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Shocks, C5Z or C6Z51?

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Old Nov 17, 2012 | 03:25 PM
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Default Shocks, C5Z or C6Z51?

I have a set of nearly brand new 2006 C6 Z51 shocks sitting here. I have a 2003 Z06. I've wanted to upgrade to the 2004 Z06 shocks because they're noticeably better. I found this out driving 04 Zs and 02-03 Zs back to back.

I'm wondering if the C6 Z51 shocks are the same as the 04 Z06 shocks. Or if they're any better than my stock 03 Z06 shocks.

I went searching around on this forum and other places on the net and I can't seem to find the answer. Seems when people are asking about C5s with C6 stuff, they're always asking if they should use C6 Z51 or C6 Z06 shocks or sways.

Any thoughts?
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Old Nov 17, 2012 | 04:08 PM
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i have heard more people going to the c6z06 shocks then the c6 z51 setup..not really too sure on the c6 z51's though..i am curious as well
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Old Nov 17, 2012 | 06:02 PM
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The consensus seems to be that the 2012 C6 Z06 shocks are functionally very similar to the 2004 Z06 units, but much cheaper.

Both have been compared to the Bilstein HD shocks and all three are better than the OEM Z06 shocks used though 2003.

Of the three I would wager that the Bilstein has better longevity and they can also be rebuilt.
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Old Nov 17, 2012 | 10:26 PM
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I went with the C6Z shocks and C6 Z51 sways. It's a great budget set-up.
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Old Nov 18, 2012 | 12:35 AM
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Right, but I already have a set of C6 Z51 shocks sitting here in boxes. I'm just wondering if there's really any benefit from upgrading my stock 03 Z06 shocks to 06 Z51 shocks.

Whether or not C6 Z06 shocks are better really isn't part of the equation at the moment.
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Old Nov 18, 2012 | 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by SCM_Crash
I already have a set of C6 Z51 shocks sitting here in boxes.
If you want the feel of that 2004 you drove, the C6 Z06 shocks are only $254.60 from gmpartshouse.com. Sell your NIB Z51s on here or CL for $150-200 and the upgrade you want will set you back only a hundred bucks or less.
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Old Nov 18, 2012 | 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by jcsperson
If you want the feel of that 2004 you drove, the C6 Z06 shocks are only $254.60 from gmpartshouse.com. Sell your NIB Z51s on here or CL for $150-200 and the upgrade you want will set you back only a hundred bucks or less.
Gotcha. Thanks.

These aren't new int he box. They're just in boxes. LOL They came off my friend's Z51 right after he bought it and put Z06 shocks on.
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Old Nov 18, 2012 | 02:21 PM
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could try it and see what happens. the 04 c5z shocks are kind of a special item. made by sachs and higher quality than the c6 shocks most folks go to.

personally i would probably try what you have and see if you like the feel. it's free and a simple install

if you don't, get the c5z shocks, it's a resale perk if you sell the car and you have sachs quality versus whoever is mass producing the c6 stuff.
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Old Nov 18, 2012 | 02:39 PM
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Get Bilsteins , it's not worth the time putting OEM shocks back on.
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Old Nov 18, 2012 | 03:01 PM
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Option 3
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Old Nov 18, 2012 | 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by jcsperson
I went with the C6Z shocks and C6 Z51 sways. It's a great budget set-up.
works for me as well
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