Replacement Shocks
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Replacement Shocks
Hi all - Apologize in advance as I suspect this has been discussed before, but.....I have a 2000 coupe with the Z51 suspension option. It seems the most recommended replacement shocks are Bilstein B6, Bilstein B8 and the 2013 C6 Z06 OEM shocks. Has anyone been able to compare back to back and rank these in terms of ride quality and wheel control? In terms of stiffness, I would like to stay close to my OEM Z51 shocks. I will say that I have driven a 2013 Grand Sport Convertible with the Z06 option and thought that had a great mix of ride quality and wheel control, but I am not sure if the convertibles came with the same shocks as the coupes.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 275
Likes: 39
I went from Z51 to C6 Z06 shocks and it is noticeably stiffer ride. 98 car. Although, they 100% serve the purpose I installed them for so its worth it for me giving up some ride comfort.
Also added the C6 Z06 sway bars, got rid of the body roll.
Also added the C6 Z06 sway bars, got rid of the body roll.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 1,369
From: New Jersey
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '25
I had C6 Z06 shocks on my '99 C5 coming from F45, great upgrade. Best of all worlds.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 587
Likes: 292
From: San Jose CA
Your shocks need to be paired to the suspension - specifically travel and spring rate. On paper, I'm not a huge fan of swapping C6 shocks which are designed for much stiffer springs.
I would encourage your to take a look at the Koni Sport shocks. Very well proven on these cars, specifically designed for the C5, lifetime warranty and externally adjustable for fine tuning
https://shop.koni-na.com/products/3013-1023sport
I would encourage your to take a look at the Koni Sport shocks. Very well proven on these cars, specifically designed for the C5, lifetime warranty and externally adjustable for fine tuning
https://shop.koni-na.com/products/3013-1023sport
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 651
From: Pingree Grove IL
I won’t vote for the B8. To stiff for street driving. Unless you’re going for HPDE lap times, go ahead. I did the B6. I think they are pretty comparable to c6z06 shocks. Both are about the same price, I got the B6 for 100 a piece about 2 years ago. You can’t go wrong with either one. I did c6z51 sway bars as well.
good luck with your purchase, install, and improved handling. Only thing holding you back now is a street tire. Don’t overdrive your car either.
good luck with your purchase, install, and improved handling. Only thing holding you back now is a street tire. Don’t overdrive your car either.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
I really like the Fox Ridetech HQ. Two thumbs up. My car is comfortable on bumpy michigan toads and smooth and predictable on track. It may not be the fastest shock but making the car easier to drive means it is easier to go faster for me. I got them from stranoparts, he can get you the right shock for your need.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,281
Likes: 24,570
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
The C6 Z06 shocks are a great upgrade for the C5. Reasonably priced too.
