[Z06] 2001 vs 2004 front Z06 shocks???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
2001 vs 2004 front Z06 shocks???
Hey guys, about a year ago I purchased a set of front and rear 2004 OEM Z06 shocks. This summer I finally got around to swapping out the rear and it is an improvement over the 2001s. My question is regarding the front shocks. My car has 43k miles on it, so the original shocks should still be in pretty good condition. The car has also always been garaged. I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. Am I wrong or correct? If they are the same I may just sell the pair of front shocks I have and put the money towards new mid pipe exhaust.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
front shocks were changed the least, the 01 used the stiffest shocks of all, 02 they revised all, mentioning of 02, many guys back then with 01s would just buy the 02 rears
you could probably get away with just the 04 rears, may understeer a bit more than 04s all around, try it and see what it does
you could probably get away with just the 04 rears, may understeer a bit more than 04s all around, try it and see what it does
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
My car has 43k miles on it, so the original shocks should still be in pretty good condition. NO they're still 12 years and 43k miles old, not new
The car has also always been garaged. Irrelevant
I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. What is your P/N? Is it 10339944?
If they are the same I may just sell the pair of front shocks I have, Then why bother buying the Z06 shocks at all?
The car has also always been garaged. Irrelevant
I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. What is your P/N? Is it 10339944?
If they are the same I may just sell the pair of front shocks I have, Then why bother buying the Z06 shocks at all?
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; Oct 17, 2014 at 09:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
My car has 43k miles on it, so the original shocks should still be in pretty good condition. NO they're still 12 years and 43k miles old, not new
As long as the shocks aren't compromised to where inner parts would degrade, then the years won't affect them as much.
The car has also always been garaged.
Irrelevant
It is completely relevant. Extreme weather conditions such as excessive heat and cold exposure will wear bushings out much quicker. Why do you think C5Z owners who garage their cars have the original tires w/o side wall rot/cracking? Sure the rubber gets a bit harder, but they do stay in better condition.
I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. What is your P/N? Is it 10339944?
The OEM shocks or the 2004s I bought?
If they are the same I may just sell the pair of front shocks I have, Then why bother buying the Z06 shocks at all?
Because I already have 2001 Z06 shocks. I bought all four corners but if I don't need to replace the fronts, I can sell the new 2004 front shocks I bought...
As long as the shocks aren't compromised to where inner parts would degrade, then the years won't affect them as much.
The car has also always been garaged.
Irrelevant
It is completely relevant. Extreme weather conditions such as excessive heat and cold exposure will wear bushings out much quicker. Why do you think C5Z owners who garage their cars have the original tires w/o side wall rot/cracking? Sure the rubber gets a bit harder, but they do stay in better condition.
I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. What is your P/N? Is it 10339944?
The OEM shocks or the 2004s I bought?
If they are the same I may just sell the pair of front shocks I have, Then why bother buying the Z06 shocks at all?
Because I already have 2001 Z06 shocks. I bought all four corners but if I don't need to replace the fronts, I can sell the new 2004 front shocks I bought...
Last edited by WannaC5Z; Oct 24, 2014 at 11:32 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Why did you bother asking the questions, if your going to argue/ignore all the points?
Just sell the shocks and buy your bitchin' exhaust system.
Just sell the shocks and buy your bitchin' exhaust system.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
Dude all you did was post negative comments to nearly everything I said. You didn't really offer anything of value in your post. You never even addressed my question of is there any significant changes between the 2001 and 2004 front shocks. How else did you expect me to respond?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
You asked, I answered. Can't handle the answers? YOUR PROBLEM.
"As long as the shocks aren't compromised to where inner parts would degrade, then the years won't affect them as much."
Obviously you have little understanding/knowledge regarding shocks, their operation and their life span.
"Extreme weather conditions such as excessive heat and cold exposure will wear bushings out much quicker. Why do you think C5Z owners who garage their cars have the original tires w/o side wall rot/cracking? Sure the rubber gets a bit harder, but they do stay in better condition."
Garaging any car might extend the life of some parts but rubber especially the seals inside a ten year old 40,000 mile shock are not going to be impacted. And just because a tire is out of the sun and does not show signs of deterioration doesn't mean the tread rubber isn't starting to separate from the carcass. Safe tire life is 4-6 years past the DOT date. Garage or no garage.
And I asked what part numbers you had since I just replaced my OEM 04Z shocks and could help you compare the P/Ns.
No need to reply, maybe someone else will try to help
"As long as the shocks aren't compromised to where inner parts would degrade, then the years won't affect them as much."
Obviously you have little understanding/knowledge regarding shocks, their operation and their life span.
