_____Shocks : Bilstien Vs Z06 shocks_____
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
_____Shocks : Bilstien Vs Z06 shocks_____
Does anyone have experience / knowledge about these two shocks. Which would be a better choice to go with for better handling, be able to handle a lowered car, and good for road racing. I'm debating between a used pair of Z06 shocks (low miles) or the new Bilstiens (haven't seen them used in parts section)
P.S: I'm also getting the Z06 sway bars. (FYI : Its a base coupe with base suspension)
P.S: I'm also getting the Z06 sway bars. (FYI : Its a base coupe with base suspension)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
I put Bilstein Sports on my 99 HT along with Z06 sways. Rid is firm but not uncomfortable in my opinion. For our 04 Z51 coupe, I went with the 04 Z06 shocks which are an improvement over previous years. The ride is a bit softer but better rebound. Good for everyday driving and open road rally’s. Keep in mind, your springs are soft so stiffer shocks alone might not give you what you want. Good luck. – C..
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
Likes: 10
From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Originally Posted by Randy@DRM
Bilsteins are the way to go. We have been running Bilsteins for years and years with great results.
Randy
Randy
Got mine at DRM. Stock shocks on cars are made by bean counter which don't last and are junk. I put Bilsteins on my dually with 45,000 and the ride was so different. I then dumped the shocks on the 04 Excursion with 9,000 miles with another great set of Bilsteins.It showed me good shock on any vehicle is critical.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Let me re-frame, I wanna keep the stock springs (at least for now). But am looking to change the shocks, which will give me good results now, and have the potential for future mods such as springs..sway bars, etc. I've heard good things about Z06 shocks and also Bilstien. So considering the above - what do you suggest? Z06 shocks (2001-2004) or Bilstien ?
Thanks in advance.... I know a lot of ppl are reading it, plz share your input and any feedback....
Thanks in advance.... I know a lot of ppl are reading it, plz share your input and any feedback....
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 1
From: Aptos CA
I have had Bilsteins, Edlebrock and Z06 ON MY VERT
I feel the Bilstein sports offer the best balance of control, ride and handeling. Had them on with both Base and Zo6 springs. They ride really well with base springs and cleAn up a lot of the walllow and jounce the OEM SHOCKS HAVE.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: Long Island City NY
It would seem that if your car is a daily driver with no track days, you might want to go with the Z06 '04 shocks...if you're going to track your car and drive it occasionally, then there are much better shocks...but the Bilstiens will do the job. I had bilstiens on my previous BMW and it made a huge difference. However, that was with H&R Sports lowering springs. I think it's time to change out my shocks too. 80K miles, it's no wonder the car wanders all over the place.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan
I've heard good things about Z06 shocks and also Bilstien. So considering the above - what do you suggest? Z06 shocks (2001-2004) or Bilstien ?
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
I replaced the shocks on my 03 with the newer 04 Sachs Z06 shocks. They are marvelous. Nice and firm, yet supple and controlled. And I know they were specifically tuned for the C5 Z chassis. For a daily driver with some weekend track work they are the perfect shock.
Tom
Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,348
Likes: 3,319
Originally Posted by AFVETTE
I replaced the shocks on my 03 with the newer 04 Sachs Z06 shocks. They are marvelous. Nice and firm, yet supple and controlled. And I know they were specifically tuned for the C5 Z chassis. For a daily driver with some weekend track work they are the perfect shock.
Tom
Tom
Nice improvement on my Z as well and great on a road course.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 790
Likes: 7
From: Denton TX
Can someone clear this up for me? I have looked at the specs for the 2004 Z51 vs the Z06 on http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/
The information they show seems to indicate that these two suspensions share the same shocks. In fast it appears the only difference between them is the front sway bar and the rear spring. Is this in fact the case?
The information they show seems to indicate that these two suspensions share the same shocks. In fast it appears the only difference between them is the front sway bar and the rear spring. Is this in fact the case?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
I chose the Bilstien sports to replace my aging '01 Z06 shocks. It was a tough choice between the Bilstiens and the '04 Z shocks. Supposedly the Bilstiens have better rebound control plus they're a bit shorter so the perform better and last longer on a lowered car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 301
From: Bonita CA
I installed to 04 Z shocks on my 2K vert which previously had 03 Z shocks. Couldn't tell much difference to justify the expense, in fact I liked to 03 Z shock better because of its good ride quality. Bilsteins are marginal, put a set on my GMC motorhome, lousy. Went to KYBs. Great shock! Konis are great too. Don't know if they make these for the C5 but they are great shocks overall. I would never buy another Bilstein. Also they don't stand behind their so-called "lifetime" guarantee any more. They blame the failures on the driver now.
Getting mixed replies... 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 9
From: "Philly" Pennsylvania
shocks & sway bas
I changed my stock suspension by adding Z06 (2003) shocks & sway bars, did each one seperately to see the change made by each - both made significant differences - total effect just what I was looking for.