Bilstein Shocks
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 600
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From: Sudbury Ontario
Bilstein Shocks
I have a 99 coupe with the FE1 base suspension. I'd like to upgrade the suspension and I was wondering the difference between the Bilstein HD shocks and the Bilstein Sport shocks in ride quality and performance?
Would the sport shocks be closer to the Sachs in a ZO6 (FE4)?
Any suggestions?
Ron
Would the sport shocks be closer to the Sachs in a ZO6 (FE4)?
Any suggestions?
Ron
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,909
Likes: 1,858
From: Hot Springs AR
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn (home of the Redskins) Va
I ordered Edelbrock ISA's today from the shock warehouse.com for $460 a set shipped.. a lot of studying indicates these are the best of both (Bilisten) world's (HD's / Sports)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I installed the Bilstein HD on my 01 with z51 and the ride was improved. It was just a little firmer than the z51 with 31000 miles on them but on the rough roads and interstate speeds the ride was improved and no more wheel hop. I really like the way it handles overpasses and bridges - firm and settles right away without being harsh - definite improvement! I was afraid to go to the sports due to may members reported harsh interstate rides and I use interstates quite a bit and was looking for something I can live with (not to mention my significant other can live with).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
I have the FE1 suspension and I recently installed the Bilstein Sports along with the Hotchkis Sway bars, The ride is definitely stiffer. I wouldn't say it is too harsh though. The stiff ride is offset by the improved handling over stock.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
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From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Hope this isn't hi-jacking your thread.
Anyone using Bilstein HD with the ZO6 sway bars? If so how is the ride and do you like it. The reason I ask is because I have the ZO6 SBs with the Bilstein Sport shocks and the ride is harsh as mentioned.
Anyone using Bilstein HD with the ZO6 sway bars? If so how is the ride and do you like it. The reason I ask is because I have the ZO6 SBs with the Bilstein Sport shocks and the ride is harsh as mentioned.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: D Texas
I actually was considering these as well.
How is your cars stance right now.......Ie......lowered on stock bolts, not at all or slammed?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: St.Louis Missouri
I do and like it.When I first did it I wasn't to sure but I'm glad I did now.As I said on my earlier post everything I read on it said the HD had a firmer ride (I had a few people tell me that too) which I would think would make it harsher to you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
Sleeperc5, I have the z06 sway bars, aluminum end links and poly bushings on my 01/ z51 with Bilstein HD and the ride is great! It is slightly firmer than the old z51 shocks (with 31000 miles if that makes a difference) but they smoothed out the rough roads better and handles high speeds much better. I think its the best set up if your not into racing and your on the interstate a lot. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I picked the HD over the Sports because I read that too many members said they thought the sports were too firm on the interstates or their wifes complained on long trips. The HD are perfect for someone who wants a firmer ride without being harsh. I think its the perfect step up for NON z51 c5's. Now guys with z51 that want a firmer ride might think the HD is not firm enough - but they work perfect my needs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I think the HD and Sports are the same size and both are about an inch shorter that stock (I measured mine). My c5 is stock height and works great for me and if you want to lower your ride - these should be perfect for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
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From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Sleeperc5, I have the z06 sway bars, aluminum end links and poly bushings on my 01/ z51 with Bilstein HD and the ride is great! It is slightly firmer than the old z51 shocks (with 31000 miles if that makes a difference) but they smoothed out the rough roads better and handles high speeds much better. I think its the best set up if your not into racing and your on the interstate a lot.
SLPRC5