"Extreme weather conditions such as excessive heat and cold exposure will wear bushings out much quicker. Why do you think C5Z owners who garage their cars have the original tires w/o side wall rot/cracking? Sure the rubber gets a bit harder, but they do stay in better condition."
Garaging any car might extend the life of some parts but rubber especially the seals inside a ten year old 40,000 mile shock are not going to be impacted. And just because a tire is out of the sun and does not show signs of deterioration doesn't mean the tread rubber isn't starting to separate from the carcass. Safe tire life is 4-6 years past the DOT date. Garage or no garage.
And I asked what part numbers you had since I just replaced my OEM 04Z shocks and could help you compare the P/Ns.
No need to reply, maybe someone else will try to help
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
This was my question:
I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. Am I wrong or correct?
And no...you did not answer it. I was seeking factual information not an individual's opinion. I have road raced for about 8 years now and spent many hours modding cars, including suspension. Tires, rotors, and brake pads are constantly being replaced, so I do have a decent understanding of consumables.
I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. Am I wrong or correct?
And no...you did not answer it. I was seeking factual information not an individual's opinion. I have road raced for about 8 years now and spent many hours modding cars, including suspension. Tires, rotors, and brake pads are constantly being replaced, so I do have a decent understanding of consumables.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
This was my question:
I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. Am I wrong or correct?
And no...you did not answer it. I was seeking factual information not an individual's opinion. I have road raced for about 8 years now and spent many hours modding cars, including suspension. Tires, rotors, and brake pads are constantly being replaced, so I do have a decent understanding of consumables.
I have researched and can't find that GM upgraded the front shocks on any of the C5Z models. Am I wrong or correct?
And no...you did not answer it. I was seeking factual information not an individual's opinion. I have road raced for about 8 years now and spent many hours modding cars, including suspension. Tires, rotors, and brake pads are constantly being replaced, so I do have a decent understanding of consumables.
01 was the stiffest at all 4 corners which is why that car is the most unsettled and slowest on uneven terrain
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
Thanks racebum. I am hoping to get it on track on Nov 15th provided the weather agrees. Highs are looking to be only in the 50's so not real excited about being on slicks in cold temps like that.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
the slicks ive driven are really snappy when cold, like grip grip gone
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 212
From: Winnipeg
No brainer here. The 04 Z was the best handling C5 Z of all. The 04 shocks were sachs and I had a buddy who was one of the first 01 Z's up here back in the day in MY. He then bought a Z16 04 and tracked it (road racing) and said it was night and day form his 2001 Z that he even header'ed and cammed... so take it for what it's worth. 
I put 08 C6Z shocks on my 03 and it was night and day handling wise over my factory 03 shocks already had new rubber and alignment... and I drive my vettes to the limit. Got those (mexican made) cause lots of guys did those (08 Z) instead of actual 04 sachs ones for the huge $$$$$ savings and you really couldn't tell the difference. JMO.
I put 08 C6Z shocks on my 03 and it was night and day handling wise over my factory 03 shocks already had new rubber and alignment... and I drive my vettes to the limit. Got those (mexican made) cause lots of guys did those (08 Z) instead of actual 04 sachs ones for the huge $$$$$ savings and you really couldn't tell the difference. JMO.
Last edited by REDZED2; Nov 9, 2014 at 11:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
No brainer here. The 04 Z was the best handling C5 Z of all. The 04 shocks were sachs and I had a buddy who was one of the first 01 Z's up here back in the day in MY. He then bought a Z16 04 and tracked it (road racing) and said it was night and day form his 2001 Z that he even header'ed and cammed... so take it for what it's worth.
I put 08 C6Z shocks on my 03 and it was night and day handling wise over my factory 03 shocks already had new rubber and alignment... and I drive my vettes to the limit. Got those (mexican made) cause lots of guys did those (08 Z) instead of actual 04 sachs ones for the huge $$$$$ savings and you really couldn't tell the difference. JMO.
I put 08 C6Z shocks on my 03 and it was night and day handling wise over my factory 03 shocks already had new rubber and alignment... and I drive my vettes to the limit. Got those (mexican made) cause lots of guys did those (08 Z) instead of actual 04 sachs ones for the huge $$$$$ savings and you really couldn't tell the difference. JMO.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 212
From: Winnipeg
I agree.. You might as well do the fronts for what it's worth. It won't hurt. Maybe a mild improvement or a very pleasant surprise?? I put 08 Z shocks on my 03 @ ONLY 9 K miles on the Z (and factory shocks of course) and the difference overall was insane!!!!! Rode softer over bumpy roads and stuck like glue going into huge sweeping curves at 80 MPH with ease!!
Last edited by REDZED2; Nov 11, 2014 at 11:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 212
From: Winnipeg
Worth the time... Even age wears them like said, not just mileage bud. Should feel a positive feel for sure in one way or more!