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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 10:24 PM
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What kind of shocks do you guys use for a C5. I want a smooth ride not hard ride for a old man.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 11:08 PM
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I absolutely love my Bilsteins... I use the 4600 HD Series, not the sport series.. They are a little softer.
I've tried others.... these are the best.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 11:10 PM
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A lot of forum members ;have chosen to go with the C6 Z06 shocks when replacing the stock C5 shocks. They can be had at a good price and are an upgrade over the OEM ones.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 11:22 PM
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My stock 04Z shocks are firm but not at all harsh.
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Old Oct 2, 2018 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by foggy
I absolutely love my Bilsteins... I use the 4600 HD Series, not the sport series.. They are a little softer.
I've tried others.... these are the best.
Can't find them online, HD series, plenty of Bilsteins but no " HD'.
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Old Oct 3, 2018 | 08:42 AM
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Sounds like the OP is looking for a soft ride for cruising. Z06 shocks and Bilsteins will provide a harsher ride than OEM. What replacement shocks will provide the same or softer ride than the OEM Delcos? That's what I would get, too.
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Old Oct 3, 2018 | 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
A lot of forum members ;have chosen to go with the C6 Z06 shocks when replacing the stock C5 shocks. They can be had at a good price and are an upgrade over the OEM ones.
If you keep your stock base suspension springs, the ride is not much different...the real difference is in handling/cornering...especially if you upgrade the sway bars and end links at the same time.
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Old Oct 3, 2018 | 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by openpot1
Can't find them online, HD series, plenty of Bilsteins but no " HD'.

Look for the "B6" performance.. The B8 are much firmer for performance
They used to call them HD vs Performance.. But I guess now they use the B6

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Old Oct 3, 2018 | 06:23 PM
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Thanks for the info.
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Old Oct 3, 2018 | 06:49 PM
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Another vote for the Bilsteins
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Old Aug 4, 2020 | 08:01 PM
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This has been a really helpful thread. Thanks to all contributors! It's Aug 2020, and I'm 18 mos into my first Vette - 2012 Grand Sport. ODO: 19,600 mi, and dealer is telling me I need new rear shocks - a shameful state of affairs for the OEMs! Unfortunately, I think I must agree, since I get what seems to be excessive bounce in the rear. I've had little opportunity for rides in similar cars. So "normal" is elusive. It's time to "stiffen the ride." Based on what I'm seeing here, Bilstein HD (B6) seems the way to go! Thanks again!
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Old Aug 4, 2020 | 10:29 PM
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Not so fast. Make sure you give serious consideration to the C6 Z06 shocks! I have had them for a year now and they seem to have softened up a bit from brand new (they were stiff) - or I just got more used to them...lol.

At any rate, I really like them and they are priced right.

Last edited by Toys4Life C5; Aug 4, 2020 at 10:32 PM.
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Old Aug 4, 2020 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Speedfreeak
This has been a really helpful thread. Thanks to all contributors! It's Aug 2020, and I'm 18 mos into my first Vette - 2012 Grand Sport. ODO: 19,600 mi, and dealer is telling me I need new rear shocks - a shameful state of affairs for the OEMs! Unfortunately, I think I must agree, since I get what seems to be excessive bounce in the rear. I've had little opportunity for rides in similar cars. So "normal" is elusive. It's time to "stiffen the ride." Based on what I'm seeing here, Bilstein HD (B6) seems the way to go! Thanks again!
I doubt your shocks need replacing, with that few miles.That's not a lot of miles, for oem units.
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Old Aug 5, 2020 | 06:02 AM
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I changed mine out to C6 Easy Ride Delco's a few years back. Got them from Rock Auto and great price. But had over 100K miles on the originals. Like you mention. I'm an older guy that just cruises the back roads less traveled and sometimes not that smooth.
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Old Aug 5, 2020 | 06:59 AM
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Originally Posted by USAZR1
I doubt your shocks need replacing, with that few miles.That's not a lot of miles, for oem units.
I agree! I'd take it to a reputable suspension shop next and get a second opinion. When I had my accord the previous owner had just replaced the power steering pump and all and I took it to Honda to get an oil change and they told me I needed this a d that AND a power steering pump. I said why and they said because mine wasn't factory and it was making a noise, which it wasn't. So I took it to the shop I usually use (idk why I didn't go there first. Honestly was a brain fart) and they told me "Chris! It's a new pump, screw the dealer!" So with that said if get a second opinion. Plus with what someone previously said, with that low of miles chances are it might soften up. Shocks can go many many miles
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Old Aug 5, 2020 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Speedfreeak
This has been a really helpful thread. Thanks to all contributors! It's Aug 2020, and I'm 18 mos into my first Vette - 2012 Grand Sport. ODO: 19,600 mi, and dealer is telling me I need new rear shocks - a shameful state of affairs for the OEMs! Unfortunately, I think I must agree, since I get what seems to be excessive bounce in the rear. I've had little opportunity for rides in similar cars. So "normal" is elusive. It's time to "stiffen the ride." Based on what I'm seeing here, Bilstein HD (B6) seems the way to go! Thanks again!
@Speedfreeak just be careful, you are on a C5 post, obviously your car, 2012 Grand Sport, is not a C5 and must have different shocks.
my 2 cents
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