Some shock advice please.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: NE Ohio & So Cal
Some shock advice please.
I'M THINKING IT'S ABOUT TIME TO REPLACE THE SHOCKS SINCE I'M AROUND 55,000 MILES. CAR IS MAINLY USED FOR SUMMER RIDES, ONE OHIO TO CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP & BACK EACH YEAR, SHORTER ROAD TRIPS, OH TO FL. OH TO VA. ETC. I WOULD LIKE TO DRAW ON THE VAST EXPERIENCE OF THE FORUM MEMBERS AS TO THE BEST CHOICE FOR REPLACEMENT SHOCKS. AN UPGRADE IN HANDLING IS FINE BUT RIDE QUALITY IS ALSO IMPORTANT. WE HAVE A STOCK 98 CONVERTIBLE WITH STANDARD SUSPENSION. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I strongly recommend the Bilstein HD's for your stock suspension. The improvement in ride quality and handling is unbelievable. It completely transformed my car. They are way better quality than anything OEM and come with a lifetime warranty. The price is a bargain in my opinion.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 10
From: Austin, Texas
Here's a completely different thought. You might just want to stay with the stock (FE1) shocks...
I put C5 Z06 shocks on my Coupe, and have ridden if a C5 with Bilsteins (not sure if they were Sport or HD), but in each of these set ups you feel many many more of the bumps in the road.
If you are not wanting to improve the handling/cornering capability, and taking long cruises, the stock shocks are very good for that.
Just my $0.02
roscoe
I put C5 Z06 shocks on my Coupe, and have ridden if a C5 with Bilsteins (not sure if they were Sport or HD), but in each of these set ups you feel many many more of the bumps in the road.
If you are not wanting to improve the handling/cornering capability, and taking long cruises, the stock shocks are very good for that.
Just my $0.02
roscoe
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
Replaced my 98 vert FE1 w/ C5 Z06 shocks and C5 Z51 sways
Shocks made the most difference. Sways made it stiffer. Handles better but ride is a little rougher. Dont go with C6 Z06 you wont like it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 812
Likes: 2
From: Metairie Louisiana
I will be replacing my shocks soon ('01 6sd Vert, all original). Recently installed Hankook V12's and am now looking into Koni FSD shocks. I'm looking for balance and ride quality, can anyone comment on the Konis?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: NE Ohio & So Cal
Thanks for the input, it will help me make the decision. It sounds like the best combination of handling & ride may be the stock set up or an aftermarket standard shock. Thanks again.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
From: Shawnee Kansas
I strongly recommend the Bilstein HD's for your stock suspension. The improvement in ride quality and handling is unbelievable. It completely transformed my car. They are way better quality than anything OEM and come with a lifetime warranty. The price is a bargain in my opinion.
I installed a set on my 98 vert @ 48,000
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 34
From: King George Virginia
I have these (C6Z06 Shocks)on my 2004 CE Coup (NOT VERT) and the ride is great. I also have the full Z06 suspension, maybe this is the difference... Why did you not like the ride?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Richfield MN
I just put the C6Z shocks on my 02 Coupe at around 55K. Ride is much better than the stock ones, and mine has the base suspension.