Ok so I decided on my next upgrade for my 01 vette (AT4)....YES SHOCKS, looking for end of July time frame.
So I want to take the opportunity and get some recommendations/feedback.

This topic is touched on by alot in this forum but still I cant make up my mind.

The decision should be made keeping in mind the below

1. Parts Cost: Not to exceed $350 (So I guess from what I looked around GM or Bilstein shocks are within the range) not firm can go higher.

2. Labor: I want to be able to do the install, so how hard is this? Car on jack stands. Tires off, remove old shocks, put in new shocks, torque correctly, tires back on. Are their any special tools I will need to be aware off. Any crazy hard to get bolt or something?.

3. No permanent drilling or alternation to the car to be able to fit the new shocks. Basically looking for something like Plug-n-play.

4. I'm looking for better handling and a smoother ride. I drive the car to work 65miles one way and the last 15 miles of the ride the road is in bad shape; bumps, pot holes of various sizes, etc

5. I also want something that ofcourse will be compatible with the existing systems and upgrades that I have and will have

So I have installed C6Z51 Sway bars with metal endlinks. My question what will be a good upgrade, which of the below will be a more compatible combination to give the max suspension performance.

1. C6Z06
2. C5Z06
3. C6Z51
4. Bilstein HD
5. Others

NOTE: Should it be the C6Z51 shocks since I have the C6Z51 sway bars????

I will also be going with non-runflats, upgrading rotor/brake system (Didnt decide on what yet) and DRM Stainless Steel Brake Lines before year ends.

Also do I need to replace the suspension springs or that is waste of $$$ and just stick with what I have on.

Let me know if you had any issues or are you happy and satisfied with whatever you upgraded too
Thank you in advance

 

In my opinion the Bilstiens are the way to go,

 

Max suspension performance and those last bumpy 15 miles home are going in 2 directions. Firm suspension for better cornering/handling comes with a price. Upgrading the spring will also make things better for 'performance' but also firmer, which means you'll feel those bumps and potholes more.

The sway bar upgrade will help you with body roll in turns, but you might want to just replace your shocks with a stock C5/C6 base shock, as a Bilstein or C6Z is going to let you feel them a little more.

Shock replacement is easy, usually getting the old fronts off (top) is the toughest. Some remove the tanks, but usually an allen wrench (90 deg typ.) will squeeze in there, then lock against the side allowing you to loosen the bolt underneath.

 

Like you, I DD my car/commute. I got my car with 32,500 and at around 40,000, I just wanted new shocks as I wanted to start with fresh units both for a better ride/handling and peace of mind.

I went with Bilstein Heavy Duty's as I also have them on my pickup truck. I've been thrilled with them.

 

These are not within your price range stated but these are what I am getting January 2011:
http://www.corvettegarage.com/produc...-corvette.html

Thanks,Matt

 

I also upgraded my base suspension '98 to C6 Z51 bars/links. My front spring was cracked so I replaced that with a C5 Z06 spring. I then added the C6 Z51 shocks and couldn't be happier. Handles considerably better, but still maintains a comfortable ride. Did all the work mostly by myself, on jackstands, as it's pretty straightforward.

 

Hmmmm, ok fom what you are saying I have the C5 base shock so I should stay with it if I want to keep the comfort and if I want to maximize the performance then I will need to go with upgrading the suspension springs and go with something like C6Z06 or the Bilstein

 

The C6 Z06 shocks will fit and are a nice upgrade over the stock C5 shocks.

 

Thanks for the info.....well they seem they are worth the extra $$$

 

For performance, the sway, endlinks and either of those shocks is a great set up. I wouldn't do the spring unless you're going to start tracking, and even then you should try it as is, then maybe you'd go to coilovers. For everyday use, the set up mentioned is perfect, I'm just saying that you may feel those bumps being a bit harsher, since a better shock is designed to not 'give' as much, keep you flat. If the road you take is that bad, you may want to keep a softer shock, ie. C5 base.

 

Is there a difference between the C5 base and the C6 base or dont even bother with that

 

Just my opinion, but you didn't put down track performance, of which I'm thinking that you will not be tracking your vette. With that in mind, the stock setup with the three settings should be fine for street use. Remember, upgrading to aftermarket sports shocks, in it self, means stiffer shocks & springs, rougher ride overall. So you will loose that smooth soft ride doing what you listed above, going to and from work. It is a balance, that is why GM engineers did the three settings on the shock, for most STREET application you will only need what GM offered. Most aftermarket shocks designed for sports will alter your ride. I too had the same bug, but after riding in vettes that upgraded their shocks and springs, I decided that tank ride is not for me for my street vette. Now if I purchased another Z06 for the track, look out... What one older guy told me was so true, he said " be careful what you wish for, you may get it and wish you hadn't". I"m not one to stop you from upgrading, just remember what your intended vehicle use is going to be, then adjust accordingly... Good luck..

 

Thank you and thanks to all who chimed in. For now its for street use. So I guess I will diverte the $$$ to some other mode/upgrade

Let see whats on my list

Vararam, Wheels, rotors, subwoofers hmmmm the list never ends just keep growing

 

100%. Service, value, warranty, and great attitude is what you want.

 

i think with z06 springs, 04 z06 shocks are the way to go, but they are rediculously expensive new. bilstien sport shocks are much cheaper though and give almost identical performance.

luckily i found some very low mileage 04 z06 shocks for cheaper than new bilstien sports.

 

Best bang for the buck would be the C6Z06 shocks from Gene at GM parts direct- about half the cost of the Bilstiens, and just as good for the street. A simple bolt in swap. I would wait and save up for coils overs before I would drop $700 on shocks.

 

Will I notice a big difference between my stock, low mileage C5Z shocks and new C6Z shocks?

 

I looked at the coilover at one point......Ofcourse they are pricey but would they make the ride stiffer????. My vette is for street use

 

I have the base suspension on my 02 A4 coupe. I have installed C5 Z06 bars and recently C6Z06 shocks. My car is a daily driver and in my opinion the ride is more enjoyable with the C6 shocks - even on rougher roads - there's less wallow. Also I negotiate a driveway in and out of my parking garage a work each day - it has a steep lip at the top and with the C5 base shocks I had to slow to a crawl coming up the ramp or else the car would bottom on the lip at the top of the ramp and hit my rocker panels - ouch! With the C6Z06 shocks there is no such problem - the shocks actually properly damp the spring motion to keep the suspension from floating up and then bottoming back down. Maybe my base shocks were getting tired, but the new ones made a quantum improvement in the handling and made it much more pleasurable to drive.

The only caveat is that I dumped my runflat tires. If you have runflats on your car they have much stiffer sidewalls and will give you a harsher ride than regular tires so I can't speak to the combination of Z06 shocks and runflats. If you are interested in a more comfortable ride - Get rid of the runflats!

 

Oh I am getting rid of the runflats thats a given thats my August project with maybe the rotors