Replacement Shock for the C5
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Replacement Shock for the C5
Interested in your recommendations and experience for a 4-Shock Replacement Set for my 2000 C5 Convertible (Original Shocks)
GM OEM vs.Bilstein B6 Performance vs KYB Gas-a-Just front and rear. . Driven 100% Hwy/Street no track use.
Some spirited driving.
GM OEM vs.Bilstein B6 Performance vs KYB Gas-a-Just front and rear. . Driven 100% Hwy/Street no track use.
Some spirited driving.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 688
From: Pingree Grove IL
Any of these shocks will do fine. Sounds like you are just looking for a replacement. I have the Bilstein B6. None of these shocks will give you a smooth ride. IMO, a Smooth ride on standard suspension doesn’t exist unless you do an expensive coil over conversion and put them on the softest setting. Also check out C6 Z06 shocks, they are a direct fit as well.
Honestly buy the cheapest ones you can find, install them yourself if you can, each shock is 3 bolts. Pretty simple, my c5 bilstein B6 were the first shocks I ever changed. Challenging if you can’t get the car in the air. Quickjacks are great.
Honestly buy the cheapest ones you can find, install them yourself if you can, each shock is 3 bolts. Pretty simple, my c5 bilstein B6 were the first shocks I ever changed. Challenging if you can’t get the car in the air. Quickjacks are great.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Any of these shocks will do fine. Sounds like you are just looking for a replacement. I have the Bilstein B6. None of these shocks will give you a smooth ride. IMO, a Smooth ride on standard suspension doesn’t exist unless you do an expensive coil over conversion and put them on the softest setting. Also check out C6 Z06 shocks, they are a direct fit as well.
Honestly buy the cheapest ones you can find, install them yourself if you can, each shock is 3 bolts. Pretty simple, my c5 bilstein B6 were the first shocks I ever changed. Challenging if you can’t get the car in the air. Quickjacks are great.
Honestly buy the cheapest ones you can find, install them yourself if you can, each shock is 3 bolts. Pretty simple, my c5 bilstein B6 were the first shocks I ever changed. Challenging if you can’t get the car in the air. Quickjacks are great.
Also considering making the change myself have't made the decision yet.
Thanks so much!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 642
Likes: 342
From: San Jose CA
I would go with the Biltien B6's great shock, a little firmer than factory. Strano has the best deal on these right now at $556/set
https://www.stranoparts.com/partdeta...316&ModelID=11
In pretty much every application I've ever used KYB, they've been garbage
https://www.stranoparts.com/partdeta...316&ModelID=11
In pretty much every application I've ever used KYB, they've been garbage
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 1,081
Just like the rough riding Z51 shocks on mine, I'm going with much softer shocks on mine, one of these days when I get motivated and change them...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 688
From: Pingree Grove IL
bought my bilsteins from rock auto at 109.99 a piece like 4 years ago. Prices are definitely changing.
Inatalled everything myself. I have new Bridgestone sport tires going on soon, cause my tires are 7 years old😱
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 3
From: FL
I put the Bilstein B6 on also. They are a little stiff, but it's a sports car not a Cadillac. They are great around corners and round on ramps. I did it myself, not too bad. Did the zip tie install, and it worked out great. Google it for shock install. Plenty of videos on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 3,313
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I have C6 Z06 shocks on my car. Combined with the C6 Z51 sway bars, the car handles MUCH better than stock. However, as mentioned, you will definitely feel the bumps in the road a lot more. It all depends on what you're looking for. If you want improved performance then the C6 Z06 or the Bilsteins are a great choice. If you like the ride you had, just replace them with new OEM shocks.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
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It’s a combination of things. On newer non-run flats @32 psi is the baseline. I installed the B6 and they were pretty harsh compared to the original magnetic adjustable shocks. Following that I installed the much higher rate C6 Z51 sways bars. Suddenly…the team was on the same page, so to speak, and the ride improved dramatically. It’s really nice now, still sporty and corners great, but comfortable.
My long winded point is, you need a system that works together. If you plan to keep the base “comfort ride” sway bars, buy the base OEM style shocks. It’s still going to handle better than most cars, but not like the stiffer Z51/Z06 options. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s how the vast majority of these cars are set up.
My long winded point is, you need a system that works together. If you plan to keep the base “comfort ride” sway bars, buy the base OEM style shocks. It’s still going to handle better than most cars, but not like the stiffer Z51/Z06 options. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s how the vast majority of these cars are set up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 575
From: FLORIDA
I'm running QA1 Single Adjustable shocks and love them! They have a dial on the side that I can adjust in minutes. I can have very smooth ride for trips or stiffen it up for track days. They run around $215ea and have a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Good luck with your decision.
Good luck with your decision.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
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Another chime in for C6Z shocks... Just because they won't break the bank and are an improvement over stock C5 shocks... Since you said your car is stock and only care for spirited driving, these would be a good choice for you to consider...
Good luck with whatever you decide....
Good luck with whatever you decide....
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Many in the past have swapped in C6 Z06 shocks on their C5. They may ride stiffer, but they work very well on the car.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,785
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From: In the woods
2024 C5of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Another vote for C6Z shocks. They do ride firm however I would not call them stiff, more like controlled. I put them on my 2000 base, huge improvement over my whacked out 110,000 mile originals.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 228
From: Northeast FL
What about stock C5 Z sway bars and shocks? I already have the Z06 sway bars and new end links for them. Waiting to put them on until I decide on shocks. Not a track car, just want some fun on off ramps.