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C5ZO6 or C6ZO6 Shocks? Need Experienced Input Please.

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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 05:17 PM
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Default C5ZO6 or C6ZO6 Shocks? Need Experienced Input Please.

I'm wanting to replace my F45 shocks soon. I know I will need to get the simulators for the system to adjust for non F45 shocks. So I have budgeted for that. My car is just for daily usage so coilovers are overkill and unnecessary. I'm thinking ZO6 shocks would be the best for my application. The car is lowered all the way on stock stuff. I've got 18X9.5 fronts and 18X10.5 rears. I also plan on adding C5 ZO6 bars down the road. The price difference for C6Z shocks and C5Z shocks is not much. So my question is that what is the difference in feel between the two? I am assuming that the C6Z would have more road feel than the C5Z. I know both cars would also have different spring rates so that would have a impact also. Just trying to get some advise on which would be better for a lightly (for now) modded street C5.

P.S. Is the only way to get ahold of Gene Culley by phone? I've sent e-mails and no response and there is no way to pm that guy.

-Alex
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 05:20 PM
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I sent Gene a email last week he got back to me the next day. I'm interested in the shocks also since I may replace. Coilovers are looking nice for the price these days from PFADT.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by AlexSmith
The price difference for C6Z shocks and C5Z shocks is not much.
Gene's price for C6 Z06 shocks $243.70 for set of 4. Gene's price for C5 Z06 shocks $472.94 for set of 4.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark C5
Gene's price for C6 Z06 shocks $243.70 for set of 4. Gene's price for C5 Z06 shocks $472.94 for set of 4.
Gotta love the price deviation on the same parts by region or store. Have to wonder why C6 shocks would be cheaper than C5 shocks. Where'd you get these prices aka link to store?

-Alex
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 06:06 PM
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I'm interested in this mod as well, so I'd love to hear some responses on this!

Always loved your car by the way, Alex. Nice look.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 06:19 PM
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Thanks Jacks2002 I've actually got some more mods on it at but haven't been able to take some new pics yet. Awaiting another mod as we speak

-Alex
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by AlexSmith
Gotta love the price deviation on the same parts by region or store. Have to wonder why C6 shocks would be cheaper than C5 shocks. Where'd you get these prices aka link to store?

-Alex
The price difference has been known for years. Nothing new. Personally I would recommend the C5Z06 versions. Their compression/rebound rates are designed specifically for the C5Z06 frame, suspension, and spring rate. Caveat: To take full advantage of them, you need to swap over to C5 Z06 springs. I think too many guys just look strictly at price and justify their purchase based on "cheaper". "Cheaper" doesn't always mean they are best for the intended application.

HTH
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Jacks2002
I'm interested in this mod as well, so I'd love to hear some responses on this!

Always loved your car by the way, Alex. Nice look.
Hey Guys, I put C6Z06 shocks and Z51 bars on my 01 coupe. Just luv the way the car rides and handles, btw, I got the shockes used with abouy 5 grand on them for $180.00
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 06:35 PM
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Your best bet is to get the C6 Z06 shocks, or spend more and get the KONI FSD shocks

Thanks,Matt
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
The price difference has been known for years. Nothing new. Personally I would recommend the C5Z06 versions. Their compression/rebound rates are designed specifically for the C5Z06 frame, suspension, and spring rate. Caveat: To take full advantage of them, you need to swap over to C5 Z06 springs. I think too many guys just look strictly at price and justify their purchase based on "cheaper". "Cheaper" doesn't always mean they are best for the intended application.

HTH
Very true my friend. However with that in mind, the C5Z shocks were not intended for a base C5 either. Plus my car is lowered and modded somewhat, so when you put all that together, it remains the same issue. Both are technically not designed for my specific car, I am just trying to get some input from people that have experience with these items to see how they like them etc.

-Alex
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by AlexSmith
Gotta love the price deviation on the same parts by region or store. Have to wonder why C6 shocks would be cheaper than C5 shocks. Where'd you get these prices aka link to store?

