Hi folks;
Recently purchased a '03 Z06 and am in the process of fitting the C6 Z06 shocks as well as the C6 Z51 sway bars and quite few other things. I purchased the shocks through RockAuto and indeed they're genuine GM OEM units. What is puzzling is there are no upper shock bushings/mounts. The lower bushings which slide over the shock shaft are there but no uppers. This being the case I started searching for the upper bushings.... to no avail. As most of you are aware, the bushings/mounts consist of a lower rubber pad which is made with a barrel-like spacer which then indexes into the upper bushing.

I've looked and looked...

Where have you found these and does anyone have a part number?

regards,
Jozef
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You could upgrade to these poly bushings:
https://www.dougrippie.com/corvette-...mount-bushings


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Yes. DetroitGS, thank you. I also found those on a quick Google, almost pulling the trigger, and then it got me to wondering. How about the folks with base models or restorers who don't want anything but OEM parts. Surely there must be a source, no?

I'm ordering the Doug Rippie units.

regards

 

How do they fit?
Send some pics please as I will be doing the same upgrade to my '01. I am also missing the tops.

 

Well, my car being relatively low mileage, I examined the existing stock pieces and reinstalled them on the new C6 shocks, though I did indeed order, and have subsequently received the rippie pieces, which appear to be...well, new poly-type parts. I haven't installed them as of yet, as I now find myself wanting more damping control. The C6 shocks are fine - for the average, or even moderately demanding enthusiast. That being said - My Porsche and BMW, both fitted with Koni's exhibit significantly more dynamic control, so I have ordered a set of Koni yellow sport adjustable shocks. I'll post up photos once I get in there to install the Koni's.

regards

 

Doug Rippie poly-bushings as well as the adjustable Koni yellow sport (mounting hardware shown) shocks:




Shot of the C6 Z06 shocks and upper mount: Verdict - Good Riddance.

Everyone has an opinion, and here's mine. As is obvious by the photo, these are new shocks. I gave them a shot. Accumulated roughly 400+ miles on city streets to lengthy winding roads to some interstate as well. Again, and in my opinion. They are tolerable on the interstate albeit just barely. An obvious lack of damping is evident at higher speeds (80+ mph) and on undulating roads with porpoising clearly evident and, quite frankly, on the verge of obnoxiously so. I find it somewhat difficult to wrap my head around some owners finding these in any way stiff. Compared to? What comes to mind is an owner who hops out of his Rolls Corniche, or perhaps a vintage Mark IV or Eldorado into his vette fitted with these. Then? Maybe, just maybe. Or another plausible scenario would be just being accustomed to droning around for umpteen thousands of miles on suspension in dire need of a proper refresh.

A good friend who owns a C6 Z06 fitted his car with Bilstein (B6 ?) quite some time ago, and he has subsequently ordered Koni's now that he's driven mine opining the Koni's are next level.









Rear:





For those wondering. Sway Bars = C6 Z51 31mm front - 25.4 rear which I had powderpainted with prothane bushings on new OEM droplinks all around.

Also, for those contemplating performing this swap. Prepare yourself for some significant muscular resourcefulness. The OEM shocks are a breeze relative to the Koni. Almost Scwarzenegger-like strength is required. That being said. If I, at 67 years old can do it, so can many of you.

Jozef...