New c5 owner question
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
New c5 owner question
I just bought a 2003 C5 and looks like the previous owner put some Bilstein shocks on it. I’ve noticed when driving on curvy freeway ramps whenever I hit a expansion joint the whole car seems to hop over a little bit. My questions are is this normal and is there a way to identify if I have the HD or sport Bilsteins once they are on the vehicle?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your Vette. I agree with what others have said that I doubt the shocks would cause the car to hop.
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!
Last edited by MWWarlord; Oct 12, 2021 at 10:59 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 747
There should be a part number on at least 1 of 4 unless they're super old/weathered. Stiff damping/suspension will definitely cause that issue. My otherwise stock Z51 suspension did that with Bilstein B8s. If you want a softer, more compliant ride, soften it up. Generally speaking, what's best for performance on smooth roads isn't comfortable on the street and vice versa.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
The tires look new and have 33 psi according to my read out on the dash. Maybe I’ll lower it a little.
I’ll pull the wheels off and see if I can’t get a better look at the shocks. I’m going to be daily driving it to save gas compared to my trucks and would rather have a softer ride than the best possible handling. If it has the Bilstein sports from what I’ve read I’ll go to something softer.
Then probably get the alignment checked out.
Thanks for the reply’s.
I’ll pull the wheels off and see if I can’t get a better look at the shocks. I’m going to be daily driving it to save gas compared to my trucks and would rather have a softer ride than the best possible handling. If it has the Bilstein sports from what I’ve read I’ll go to something softer.
Then probably get the alignment checked out.
Thanks for the reply’s.
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1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,187
From: Buffalo Texas
The tires look new and have 33 psi according to my read out on the dash. Maybe I’ll lower it a little.
I’ll pull the wheels off and see if I can’t get a better look at the shocks. I’m going to be daily driving it to save gas compared to my trucks and would rather have a softer ride than the best possible handling. If it has the Bilstein sports from what I’ve read I’ll go to something softer.
Then probably get the alignment checked out.
Thanks for the reply’s.
I’ll pull the wheels off and see if I can’t get a better look at the shocks. I’m going to be daily driving it to save gas compared to my trucks and would rather have a softer ride than the best possible handling. If it has the Bilstein sports from what I’ve read I’ll go to something softer.
Then probably get the alignment checked out.
Thanks for the reply’s.
Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 525
Likes: 192
From: Central Ohio
I just bought a 2003 C5 and looks like the previous owner put some Bilstein shocks on it. I’ve noticed when driving on curvy freeway ramps whenever I hit a expansion joint the whole car seems to hop over a little bit. My questions are is this normal and is there a way to identify if I have the HD or sport Bilsteins once they are on the vehicle?
What should the tire pressure be when cold? Hot?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 198
Likes: 115
From: North Carolina
My front tires are original, as in 2004 runflats
, look "new" and are super rough on any bumps so... new tires have been ordered. What's the date on your tires?
Last edited by JamesNC; Oct 12, 2021 at 09:15 PM.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I should probably mention I typically drive between 80 and 90 on the freeway and don’t slow down unless I have on ramps or interchanges. Not saying that push it to the limit or anything but it is faster than normal. When I’m stuck behind your average person it doesn’t hop around at all.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
I had Bilstein Sports (B8) on my Z51 lowered on stock bolts. They were harsh. Oem C6 Z06 shocks are far better for daily driving IMO.
As for your car's behavior, I actually think it's normal. At least my car has done the same. There is a certain local freeway connecting ramp with a sweeping 90 degree curve and steep elevation change, with an expansion joint or something in the middle. Whenever I drive over it, the car kind of gets knocked off its line. I don't drive that way often, but everytime i go over it, that happens and nowhere else. I think it's from the combination of the joint being in the middle of the curve with a steep elevation change. I'm used to it now and anticipate and correct for it. But it did feel a little scary the first time it happened.