-Alex
www.gmpartshouse.com

Enter C6Z06Shocks as part number in the Chevrolet/Geo section.

Gene Culley is a supporting vendor of the forum.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 06:55 PM
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I did the C6Z shocks and sways on my C5Z and it was night and day difference. Best bang for buck! It feels a little stiffer and I feel more in controll now. My other shocks had 50k miles on them. Felt like I went from driving a Mustang to a Corvette!
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 07:05 PM
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Hey Chillin, with the C6 shocks, is the car less forgiving a far as road feel? I'm sure when I take some aggressive turns I will notice the difference. Just wondering how they feel on a non-aggressive drive.

-Alex
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 07:14 PM
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I put c6-Z06 shocks and C6-z51 bars on mine over the winter - the difference is dramatic - no more float at all on those big bumps and very little harsher on sharp short bumps. I think that combo with the base C5 springs is just perfect - feel Much more controlled and now almost no body roll at all - even in some Very agressive "crusing" recently. There has been a lot of comments about the C6Z shocks making the car sit higher (if lowered) but after just 3-4 days mine was right back where it was (fully lowered on stock front bolts - extended rear bolts to match height). I drive mine every day and am completey satisfied with the ride--- am doing a track day next week & look forward to a big improvement there too.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 07:23 PM
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Now you've got me thinking I would need to put a bag of cement in the car right after the swap LOL.

-Alex
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by AlexSmith
Hey Chillin, with the C6 shocks, is the car less forgiving a far as road feel? I'm sure when I take some aggressive turns I will notice the difference. Just wondering how they feel on a non-aggressive drive.

-Alex
C6Z shocks with C5Z swaybars. IMO the best combination of smooth ride with good handling. My car will turn on a dime and cruise like a Cadillac.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 07:44 PM
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I've had both. 04 Z06 and C6 Z06. You can't tell the difference. Plus the C6 Z06 shocks are a little shorter then 04's.

Steve
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To C5ZO6 or C6ZO6 Shocks? Need Experienced Input Please.

Old Mar 10, 2010 | 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by AlexSmith
Very true my friend. However with that in mind, the C5Z shocks were not intended for a base C5 either. Plus my car is lowered and modded somewhat, so when you put all that together, it remains the same issue. Both are technically not designed for my specific car, I am just trying to get some input from people that have experience with these items to see how they like them etc.

-Alex
I hear ya. I had a different "starting" platform with my FRC, plus when I made my change-over to C5Z shocks, I changed my rear spring to C5Z and also put on C5Z anti-roll bars all at once. Made for a pretty solid set up for me.

Running Pfadt COs and C6Z51 bars now.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 10:46 PM
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Originally Posted by redrckt97
I put c6-Z06 shocks and C6-z51 bars on mine over the winter - the difference is dramatic - no more float at all on those big bumps and very little harsher on sharp short bumps. I think that combo with the base C5 springs is just perfect - feel Much more controlled and now almost no body roll at all - even in some Very agressive "crusing" recently. There has been a lot of comments about the C6Z shocks making the car sit higher (if lowered) but after just 3-4 days mine was right back where it was (fully lowered on stock front bolts - extended rear bolts to match height). I drive mine every day and am completey satisfied with the ride--- am doing a track day next week & look forward to a big improvement there too.
You said it word for word about the differnce.

Go for it and you will wish you would have done it sooner
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 11:56 PM
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Looks like Im not the only one trying to do the same mod. I talked with Patrick over at Genes and also got an email from Gene - sadly the rear C6 shocks are out of stock at the moment, not sure when they will get any in.

I have been thinking about the Pfadt sport shocks instead, with the Z51 bars - however it is a big leap in price. So not sure - not looking for cheap but certainly don't want to make a costly mistake either. My car is not a race car so Im not looking at coils either.

Anyway just passing on the info I got and some thoughts.
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