Need advice on shocks
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
Need advice on shocks
I was told by a local Chevrolet dealer that I needed to replace my two front shocks. I have an 04 convertible with adjustable ride control. For two A/C Delco shocks, the quote was $2400, which I thought was crazy. I think I want to go with Bilsteins but the magnetic ride control seems to be a problem when switching. The car only has 30k miles, but when I hit a pot hole or something, the right front seemed to hit particularly hard. Any advice on how to proceed? thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,887
Likes: 1,652
From: North Coast
First look at them and see if they are leaking oil or are wet. If they are dry you may have just hit a bad hole.
Yes the factory adjustable are pretty expensive to replace if you can find a full set.
You can do Bilstein's and have the factory shocks turned off in the computer via GM Tech2 tool.
If you want to keep a good ride and increase the handling a bit slap on the Z06 bars. It will ride on the soft spring down the road but stiffen up with the bars in a corner. That is what I am running now and it is good.
Yes the factory adjustable are pretty expensive to replace if you can find a full set.
You can do Bilstein's and have the factory shocks turned off in the computer via GM Tech2 tool.
If you want to keep a good ride and increase the handling a bit slap on the Z06 bars. It will ride on the soft spring down the road but stiffen up with the bars in a corner. That is what I am running now and it is good.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 255
Likes: 72
From: Maryland
First look at them and see if they are leaking oil or are wet. If they are dry you may have just hit a bad hole.
Yes the factory adjustable are pretty expensive to replace if you can find a full set.
You can do Bilstein's and have the factory shocks turned off in the computer via GM Tech2 tool.
If you want to keep a good ride and increase the handling a bit slap on the Z06 bars. It will ride on the soft spring down the road but stiffen up with the bars in a corner. That is what I am running now and it is good.
Yes the factory adjustable are pretty expensive to replace if you can find a full set.
You can do Bilstein's and have the factory shocks turned off in the computer via GM Tech2 tool.
If you want to keep a good ride and increase the handling a bit slap on the Z06 bars. It will ride on the soft spring down the road but stiffen up with the bars in a corner. That is what I am running now and it is good.
Yeah there's a way to program that ride control feature out.
I run Doug Rippie Motorsports Re-valved Bilsteins and I LOVE them. They are worth the wait time, I recommend getting the bushings too, they don't add any NVH that I've noticed:
https://www.dougrippie.com/drm-valve...tein-shocks-c5
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What hyperv6 mentions is good advice.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 613
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From: San Jose CA
I believe Strano carries a shock specifically designed to eliminate the factory FX3 shocks. They aren’t on the website, but a phone call will get em
www.stranoparts.com
www.stranoparts.com
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: CT
First - are you in any way involved in Dave's Killer Bread? Had to ask due to the name. I'm a crack addict for that stuff.
Second - for way less than that money they are RideTech HQ coilovers for sale right now on the C6 Parts For Sale page which would utterly transform your ride. Soft as butter? Doable. Stiff and stout? Doable. Just click the rebound setting. Usually $2400+ new, the ones for sale are 10k miles and the seller is asking $1,400.
Link --> https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Lars, the seller, is a good guy. He may have two different sets of springs for them as well.
Second - for way less than that money they are RideTech HQ coilovers for sale right now on the C6 Parts For Sale page which would utterly transform your ride. Soft as butter? Doable. Stiff and stout? Doable. Just click the rebound setting. Usually $2400+ new, the ones for sale are 10k miles and the seller is asking $1,400.
Link --> https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Lars, the seller, is a good guy. He may have two different sets of springs for them as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,327
Likes: 166
From: Summerton SC
Tech Contributor
Just found my rear-right magnetic shock is leaking oil and flinging onto the muffler, for a really nice smell, sad, sad, so very sad! So they have mag-compatibles on Amazon for $335 a pair (they also have the front ones):
Not sure what a great buy these are, but I am tempted to intall them myself, or see if the dealer will do it. Good luck.
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My F55’s gave out and I installed the tamer of the two Bilstein models and had the selective ride tuned out. Just so you know, the Bilsteins, while great shocks, do NOT have as nice a ride as the F55. It may be worth trying the aftermarket magnetic shocks.
Advanced
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 72
Likes: 26
From: Michigan
That Amazon link doesn't seem to work for me, but I found the replacement mag shocks here:
Love to hear from anyone who has these!
Dan
Love to hear from anyone who has these!
Dan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,327
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From: Summerton SC
Tech Contributor
So I went through all the F55 knock offs on Amazon & Ebay; All of the Amazon ones were warantied for just 30 days, most of Ebays were just one year, a few were for two years... and this one was for 3 years (if you can find him in 3 years, right!): https://www.ebay.com/str/qarmaxparts (2× Rear Shocks Absorbers w/MagneRide Fit Corvette C5 C6 2003-13)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15636310206...Bk9SR67R-cW9ZQ
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15636310206...Bk9SR67R-cW9ZQ
Le Mans Master
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Kalmaegee is a pretty big business and sells parts with a large inventory. I can’t speak to their product quality, but they seem like a legit business.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 3
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Kalamagee shocks
I believe Strano carries a shock specifically designed to eliminate the factory FX3 shocks. They aren’t on the website, but a phone call will get em
www.stranoparts.com
www.stranoparts.com
That Amazon link doesn't seem to work for me, but I found the replacement mag shocks here:
Amazon.com: Kalmaegee 4PCS Front and Rear Shocks and Struts w/Magnetic for Corvette C5 C6 2003-2013, for Cadillac XLR 2004-2009 : Automotive
Love to hear from anyone who has these!
Dan
Amazon.com: Kalmaegee 4PCS Front and Rear Shocks and Struts w/Magnetic for Corvette C5 C6 2003-2013, for Cadillac XLR 2004-2009 : Automotive
Love to hear from anyone who has these!
Dan
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
I was told by a local Chevrolet dealer that I needed to replace my two front shocks. I have an 04 convertible with adjustable ride control. For two A/C Delco shocks, the quote was $2400, which I thought was crazy. I think I want to go with Bilsteins but the magnetic ride control seems to be a problem when switching. The car only has 30k miles, but when I hit a pot hole or something, the right front seemed to hit particularly hard. Any advice on how to proceed? thanks
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Aww man, I just picked these up b/c all 4 of mine were shot and leaking. I am new here what do you mean "Throws codes" and limits speed. These still are MRC shocks right, not deletes? Otherwise, I might need to return them. I want MRC.
Le Mans Master
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From: Florida
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If the PCM detects a fault/code with the F55 shocks, or by removing them altogether, it can limit speed to 80 mph for safety.
Last edited by vette4fl; Aug 16, 2025 at 09:53 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
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The magnetic adjustable shocks are the best ride, you made a good decision. Kalmagee is no fly by night, they manufacture a ton of shocks for many models. Maybe someone had a problem, but you can contact the seller before install and run it by them to set your mind at ease.
If the PCM detects a fault/code with the F55 shocks, or by removing them altogether, it can limit speed to 80 mph for safety.
If the PCM detects a fault/code with the F55 shocks, or by removing them altogether, it can limit speed to 80 mph for safety.
Finally, is there any wiring or anything needed for hook up with these? None of the pics I have seen seem to have a way to control which Mode they're in when I flip the switch inside the car. <-- Sorry, newbie question.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
I am in the same boat. 2004 new owner with a unit in need of new shocks. Heck I am still trying to figure out whether I have MRC - LOL. Is there an in-expensive OEM option that doesnt take all of the computer deletes, etc ?