04 shocks

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Jul 24, 2021 | 03:24 PM

rtcsr3580

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04 shocks

i need up to date info on obtaining replacement electronic controlled shocks for my o4 ... I was "shocked " when my mechanic told me it would be $ thousands to replace them ... the car has 70k on it and its a terrible ride with these worn out shocks so i want to resolve the problem .. it doesnt have to be OEM ... it seems standard chocks can be put on other C5s but not 03 or o4 ... any info would be greatly appreciated ... thanks ... Bob

Jul 24, 2021 | 04:18 PM

jcgunn

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From: Horseshoe Bend ID

Search the forum, there are many threads on this subject. Your car has the F55 system which can be tuned out with a Tech-2. You can replace the shocks with C6 Z06 shocks or aftermarket like Bilstein HDs (which is what I put on my 03 Vert)

Last edited by jcgunn; Jul 24, 2021 at 04:19 PM.

Jul 24, 2021 | 04:36 PM

rtcsr3580

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thank you .. i live on long island NY ... any ideas on where i can have the Tech2 reprogramming done?

Jul 24, 2021 | 06:57 PM

Vetteman Jack

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So what jcgunn said - I would recommend the C6 Z06 shocks as a replacement.

Jul 24, 2021 | 07:05 PM

rtcsr3580

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thanks ... but are there any instructions or videos on how i can do it and where i can get the proper parts ?

Jul 24, 2021 | 11:50 PM

No-autotrans.

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From: Erie PA

I'm going through this now, with my '03. Once I got the correct part#'s from a friend at a GM dealer, I searched them out, and found them for under $450 each, much cheaper than the $570 they wanted.
I don't know if I can post 'net links to the 'site, (pm me if you wish) but it's a OEM GM discount parts dealer. You can put your VIN # in and it will select the correct parts for you.
Other option is to find someone with, or buy the TECH2 programmer yourself, turn off the F55 system, and go to aftermarket shocks.
I'm going with OEM for now, but if I'm not satisfied with the ride I will go to coilovers.
Shocks aren't hard to change, lots of 'tube vids for it, just remember safety first, use jackstands!!!

Jul 25, 2021 | 06:54 AM

rtcsr3580

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thanks ... that is very helpful
Questions

I want a soft ride ... with replacement OEM parts will the touring ride be soft? .. i have this car for 2 years and the ride was always harsh no matter which option i choose possibly because the shocks were shot all along

in cold weather .. temps under 30 degrees the active handling goes wacky ... when the light goes on the car will swerve ... its kind of freaky ... is this related to the shocks needing replacement?

if the F55 option is removed can it be put back in if aftermarket doesnt work out?

any suggestions on soft aftermarket shocks that are safe for this car?

Jul 25, 2021 | 07:38 AM

C5MSG2004Vert

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From: New Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtcsr3580

I have the F55 option and when in touring mode the ride is pretty good and not jarring. A Corvette is a sports car so it's not going to be a Cadillac. Are your shocks leaking alot of oil? Some owners that have reported their F55 ride is jarring have found that the shocks still have the shipping blocks installed even after many years later. The standard FE1 shocks may give you the softest ride. Don't know if there are softer shocks out there. As long as the wheel position sensors and control module are left in the car you can easily return it back to the F55 system.

You cold weather issue may be something like a wheel speed sensor or steering wheel position sensor. You have to read the DIC codes to see what's going on.

Last edited by C5MSG2004Vert; Jul 25, 2021 at 07:41 AM.