I am looking at replacing the shocks on my 2004. I am looking at replacing them with Bilstein shocks. I want a comfortable ride, as we only use the Vette for cruising. What model would best suit my needs?

 

The HD versions are best for a cruiser. If you are going to lower it go with the Sports

 

i would not rule out the c6 z06 shocks priced very well and pretty good ride!

 

, but if you want Bilsteins, the HDs are a good choice.

 

I just put the C6 ZO6 shocks on my C5Z and am pleansantly surprised with the results, especially for the price.

 

I don't have ZO6 springs, so I went with the base C6 shocks. The ride and control is a great balance, plus it was the lowest cost option too. If they were any stiffer, the ride would not be smoother no matter what shock you used.

 

I recently installed new C6 Z06 shocks on my 2003. I must admit, I was a little concerned they'd be too stiff, for what I wanted.

They are not! I love 'em! No regrets.

Bought them from Gene at Cultrag Performance (a forum sponsor) for a very good price.

Don

 

I had the drm bilstiens for awhile and switched to the c6zo6 shocks. The bilstiens were really nice on the freeway and speeds above 45, but at lower speeds , especially 20-25mph they were very stiff. I also have the c6 z51 sways so that could also be a contributing factor. The c6 z06 shocks are just right. I don't track the car at all and this set up seems to be about perfect for a dd.

 

If you are only using the car for cruising why go any different than the stock 2004 shocks? If it's not a Z06 then maybe upgrade to the Z06 shocks, they are an excellent ride and handling combo.

 

Many people change things for the sake of change.
It's a dumb thing to do. You never mentioned why you wanted to change.

The factory shocks are excellant. They should last in excess of 100k. Socks control dampning..I don't care what anyone says here.. all these after market shocks are designed for greater dampening,
Remember what I always say.." Everything is a trade off"

You say your driving style is touring.. which means a softer dpening aspect. If you go to any performance shock.The trade off will be a harsher ride. Since you are not going off the road, or pushing it hard in the corners at a track or to its limits, I would stay away from Bilsten, even their HD is a harsher ride than the factory shocks. The C6 Z06 shocks are harsher than you stock shcks... if your sharks are truly bad, which I seriously doubt, you would be best served to replace them with what you have.

Most people here will defend their choice and accept what they chose..even if it made no difference or made the ride slightly worse.
I know a few things about this car.

Don't fall for the hype
If you need new shocks, that's one thing. If you want to change for the sake of change... that's on you.
I tried to stear you in the right direction based on your driving style, and what I know about the design of this car. Many people here are following the hype and putting the children of auto parts merchants through college.
Good luck
Bill aka ET

 

^^^ Totally agree With Bill aka ET!!

I've tried a couple of shocks and found my way back to running "04" shocks in both of my C-5's. Both handle great on the street with upgraded sway's - the stock shocks have netted me a 1.34 sixty foot and 1.36 respectively.

stock shocks coming off of the ground on launch:

 

Ridetech offers a great aftermarket shock that improves both ride quality and handling. They have a single adjustable mono tube smooth body shock that is a bolt on replacement to your stock shock. I have been running these shocks on my C5 Z06 for 3 years now and absolutely love them. I do a lot of cruising and long distance driving in the car as well as competitive driving events. With 24 adjustments, I can easily soften the shocks for a nice soft ride, or I can increase the firmness for competitive driving. The ride quality of these shocks when softened is definitely an improvement over stock.

See below for link to shocks and shock tuning guide.

http://www.ridetech.com/store/muscle...ures_hash=V364

http://www.ridetech.com/tech/shock-tuning-quick-guide/

 

Did you have any problems with codes coming up?????: I have a 2003 and did the same thing but now I can't go over 80mph. CODESack:

 

I fully see your point, but my shocks were really worn. I felt every bump in the road. The original shocks are $550 a piece. I bought 4 C6 Z06 shocks for $270. Yes the ride is a little stiffer. I'm glad it is, better than felling every bump in the road.

 

C6 ZO6 shocks the best deal. That is what I am going with.
Replacing my F45 shocks.

 

I need help. I replaced my stock shocks on my 2003 50th anniversary model with C6 Z06 shocks. I love the ride, but I do not like the codes that come up. I can not go over 80 mph and I am looking for the solution. I have been told the simulators don't work on a 2003 model.
I read instructions somewhere of how you can remove the codes with a Tech II but no mechanic I know seems to be able to do it. HELP....HELP....PLEASE.

 

I replaced my 01s with C6 base shocks. Michigan roads in my area are crap and I just cruise so I passed on the Z06 shocks. I also did the metal swaybar end links at the same time. All i can say is wow, what an improvement!

 

No. No issues with codes what so ever!

 

Same instructions as in this post? https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rlisle-pa.html. You may want to make your own thread. Maybe you will get more help. Good luck.

 

Several years ago I decided to redo the suspension on my '99 FRC. It was a matter of necessity. I contacted Gene at Gultrag Performance - he put together a package for me that included shocks, sway bars, and metal end links. I couldn't be happier with the results and price! This was finished the day before the 2014 Corvette Caravan. It was a combination of interstate, back roads, and track - 2200+ miles. I couldn't have asked for a better ride, the handling was there, and the track time was fun! Price and service - Gene (forum vendor) was there for both!