Bilsteins too Stiff?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 84
From: San Diego CA.
Bilsteins too Stiff?
I need to replace my stock shocks on my stock suspension 04. I have installed Bilsteins on my 4X4 and they are terrible. No damping at all. What are they like on the C5? Is the ride expectable?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 2
From: Ramona CA
I had Bilsteins on my C5. It rode like a truck. I had Bilsteins on my C4. It rode like a truck. Never again for Bilstiens. Put C6 Z51 shocks on your C5. My C6 Z51 rides nice but corners nice too. I put KYBs on the C4 and the ride was greatly improved.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 84
From: San Diego CA.
This is what my common sense is telling me. Blsteins ruined my four wheeler so why would they be good my my Vette? I'll take a look at both of your suggestions. Thanks..
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 349
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
I've had Bilsteins in different cars, not in a Corvette though. It's all about the match between the springs and the shock valving. In my B-body the Bilstein Sport was perfect, just like the original decarbon, but I have never heard anyone calling them good in any other car.
The Koni FSD is just about perfect for the C5 base springs.
The Koni FSD is just about perfect for the C5 base springs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I just installed a set of Bilstein HD's but I haven't had a chance to drive the car yet. I was told that the HD's were comparable to the C6 Z06 shocks for ride stiffness. The SP's are much stiffer and are recommended for autocrossing and car lowering.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
I have had the Bilstein HD shocks on the C5 Z06 for 3 years now. They are a great compromise for my use on the street and track days. Substantially stiffer than the stock shocks but softer than the GM T1 shocks. The ride on the street is stiff but not pound your fillings out of your teeth stiff. They offer great control and don't bounce across pot holes etc.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 1
From: MA
My truck came with Bilsteins and I had replaced them after 70,000 miles with new H/D
Bilsteins and I can't be happier after 30,000+ miles.
I have almost 20,000 miles on Bilstein H/D shocks and they have been excellent in every way. Great ride and great handling.
Bilsteins and I can't be happier after 30,000+ miles.
I have almost 20,000 miles on Bilstein H/D shocks and they have been excellent in every way. Great ride and great handling.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 6
From: Prince George VA
I have them on my car. They were on it when I got it so I can't tell you the different from the stock setup but its perfect IMO. Not too stiff and not too soft. The car does seem to veer off with any imperfection in the road however so keepin her straight is a chore.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
Aren't Bilstein shocks original equipment parts?
Also, is it fair to use an experience from a truck to sway your choice with your Vette? I think the Ecotech 4 cylinder is under powered, so I won't put a Chevy motor in my Vette....just doesn't seem like a good means of comparison.
I do imagine that if you are looking for a softer/comfier ride, Monroe Sensatrac might be good to look at. Seems like they might be less performance minded and offer good ride quality, along with a decent price and lifetime warranty. There's also many other choices out there.
Also, is it fair to use an experience from a truck to sway your choice with your Vette? I think the Ecotech 4 cylinder is under powered, so I won't put a Chevy motor in my Vette....just doesn't seem like a good means of comparison.
I do imagine that if you are looking for a softer/comfier ride, Monroe Sensatrac might be good to look at. Seems like they might be less performance minded and offer good ride quality, along with a decent price and lifetime warranty. There's also many other choices out there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
Just went from base suspension to Bilstein Sport Shocks, Z06 springs, C6 Z51 sways with poly bushings. I was quite concerned that the ride would be unbearable on anything but the smoothest roads. I decided to do it anyways since I want to start tracking the car but am very happy with the ride.
I would say the best way to describe the ride is by describing what it's not; and that is harsh. This is coming from someone who couldn't stand the ride on his Lexus IS350 lowered on Tein "comfort sport" coilovers.
I would say the best way to describe the ride is by describing what it's not; and that is harsh. This is coming from someone who couldn't stand the ride on his Lexus IS350 lowered on Tein "comfort sport" coilovers.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Just installed GM C6 Z06 shocks on my C5. I had 79K on the clock on the original shocks. My Z51 rides and corners WAY better. I guess my old shocks were close to shot but I really like the new ones.
If the Bilstiens are "better", I don't care!
If the Bilstiens are "better", I don't care!
Last edited by Silverbullet00; Jan 6, 2011 at 10:33 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 465
Likes: 16
I have Bilstein Sports on my '04 Z. It's a good shock if you want the car to handle. There is a slight compromise in cruising ride quality, but I don't want the ride in my Vette to be mushy.
If you want a soft ride, stay away from them.
If you want a soft ride, stay away from them.
