Recently bought a 2003 50th Anniversary Coupe with 61K miles. The suspension is shot. Since the mag ride parts are crazy expensive, can I install the C^ Z06 shocks and be all right?

 

yes, you have to deactivate the mag ride system with a Tech 2

 

Just put Bilsteins on my recently-acquired '03 AE convertible for the same reason. Transformed the car.

 

That was my plan when I bought my Anniversary Edition vert. As it turned out, I was able to get some 'gently used' mag ride shocks to replace the worn out original F55's. I like the fact that I can change the ride at the flip of a switch, so when time comes for a complete replacement, I'm planning to bite the bullet and get new mag ride shocks. I've spoken with other AE owners who really like the C6 Z06 shocks, so you should be fine, but as for me, I'm planning to keep it original in that respect.
Good Luck!

 

I replaced the Mag ride shocks in my 2006 Convertible with Bilstein B8's and simulators instead of tuning out the F55. Bought the Magnetic Ride shock simulators from Davies Corvette Parts in New Port Richey, FL, They also sell new C6 Mag Ride shocks.

 

Or use some simulators as mentioned.

 

I put c6z06 shocks in my C5. Can't compare to bilsteins but I would say the Z06 shocks feel competent. Can't imagine putting in C5 wimpy stuff

Anybody here compared bilsteins 4/6/8 models to c6z06? Any shock dyno info?

 

If the OP is looking into simulators, make sure they work for your '03! I seem to recall that the sims won't work on '03 & '04 models, but I could be wrong. OP-Why in the world are your F55 shocks junk in only 61k miles??? That sucks. Most guys here on the forum get more mileage out of them than that! It makes me wonder what kind of use the PO subjected the car too...

 

I'm less than 10 miles from Davies. They're good Corvette people to deal with.....

 

For what it's worth, my F55's were shot when I bought the car with less than 21k miles on it last month. It was primarily a Florida car - likely heat and humidity destroyed the shocks, because this car has definitely not been driven hard.

 

Stock OEM c5 shocks are incompetent even new

 

That's why I went with Bilsteins - I don't know how well the C6Z06 shocks will hold up over time, but I'm relatively confident the Bilsteins will last.

 

If you're interested in keeping the magnetic ride, @Vader_C5 has 2 brand new, in box, never used F55 shocks for sale in the FS thread. You'd have to find out which 2 of your 4 shocks is the best of the group, then buy his 2 new ones. That or wait until 2 more new, or low mile, F55s become available. There are some good ones still out there.......

 

I love my F55 suspension! Still, if it ever starts unraveling I would install nice riding Bilsteins. I’d rather spend the savings on a power upgrade or a trip to Key West.

 

Life is too short for cheap suspension 🤷

 

I know you mean subpar suspension, because there's nothing cheap about the F45 or F55, that's for sure...

 

I believe he meant "cheap suspension" referring to people who replace the Mag Ride shocks with C6 Z06 or Bilstein shocks. I only needed to replace one mag ride shock but I decided to change them all for a new set of Bilstein B8 shocks, a set of F55 shock simulators, a set of Z06 sway bars, poly bushings, new end links and was going to install Z06 springs, but I haven't done that yet. It cost me more than to replace one mag ride shock to make the changes I made. I kept my Mag Ride shocks if I sold the car and someone wanted it reversed. Rock Auto has replacement Mag Ride shock for around $400 each (that was the price last November). My Bilstein B8's were $150 more than one mag ride shock and $100-$150 more than a set of new C6 OEM Z06 shocks if I remember correctly. Simulators were $200. Plus the sway bars and bushings around $300 which was much more costly than replacing one mag ride shock. Then there is the cost of new C6 Z06 springs but I will probably not go that route, I am happy with the current feel. I read that the springs could cause issues with base tire sizes. Price wasn't the reason for me but I can see why someone may go this route instead of spending $1,600+ on a set of mag ride shocks at Rock Auto prices. They may want to pay the dealer hundreds more for the same GM OEM Mag Ride shocks and not to cheap out. You can also throw money at the dealer at $250/hour and have them install the shocks as well so not to cheap out. Your money and your car but as usual there will be comments about what you spend your money on, how you use your Corvette, how often you drive it (mine is a daily driver which may or may not be ok depending on the ones who stand in judgement (mine is driven in all sorts of inclement weather but there is no snow in SW FL) and how often you change your oil, Dexcool, brake fluid or spark plugs and wires, even how often you clean it and wax it. I have received comments on all of these by Corvette Forum members. It's even more fun at PRC.

 

I prefer to think of it as less expensive. I’ve had Bilsten shocks and they are terrific.

If someone else wants to C6 their car out, or install high end components I’ll be happy to read your posts and appreciate your enthusiasm.

 

I honestly never felt that much of a difference between the 2 ride settings of my F55. The Corvette always drove more like a grand touring car with the small FE3 sway bars and rubber isolators of the F55. Replacing the original endlinks with the new upgraded C6 endlinks was a must while everything was apart..
So many other Forum members love the Mag Ride suspension and swear by it.

 

That's strange there wasnt much difference between settings. Maybe an indication even then that something was wrong. My F45, though considered inferior to the F55, has 3 settings, and theres a huge difference between the tour and performance settings.....