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Need new shocks

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Old Jan 28, 2023 | 07:20 PM
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From: Austin Tx
Default Need new shocks

Stock 2000 C5 with just over 120K miles. Original shocks I'm pretty sure.
After a few hours of research, looks like I need a set of C6 Z06 shocks. Looking online, I don't see Z06 mentioned, just FE3. Is that the same thing?

Thx!

P.S. Checked Gultrag Performance but they are out of stock on them.
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Old Jan 28, 2023 | 08:18 PM
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I wanted something better than oem replacement for my C5 base and I went with Doug Rippie Motorsport's custom valved Bilsteins. I loooove them. I highly recommend them. Car rides 'comfortably firm' but not harsh. Now I just want to upgrade my sways to maybe Z06 stuff. Check them out or give them a call and see if they have them in stock. I didn't have to wait long when they were out last year. They also have other types of Bilsteins that might be close to what you're looking for

Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Jan 29, 2023 at 01:16 AM.
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Old Jan 28, 2023 | 11:18 PM
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Getting car ready to sell. Not looking to spend any more than necessary.

Found this post:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...3-and-j55.html
Looks like I need the FE4 option shocks.
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 01:17 AM
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Yes, I believe the FE4 suspension shocks are what you are looking for. Try gmpartsdirect.com and see if they have any in stock.
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 11:16 AM
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From what I understand, the DR Bilstein's BOTH quell harshness and increase dampening capability (great valving) - nice selling point
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 12:40 PM
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Also this post from "related thread" below. Not sure what to make of it from a stock height but another thing to keep in mind. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1605673756
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by zz28zz
Getting car ready to sell. Not looking to spend any more than necessary.

Found this post:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...3-and-j55.html
Looks like I need the FE4 option shocks.
Yeah...Give the next Corvette driver that uses your car cheep equipment...
Because you don't care
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 03:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
Yes, I believe the FE4 suspension shocks are what you are looking for. Try gmpartsdirect.com and see if they have any in stock.
No luck at gmpartsdirect but did find a set at rockauto. $387 shipped. Thx for the confirmation.
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 01:16 PM
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A note to the OP, does the car have selective ride control? If it does, switching to a standard shock will cause the car to throw a code. There are ways around this, but I figured you should know before you start ordering parts.
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 01:51 PM
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Saw the issue with Selective Ride Control. Fortunately mine does not have that option. Thx anyway for the heads-up.
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 08:12 PM
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I am very happy with the Bilstein B8's with C6 Z06 sway bars in place of the Mag Ride that my '06 Convertible came with.
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Old Jan 31, 2023 | 06:50 AM
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I installed C5 Z06 shocks in mine and I like them.
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Old Jan 31, 2023 | 10:27 AM
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Replaced the over 100,000 mile stockers on my 2K base coupe with C6 Z06 shocks, the difference was unreal.
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Old Jan 31, 2023 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by cdee63
Replaced the over 100,000 mile stockers on my 2K base coupe with C6 Z06 shocks, the difference was unreal.
Thought I was going to sell the car but the other car I wanted isn't available any longer, so looks like I'll be updating this car some more. It's my daily driver (when it's not raining) and has never seen a track, probably never will. Think the C6 Z06 shocks will be abt perfect, all things considered.

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Old Jan 31, 2023 | 10:27 PM
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The C6Z valving isn't ideal for a C5 and I believe there's an issue with shock length. There are better options mentioned in this thread.
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Old Jan 31, 2023 | 10:36 PM
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I put C6 Z06 shocks on my car, great improvement.
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Old Jan 31, 2023 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Vader_C5
I put C6 Z06 shocks on my car, great improvement.
C6 Z06 shocks and C6 Z51 sway bars
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Old Feb 1, 2023 | 04:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Elektro
Also this post from "related thread" below. Not sure what to make of it from a stock height but another thing to keep in mind. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1605673756
Scanning the thread, they talk about different shocks and their worth.
Personally shocks for me make the car more fun to drive on the street, wallowing maneuvers is the last thing I want in the car.
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Old Feb 1, 2023 | 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Supercharged111
The C6Z valving isn't ideal for a C5 and I believe there's an issue with shock length. There are better options mentioned in this thread.
The C6Z shocks are the exact same length as the stock C5 shocks. I personally have C6Z06 shocks on my car paired with C6Z51 sway bars. This will be an excellent setup for the way the OP uses his car.
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Old Feb 1, 2023 | 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by MWWarlord
The C6Z shocks are the exact same length as the stock C5 shocks. I personally have C6Z06 shocks on my car paired with C6Z51 sway bars. This will be an excellent setup for the way the OP uses his car.
I could swear this link was dropped in this thread earlier.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...06-shocks.html

It begs to differ.

Originally Posted by Kubs
The '04 Z06 got the best valving out of all the C5 Z06's, but im not sure how they compare to a performance shock. I have tried the C6 Z06 shocks and they are absolute garbage on track. The C6Z uses taller shocks in the rear so on a lowered C5 they spend all their time in the bump stops and do no actual damping. The rear just bounces all over.

For a good budget friendly performance shock I would recommend the Doug Rippie valved Bilstein shocks. They are an excellent value.

DRM Valved Bilstein Shocks C5 (dougrippie.com)
I don't run them myself, but I've long known they're not quite right for our cars and that there are better options out there. I have JoC shocks and sways on my car, a little tighter than the stock 04 Z06 shocks that had 120,000 miles on them.
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