fishbust

Did a quick search, didn't find the answer.

I bought the C6 Z06 shock upgrade for my C5 a couple months back and just getting around to the install now while I paint calipers and detail wheels, etc.

Question...do I need to go for a new wheel alignment with these shocks?

road pilot

It depends on when you had the last 4 wheel "aline."

Vetteman Jack

Unless your alignment was off before, then I do not think just changing the shocks would require a new alignment.

QCVette

Shocks are not one of the parts that adjusts the toe, caster, or camber, so the short answer is that you don't need to realign when you change shocks.

Some people have said that certain shocks change the ride height. If that is the case, then an alignment may be worthwhile. Most modern shocks are gas pressurized to inhibit foaming of their internal oil. Usually the gas pressure is similar so that there is no net change in height with different shocks. Make sure the suspension has be driven and settles before deciding if the new shocks made a difference or not.

An alignment is cheap enough that if you have concerns like pulling, tramlining, tire wear, etc or just for piece of mind, then try a new alignment.

jornahow

If you decide to get an alignment wait for a bit and put some miles on the new shocks first. The ride height will probably rise with the new shocks and it may take a while to settle - at least that was my experience when I installed them. BTW you will like them; a great improvement over the base C5 shocks.

Lord Vetter

Nope

kwtree

I was thinking of upgrading as well... Do you like the new shocks?

Lord Vetter

Do a search. There's a ton of threads over on C5 Tech discussing this mod. I have a C5 coupe with the C6 Z06 shocks and C6 Z51 sways front and rear. IMO, better ride and feel for the road.

Cutlassmaster

I did them and the sway bars with metal end links. After 5k miles edges of tires had worn. I had to get it aligned. Always a good idea to have it done after suspension work is done. Cheap insurance because tires are not cheap.

yaknow

me too, love the better handling on the corners

Abnmarine

Back to the question, no alignment is needed as long as you don't unbolt the control arms when installing them. It isn't needed BTW. Also no need for the zip ties to compress the shock when installing. I was able to do this with my hands.