I have a 98 6 speed coupe with the base springs, MY 2001 Z51 sway bars, I replaced the Z51 shocks, with Bilstein sports today, I was very surprised at the delts, these are much smoother, hold much better on the curves, well worth the price.

By the way, got them from LAPD, Shawn is just super.

Ira

 

Just ordered them today as well! It some rough pavement and the car was all over the road! As soon as I got home GP it was and got them from LAPD as well. Any probs with the install?

 

As I do not have a lift or many tools, Shawn sent me to a local shop, he did them in about 1 hour, he took off the top front "A" bracket on each side.

Ira

 

LAPD has a special right now (through August). I think it was like $279 plus free shipping. I ordered mine on Sunday and they showed up Tuesday morning. LAPD RULEZ.

Can't wait to have them installed- I'll be lowering mine a bit too

Lates,
Justin

 

I just installed mine with the HELP of VetteMan2k1 and the ride is awesome :D

This can be done with one person, with 2 it's easier! The a-arms do not need to be removed, we finished in about an hour and went very smoothly

Mark

 

I've done mine by myself a couple of times now (don't ask). You may need a few special tools. I'm always looking for excuses to buy tools, so :cheers:

For example:

1) The rear shocks' lower bolts are HUGE. I had to buy some new sockets to get them torqued.

2) You'll need some good allen wrenches. I have sockets with allen fittings that work really well.

3) I had to go get claw foot sockets to get the top bolts torqued on the shocks.

4) High torque torque wrench. The lower rear bolts need to be torqued really tight (something like 160 lb-ft . . . don't quote me). Don't use an extension on your torrque wrench when you do this or you could find out the hard way that you can break that bolt (not, of course, that I would like know or anything . . .)

Some tips (always use good jack stands!!!):

1) When putting the fronts on, go ahead and unbolt the upper a-arm. It sounds daunting, but it isn't. Just be sure that you put the shims back behind the a-arm when you bolt them back. I also put some anti-seize on them since they go into the aluminum frame rail (don't wanna strip those threads). Use your jack to hold the suspension assembly while you are working on it with the a-arm disassembled. Use a block of wood between the jack and the lower control arm when you do this so you don't damage anything.

2) Use wire ties to hold the shocks compressed until you get them into position. Then cut a tie and direct it into the hole. (Ok, gutterminds, I know how this sounds :lol: )

3) Torque everything per the specs in your service manual except for the specs that come with your shocks. If you don't have one, get one from Fichtner Chevy (see the links page) or e-mail me and I'll send them to you.

Karl



[Modified by corvette_karl, 9:27 PM 8/29/2001]