression and rebound settings. Nor do I have any knowledge regarding Bilsteins, thats why I was asking. What can you tell me about the choices out there?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,601
From: Honolulu HI
If you search around on the topic, lots of folks rave about the '08/'09 C6Z shocks, which are a direct bolt on replacement for C5's. I have an '03 C5Z with 21K on it, and I'm going to upgrade to the C6Z shocks this summer when I have the time to mess with it. Gene Culley with GM Parts House sells them for pretty cheap. Guys with base model C5's are upgrading to C6Z shocks and C6 Z51 sway bars and reporting night and day ride and handling differences. 
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...-specials.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...-specials.html
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: Santa Ynez Ca.
Thanks. I'll check with Gene next week to see if he can help me determine what the best shock will be. I'd like to see if someone knows what the valving and/or rebound/compression settings are on the GM C6 shocks compared with the Bilsteins. They certainly are less money!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
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From: SpringHill Florida
Bilsteins have a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials to the original purchaser. Don't know what GM offers if anything.
I just got my sports this week and have not installed them yet.
If you do decide on the GM shocks Gene Culley is an outstanding person to deal with and I recommend ordering through him.I am compiling a list of things to order from him right now. Good luck.
I just got my sports this week and have not installed them yet.
If you do decide on the GM shocks Gene Culley is an outstanding person to deal with and I recommend ordering through him.I am compiling a list of things to order from him right now. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: Santa Ynez Ca.
Am I correct to assume you ordered your Bilsteins from Gene? After you install them I'd like to know how you like them. I was going to order a set but will put it off a few months as I just committed to a new set of wheels and tires to the tune of $4380. Now I've spent my mad money and done my part for the failing economy.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,639
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From: Winston-Salem North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I chose the 04 Z06 shock all the way around for the type of driving I do. (HPDE's) I don't want to quote soemthing wrong, but I researched both and the 04 came out ahead, plus it was cheaper. They're both good shocks, good luck.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: SpringHill Florida
No I did not order the Bilsteins through Gene I was just stating if you go with the GM shocks get them from him.He is a great support to all of us here. I got the Bilsteins through Summit as I travel from Florida to Atlanta everyother week trying to complete our Elcamino drag car. I go right past Summit and their showroom is like a huge vacuum to my bank account I just added the shocks to the bill.
I will be installing sometime this week and will let you know what I think.
I will be installing sometime this week and will let you know what I think.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: Santa Ynez Ca.
Yea, I know what you mean driving by the a showroom. These Z's are as bad as boats when it comes to burning money! I started out several days ago just looking for tires and now I've dropped 4 grand plus on IForged rims and the tires that go with them. I'll be waiting until next month to get the shocks but I would really like to know what you think of them. Thanks for your reply and hope to hear from you when you get them installed and a few miles on them.
Phil
Phil
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I have the Bilstein Sports on my car and I'm pleased with them. They are comfortable when highway cruising but will firm up when you need them to automatically. I bought them form Vette Brakes & Products in Florida and paid under $300 for all four. There is a thread you'll have to search for on installing front shocks without disassembling the front end. It requires extra large tiewraps and it works.