C5 Shocks
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
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C5 Shocks
I know this has been talked about b4 but im trying to find out what to do. I was told that C6 shocks will fit and work on my C5. Are there a specific type or year that will work, and im looking for something not expensive but works great.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Any of the C6 Z06 shocks will bolt right on your C5... I found a complete set with only 4k miles on them for $150 on the C6 parts wanted/for sale section... they come up for sale fairly often... it's a GREAT upgrade.
You made no mention of what model, mileage, auto or manual, what suspenion you have... when you post a question the more info you give the more specific the answers can be... you will have a non-select FE1 soft ride suspension or possibly a Z51 option... or you may have a F45 or F55 suspension... if it's a select ride you can't just swap out the shocks... so let us know what you have.
You made no mention of what model, mileage, auto or manual, what suspenion you have... when you post a question the more info you give the more specific the answers can be... you will have a non-select FE1 soft ride suspension or possibly a Z51 option... or you may have a F45 or F55 suspension... if it's a select ride you can't just swap out the shocks... so let us know what you have.
Last edited by 73Corvette; Sep 18, 2015 at 01:41 PM.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
you gave me all the info i needed thanks. and no i dont have select ride. as for the other reply, Its funny ive had this account setup over a year been on it and everything, i forget my pw and get on today and its like everything was reset so it looks new an no info. but anyway I have a 98 red C5 no select ride (i wish i had it) it was just base model.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
you gave me all the info i needed thanks. and no i dont have select ride. as for the other reply, Its funny ive had this account setup over a year been on it and everything, i forget my pw and get on today and its like everything was reset so it looks new an no info. but anyway I have a 98 red C5 no select ride (i wish i had it) it was just base model.
1997-2002, Shock Absorber, ACDelco W/F45, Left Rear
1997-2002 ACDelco Left rear Shock Absorber W/Real Time Damping (F45). Keep the rubber on the road!
Priced from: $713 THIS is FOR ONE SHOCK!
Last edited by 73Corvette; Sep 18, 2015 at 02:04 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
Replacing the select ride shocks is quite expensive. So perhaps you're better off without them. When I was C5 shopping, I considered the F-45 and F-55 select ride as cons.
Another alternative to the oem shocks is Bilstein. They are slightly higher priced than oem Z06 C6 shocks, ~$100 more for a set of 4, but IMO they will probably last longer.
Another alternative to the oem shocks is Bilstein. They are slightly higher priced than oem Z06 C6 shocks, ~$100 more for a set of 4, but IMO they will probably last longer.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 21
From: east taunton ma
I have a base 98 coupe as well. I changed to C6 Zo6 shocks a long time ago and at the same time I switched out my sway bars to C6 Z51 sway bars with the metal end links. Also added C5 Zo6 rims with Zo6 size tires. Great upgrade!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,928
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From: Boulder City NV
FWIW I read some where the stock base C5 Delco shocks are a close feel to the F45 suspension stiff setting. I recently put a fresh set of these base factory spec AC Delcos on my unmolested '99. I drive fairly normal and don't track. Great ride and takes all the cornering I can give it. At one point I considered the C6/Z06 shock giant swaybars, special ends etc etc..but decided to leave mine as designed. Also I did not want somebody's old used takeoffs. I think the complete set was less than $250 brand new.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo NY
The ride is definitely a bit harsher but well worth it.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 21
From: east taunton ma
I did the C6 Z06 shock upgrade along with Z51 sway bars and love the results. Car feels much tighter in turns and has less body role.
The ride is definitely a bit harsher but well worth it.
The ride is definitely a bit harsher but well worth it.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,928
Likes: 93
From: Boulder City NV
Silver Bullit what a beauty..but so low !! real world where I live and drive, holy cow I'd be teetering on some of the speedbumps and stuck in the dips.
Anyway to continue my .02 cents worth.. could be the base shocks are also a consideration for those that don't care for the harsher ride.
On my '88 C4 I did all that susp "upgrade" stuff.. well it drove like a Go-Kart and rode like a boxcar, started so many creaks and squeaks it drove me nuts.. ruined the car for me.
I traded it in on a big block '66.
But, I'm still amazed at what GM built as a C5 "base model" even with no mods as designed it's certainly one of the greatest cars I ever drove. Someday I'll drive a real ZO6, I'll be impressed I'm sure.
Anyway to continue my .02 cents worth.. could be the base shocks are also a consideration for those that don't care for the harsher ride.
On my '88 C4 I did all that susp "upgrade" stuff.. well it drove like a Go-Kart and rode like a boxcar, started so many creaks and squeaks it drove me nuts.. ruined the car for me.
I traded it in on a big block '66.
But, I'm still amazed at what GM built as a C5 "base model" even with no mods as designed it's certainly one of the greatest cars I ever drove. Someday I'll drive a real ZO6, I'll be impressed I'm sure.
Le Mans Master
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From: Brighton MI
Did the exact same mods...
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The base C6 shocks will work, but another upgrade to consider is the C6 Z06 shocks.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Virginia
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This thread found with a search should answer most of your questions:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 345
Likes: 23
From: los angeles California
thanks
This thread found with a search should answer most of your questions:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
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From: Rocky Mountains
I got new Bilstein Sports last month. I have mixed feelings. The car feels great at high speeds on smooth roads, but at sedate speeds on rough terrain, it is downright harsh.
Wish I could afford adjustable shocks. I'm know they're worth it. I have Ohlins suspension on my Aprilia. A set of four TTX shocks for a C5 costs over 5 grand.
I thought about Koni but even they're out of my budget. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
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C5 Shocks
Originally Posted by Corvette#2
Which Bilsteins did you have ?
I got new Bilstein Sports last month. I have mixed feelings. The car feels great at high speeds on smooth roads, but at sedate speeds on rough terrain, it is downright harsh.
Wish I could afford adjustable shocks. I'm know they're worth it. I have Ohlins suspension on my Aprilia. A set of four TTX shocks for a C5 costs over 5 grand. I thought about Koni but even they're out of my budget.
I got new Bilstein Sports last month. I have mixed feelings. The car feels great at high speeds on smooth roads, but at sedate speeds on rough terrain, it is downright harsh.
Wish I could afford adjustable shocks. I'm know they're worth it. I have Ohlins suspension on my Aprilia. A set of four TTX shocks for a C5 costs over 5 grand.
I thought about Koni but even they're out of my budget. Now that I have the Koni's, I have exactly the ride and handling characteristics I was always after.