How do I know when factory shocks need replacement
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
How do I know when factory shocks need replacement
Hello, I am new to this forum. I recently purchased a 2000 vert, six speed with 56K miles. I replaced the tires with run-flats, and plan to do the brakes next. I have a question about the shocks. They are variable (perf, sport, touring), and was thinking of replacing them. Is there any way to determine if they do need replacement? I cannot really tell any difference in any of the settings. Are there any recommendations? I do not race it, it is a daily driver. Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
I don't have any experience with these shocks, but there are two ways I have always checked other shocks...
1. visible... If they are lekaing cahnge them
2. load test... driving feels diffferent so go to each corner and load it with weight if the car when adjusting to the release of load bounces more than two cycles.... it's time to replace
1. visible... If they are lekaing cahnge them
2. load test... driving feels diffferent so go to each corner and load it with weight if the car when adjusting to the release of load bounces more than two cycles.... it's time to replace
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 1
I have heard that around 40k or so would be a good time. I would definitely replace them around 60 though. I would also replace them with Z06 shocks. They made a huge difference on mine. The ride seems more controlled and the cornering and response is unbelievable compared to my worn out factory shocks 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Been down this road and won't go there again!!!! The F45 "Selective Ride" was (to me) a huge waste of money. You have already learned that there really isn't a noticeable difference in the three settings. My wife could NOT tell the difference in any of the settings, even when the car was new!! 
The answer to your question is, after approx 40K the OEM shocks start to degrade and NO, I would not replace them with OEM replacements! I recommend replacing them with 04 Z06 shocks or Bilstenes (SP?). The replacement F45 electronically adjustable shocks are VERY EXPENSIVE!!!
You will need to have the F-45 feature removed from your BCM or purchase some shock simulators that plug into the connectors that the shocks connect to. Other wise you will get codes and DIC messages.
Once you put some new shocks on, you will be amazed at how much better it will ride!
The answer to your question is, after approx 40K the OEM shocks start to degrade and NO, I would not replace them with OEM replacements! I recommend replacing them with 04 Z06 shocks or Bilstenes (SP?). The replacement F45 electronically adjustable shocks are VERY EXPENSIVE!!!
You will need to have the F-45 feature removed from your BCM or purchase some shock simulators that plug into the connectors that the shocks connect to. Other wise you will get codes and DIC messages.
Once you put some new shocks on, you will be amazed at how much better it will ride!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 2
From: Woodbridge VA
Originally Posted by C3 Vette
Hello, I am new to this forum. I recently purchased a 2000 vert, six speed with 56K miles. I replaced the tires with run-flats, and plan to do the brakes next. I have a question about the shocks. They are variable (perf, sport, touring), and was thinking of replacing them. Is there any way to determine if they do need replacement? I cannot really tell any difference in any of the settings. Are there any recommendations? I do not race it, it is a daily driver. Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
From: Edmond OK.
When some one on the East Side invites you to a lowrider event. 
No really, welcome to the forum you should get the help you need here like the responses above. I went with bilstein sports.
No really, welcome to the forum you should get the help you need here like the responses above. I went with bilstein sports.
Last edited by GMvert; Feb 17, 2006 at 10:46 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,218
Likes: 1
From: Cresskill NJ
I had the F45 shocks on my 97 that had only 16k miles on it. There was a slight difference between settings, and I always left it on Perf because the rear end seemed to stay seated a little better in turns. I now have a 98 with 54k miles that has the base suspension. I replaced the stock shocks with Bilstein Sports and I would say there is a large amount of improvement over the F45 shocks I had in my 97.
Chris
Chris
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 2
From: Woodbridge VA
Originally Posted by Pizzano
I also have the F45, where can I get the shock simulators, and is there any tech articles floating around showing how the conversion is done.
thnx
thnx
The sims are expensive also. It might be cheaper to take your car to the dealer and have them flash your computer.
Link to sims
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The computer software for the F45 option is contained in the BCM. It can be turned off using the GM Tech II. No other software (LS1 Edit, HP Tuners ect...) will work on the BCM so it's a dealer only item or if you know some one with a Tech II item then your all set.
All they do is hook the Tech II up to the OBD II diagnostics port and switch off that function in the BCM. A couple of the other functions that can be turned on and off are:
Twilight Sentential
Tire Pressure Sensors (2001 - 2004)
It will take them less than an hour so it will probably cost you between $45 - $70 for the programming.
BC
All they do is hook the Tech II up to the OBD II diagnostics port and switch off that function in the BCM. A couple of the other functions that can be turned on and off are:
Twilight Sentential
Tire Pressure Sensors (2001 - 2004)
It will take them less than an hour so it will probably cost you between $45 - $70 for the programming.
BC
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: orlando fl
What is the best price for the Z06 shocks, and what brand are they? Also, any comparison on the cost for the Bilsteins? That's a name I trust.
Is there a tech article written on this also? If not, when it comes time, I'll do it and write it up - shouldn't be too hard.
Is there a tech article written on this also? If not, when it comes time, I'll do it and write it up - shouldn't be too hard.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 2
From: Port Orange Florida
Cruise-In III Veteran
Replacing shocks????
I replaced mine at 65,000 miles. My front right and rear left were leaking fluid. The other two were so easy to pull in and out they were not working at all. I replaced mine with 2004 ZO6 shocks from Bob at Fichtners. (Forum vender) My guess is 40 or 50,000 miles is time to replace.
