[Z06] which Bilstein shock
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: MELBOURNE FLORIDA
which Bilstein shock
Hello,
I have an 02 Z06 lowered all the way on stock bolts. I'm Looking for a better ride if possible w/o spending a lot of money. I'm considering replacing my stock shocks with Bilsteins but, I'm not sure which pair would be best for my car: sport or heavy duty?
My car is not a daily driver and comfort is more important then handling to me. Anyone out there who has either set up that can recommend which shock might be a better fit?
Thanks in advance!
I have an 02 Z06 lowered all the way on stock bolts. I'm Looking for a better ride if possible w/o spending a lot of money. I'm considering replacing my stock shocks with Bilsteins but, I'm not sure which pair would be best for my car: sport or heavy duty?
My car is not a daily driver and comfort is more important then handling to me. Anyone out there who has either set up that can recommend which shock might be a better fit?Thanks in advance!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 800
Likes: 72
From: Calgary Alberta
I am also considering the Bilsteins and have research them as much as I could and have come to the conclusion that the Sports are allot firmer than the HDs. It sounds like the ride quality is what you are looking for so the Heavy Dutys will probably suit your needs.
Looking forward to hearing more hands on reviews!
Looking forward to hearing more hands on reviews!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
Sports will work better on a lowered car. The HD's are softer than the Sports, and I think you'll be hitting the bumpstops on the HD's in the rear. I'm lowered on stock bolts as well; and I replaced the stock shocks on my C5Z at 28K mi with a set of the sports, and the ride is night and day better. Soaks up the big bumps like nothing compared to the stockers...and the ride is actually much more refined than the stock shocks were. Best $300 I've spent on the car.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Sports will work better on a lowered car. The HD's are softer than the Sports, and I think you'll be hitting the bumpstops on the HD's in the rear. I'm lowered on stock bolts as well; and I replaced the stock shocks on my C5Z at 28K mi with a set of the sports, and the ride is night and day better. Soaks up the big bumps like nothing compared to the stockers...and the ride is actually much more refined than the stock shocks were. Best $300 I've spent on the car.
Get an alignment too and the car will feel a lot tighter with the sports on it.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale AZ
Got the Sports on mine as well and was well worth the $350. Lowered all the way as well, removed front bushings and installed longer rear bolts. If you haven't done the bump steer kit yet you should do that as well. Your steering/handling will also feel night and day better. I'd recommend it to people with a stock ride height even, but needed if you're slammed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 800
Likes: 72
From: Calgary Alberta
Got the Sports on mine as well and was well worth the $350. Lowered all the way as well, removed front bushings and installed longer rear bolts. If you haven't done the bump steer kit yet you should do that as well. Your steering/handling will also feel night and day better. I'd recommend it to people with a stock ride height even, but needed if you're slammed.
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Another vote for the Sports. I'm lowered with cut front bushings and with the sports it actually rides better than stock, yet the Bilsteins tighten up instantly when handling conditions warrant it. To all the know-it-alls who say lowered cars ride worse, other than reducing maximum travel, lowering will not affect the ride because you are not changing the spring rate tension. I had my alignment done by a shop that races vettes and does suspension work for GM's project cars. It made a huge difference in handling. I paid $300 for the four shocks. I'll never raise it back up.
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 2
C5 Corvette Lowering and Bump Steer Kit 97-04
Take a look at the Bump Steer kits, designed to return your suspension and steering to a more correct geometry.
If you have any questions feel free to give me a call at,
1-800-962-9632 ext 240
Tom@Zip
Take a look at the Bump Steer kits, designed to return your suspension and steering to a more correct geometry.
If you have any questions feel free to give me a call at,
1-800-962-9632 ext 240
Tom@Zip
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 300
Likes: 2
From: Leesburg VA
Another vote for the Sports. I'm lowered with cut front bushings and with the sports it actually rides better than stock, yet the Bilsteins tighten up instantly when handling conditions warrant it. To all the know-it-alls who say lowered cars ride worse, other than reducing maximum travel, lowering will not affect the ride because you are not changing the spring rate tension. I had my alignment done by a shop that races vettes and does suspension work for GM's project cars. It made a huge difference in handling. I paid $300 for the four shocks. I'll never raise it back up.
Also, the ride is compromised unless the bumpstops are modified and/or the shock stroke is modified.
So, you can get away with lowering a C5Z and may not have ill effects. And yes the Bilsteins will control the car's motions better than OEM shocks. And no, not everyone here is trying to take their car racing or on the road course. But I just don't want to see misconceptions being the norm out there on the interwebs.
I find that hard to believe.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: MELBOURNE FLORIDA
For a better ride I should also modify my bumpstops?
If so can anyone explain how to do this?
I believe a lot of folks have lowered their Z's and possibly like myself may be able to benefit from knowing this!
Thanks!
If so can anyone explain how to do this?
I believe a lot of folks have lowered their Z's and possibly like myself may be able to benefit from knowing this!
Thanks!
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,665
Likes: 341
The problem is when you lower the with stock shock you end up riding on the bump stops, this is why the car rides so bad, your shocks are not actually doing anything. You could cut the bumpstop in half and you would have to remove the shock in order to do this. The problem with this is you can actually now bottom the shock out and break it. You would be better off buying a shorter set of shocks that have the proper size bump stop in them.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
