Shocks
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Shocks
just purchased my FIL’s 50th anniversary corvette < 4000 miles…. Shifter cable broke which I’ve read can be pretty common. While at the mechanic they noticed a leak at differential so I’m getting that fixed too. Shocks are also a little wet which I’m not addressing now, but they told me they couldn’t find anyone that had OEM shocks except for a place in Germany…. Was just curious if anyone had more info on shocks. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 1,218
Anniversary cars came with the first generation mag ride shocks, your car should have the two-position switch on th console.
If they only have a small amount of wetness on them, then nothing to worry about, very common.
If they only have a small amount of wetness on them, then nothing to worry about, very common.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,126
Likes: 673
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
When I bought my 03 AE convertible, I had experience from my first 03 I had a 12 years ago, a coupe. knowing the F55 suspension I stared gathering all or a extra set of all F55 parts and I only did it because I like the Mag-ride so, it is or was expensive but I think I made a good investment. most folks would jus get a set of Bilstein shock and get some who can delete the software in the PCM, which is perfectly understandable. Good luck with your car. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,641
Likes: 3,337
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Congrats on the new to you Vette. I'm glad to hear that you're taking proper care of it. Unfortunately, the F55 mag ride shocks are both hard to find, and extremely expensive. Because of this, most owners will swap out for either Corvette C6 Z06 shocks or Bilstein shocks. You'll need someone with the proper tool to tune out the mag ride option on your car. Otherwise, you'll get a shock failure code and related dash light. Be aware that while this option is MUCH cheaper, and will offer decent performance, they will NOT be as comfortable as the mag ride shocks. Your other option would be coilovers. However, that can be as or likely more expensive than the OEM mag ride shocks.
With all of that said, while you will need to make this choice eventually, as long as your suspension is functioning normally my advice would be to keep your current shocks and just monitor the situation. Good luck and don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE
With all of that said, while you will need to make this choice eventually, as long as your suspension is functioning normally my advice would be to keep your current shocks and just monitor the situation. Good luck and don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE
7th Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 7
Likes: 5
From: Chicago Suburbs
I went with C6 Z06 shocks. I think it is a great compromise between performance and comfort… but when I purchased the car it still had the original run flat tires which felt like frozen hockey pucks (replaced with Michelin Pilot’s) and the leaking F55 Magna-rides, so I guess anything might feel like an improvement. But seriously, I think the Z06 shocks are a great alternative if you can find someone who program out the F55 option.
