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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 09:59 AM
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I have an ‘02 coupe. MN6. 55k miles. Stock hp & suspension. It’s a little ‘floaty’ in corners and through big dips .... so I’m considering new shocks. I’d be looking for something that gives a little more control without getting overly stiff. Is there a clear winner out there?
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 01:33 PM
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C6 Z06, or Bilstein B6
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 02:45 PM
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Another vote for the C6 Z06 shocks.
If you do a lot of track time, the Bilsteins are a good choice but for primarily street use the C6Z shocks should be sufficient - and a good move up over the base C5 shocks. And the C6 Z shocks are a savings over the cost of the Bilsteins.
Also, check your sway bar end links. Are they the plastic/fiber? If so, they may be allowing too much sway bar movement which will affect handling and can give you a "floaty" feeling in curves. Replace the plastic end links with metal and consider replacing your sway bars (if they are the standard FE-1 bars) with C6 Z51 sways. Nice improvement in handling with no negative affect on highway comfort.
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 02:47 PM
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I agree completely with the above responses. Really comes down to how much you want to spend.
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 02:48 PM
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The Bilsteins will be pretty stiff.
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 04:50 PM
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C6 Z06 shocks and C6 Z51 sway bars. Many have gone this route and not one complaint.
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 05:53 PM
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Thx to all. I don’t track the car so it sounds like C6 Z06 is the way to go. End links have already been replaced with Moog.

Last edited by Thera p; Mar 13, 2020 at 09:52 AM.
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by knewblewkorvette
C6 Z06 shocks and C6 Z51 sway bars. Many have gone this route and not one complaint.
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Old Mar 13, 2020 | 04:13 PM
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I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I'm trying to get the latest input about this topic. So, if you all could please chime in, I've found some C6 shocks that are NOT the Z06 designation; would these be too soft and floaty?
I have the FE1 suspension on my Y2K Vette (with 90K miles and the original shocks on her btw), but I have added Eibach sway bars front and back and new Moog end links.
The shock model #'s are: AC Delco 560-12 and 560-13. I'm assuming these were the basic level on the C6's.
Your thoughts, opinions, condemnations, approval or general thoughts on these? The ride currently feels a bit like a buckboard, thanks to the old shocks, feeling every pothole and road patch (around Dayton there seem to be many!)
Thank you in advance as I value your constructive input!
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Old Mar 13, 2020 | 04:28 PM
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I would assume the Z designation is stiffer than the regular C6, like it typically is. haven't heard of anyone upgrading to regular C6 shocks, but seems lots have upgraded to C6Z shocks.

I might suggest to the OP revalved bilsteins from DRM, can talk to them and have a revalve to your preferred usage specifications!
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Old Mar 13, 2020 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Edmund Iverson
I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I'm trying to get the latest input about this topic. So, if you all could please chime in, I've found some C6 shocks that are NOT the Z06 designation; would these be too soft and floaty?
I have the FE1 suspension on my Y2K Vette (with 90K miles and the original shocks on her btw), but I have added Eibach sway bars front and back and new Moog end links.
The shock model #'s are: AC Delco 560-12 and 560-13. I'm assuming these were the basic level on the C6's.
Your thoughts, opinions, condemnations, approval or general thoughts on these? The ride currently feels a bit like a buckboard, thanks to the old shocks, feeling every pothole and road patch (around Dayton there seem to be many!)
Thank you in advance as I value your constructive input!
I did the base C6 shocks and metal end links together. Detroit area roads are terrible and I don't track the car. Nice upgrade.
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Old Mar 13, 2020 | 08:46 PM
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Thank you for sharing some first hand experience with the shocks! It's nice to know you consider them an upgrade, as it sounds like your roads aren't too different from ours around here.
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Old Mar 13, 2020 | 09:05 PM
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If ride is important, stay with base C5/C6 shocks, IMO. They will work fine.
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Old Mar 14, 2020 | 10:05 PM
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Well, the OP has C5 shocks, and they are apparently not enough. I would assume Base C6 shocks would not be enough, if I am not mistaken...

Have you considered Koni Yellow's? I ran them on my 1st GTO-GT, spectacular! At setting 9/10 all around.....And, previously on a 98 TA (check my photos). They were awesome!

Not to mention the ability to dial back the dampening, for different applications....


My TA Comparison

Another, although looks like threaded collars

These are actual Corvette Application





Last edited by Hitman227; Mar 15, 2020 at 12:08 AM. Reason: Pics
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Old Mar 15, 2020 | 01:49 AM
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C6 Z06 shocks are a good choice for your car.
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