2004 Z06 Shocks for C5
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
Bob
The C5 ZO6 shocks are an up-grade for your car. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a up-up- grade. There a much better option and provide improved shock valving to eliminate loss of wheel contact on very rough surfaces without sacrificing ride comfort.
I have them on my 02 Z and LOVE them! There a DIRECT bolt in fit!
BC
The C5 ZO6 shocks are an up-grade for your car. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a up-up- grade. There a much better option and provide improved shock valving to eliminate loss of wheel contact on very rough surfaces without sacrificing ride comfort.
I have them on my 02 Z and LOVE them! There a DIRECT bolt in fit!
BC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
The 6 z06 shocks are a better way to go for a firmer shock (some say too firm) for the price.
Many have reported improved handling on the street and track. Some say it hooks up better and can handle high speeds much better and others like how it firms up the corners. (esp. after the z06 sway bars are installed).
If your just looking for a firmer ride but improved control then the Bilstein HD may be the way to go. The 04 z06 and C6 z06 shocks are much firmer from what I have read here on the CF.
I have the HD and am very happy. I have the z51 package and the z06 sway bars and it is still very comfortable on long trips (I like it better on the interstate - handles the overpasses much better).
If you have the standard springs/shocks you may like the HD better unless your into all out performance (IMO).
Do searches on this subject - it has been discussed extensively.
Good luck.
Many have reported improved handling on the street and track. Some say it hooks up better and can handle high speeds much better and others like how it firms up the corners. (esp. after the z06 sway bars are installed).
If your just looking for a firmer ride but improved control then the Bilstein HD may be the way to go. The 04 z06 and C6 z06 shocks are much firmer from what I have read here on the CF.
I have the HD and am very happy. I have the z51 package and the z06 sway bars and it is still very comfortable on long trips (I like it better on the interstate - handles the overpasses much better).
If you have the standard springs/shocks you may like the HD better unless your into all out performance (IMO).
Do searches on this subject - it has been discussed extensively.
Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: Montara Ca
I replaced my trashed f-45 shocks with the 04 Z06 shocks on my 99 coupe, OMG what a difference. About a week later I changed over to the Z06 sway bars and was again pleasantly surprised at how much better the car handled, a month later got rid of the run craps for supper car tires and all I can say is WOW, best bang for the buck mod I’ve done.
The 06 Z shocks are about half the price of the 04’s and as previously stated a little stiffer then the 04’s from what I’ve read on here. IMHO any way you look at it it’s a vast improvement over the base shocks.
The 06 Z shocks are about half the price of the 04’s and as previously stated a little stiffer then the 04’s from what I’ve read on here. IMHO any way you look at it it’s a vast improvement over the base shocks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Elma NY
Thanks for all of your replies. What I am looking for is better around town spirited handling (no racing) without imparting a harsh ride. I have already upgraded to the Z06 swaybars, and I have the stock springs.
I guess the '04 Z06 shocks may be a little less stiff than the 06? I would rather stay with GM parts, if possible. But if the Bilsteins are that much better maybe I should consider them.
Decisions,decisions...
Thanks
I guess the '04 Z06 shocks may be a little less stiff than the 06? I would rather stay with GM parts, if possible. But if the Bilsteins are that much better maybe I should consider them.
Decisions,decisions...
Thanks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Elma NY
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Elma NY
Bob
The C5 ZO6 shocks are an up-grade for your car. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a up-up- grade. There a much better option and provide improved shock valving to eliminate loss of wheel contact on very rough surfaces without sacrificing ride comfort.
I have them on my 02 Z and LOVE them! There a DIRECT bolt in fit!
BC
The C5 ZO6 shocks are an up-grade for your car. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a up-up- grade. There a much better option and provide improved shock valving to eliminate loss of wheel contact on very rough surfaces without sacrificing ride comfort.
I have them on my 02 Z and LOVE them! There a DIRECT bolt in fit!
BC
Do you have an opinion on ride quality with C6 Z06 shocks vs. C5 2004 Z06 shocks? The C5 Z06 shock kit is about $185 vs. the $230 for C6.
Thanks,
Bob
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley CA.
I don't think you'll be disappointed!
Good Luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 14,610
Likes: 219
From: Ohio
I picked up the 04 C5 Z06 shocks from Gene Culley...for about $386 (with the free shipping new year special). I am still waiting for the weather to warm up to put them on the car. Looking forward to the improved performance.
I decided to go with C5 parts intead of the cheaper (price) C6 parts. They are different cars, weights, etc., so I stayed with the C5 parts.
Obviously, many C6 shock users seem happy also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,913
Likes: 1,867
From: Hot Springs AR
I think the order of stiffness would be: OE, Bilstein HD, Z51/Z06 (don't know if you can get the Z51 shocks anymore), Bilstein Sports. I'm not putting the C6 Z06 shocks in this list, because I don't have any experience with them.
A plus for the Bilstein Sport shocks is they're about 1.x" shorter than OE shocks, and work better with cars that are lowered, esp. those lowered beyond what the OE adjusters will allow.
If you decide you really want handling, then I'd go for the Z06 or Bilstein Sports. C6 Z06 shocks have been somewhat hit or miss on the track when installed on C5s. I would expect that would transfer over to the street as well.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
Now you've done it. Now you have to figure out how much harsher is "harsh." I'm running the '04 Z06 shocks, but I'm autocrossing my car, so I'm looking for things other than what you want.
I think the order of stiffness would be: OE, Bilstein HD, Z51/Z06 (don't know if you can get the Z51 shocks anymore), Bilstein Sports. I'm not putting the C6 Z06 shocks in this list, because I don't have any experience with them.
A plus for the Bilstein Sport shocks is they're about 1.x" shorter than OE shocks, and work better with cars that are lowered, esp. those lowered beyond what the OE adjusters will allow.
If you decide you really want handling, then I'd go for the Z06 or Bilstein Sports. C6 Z06 shocks have been somewhat hit or miss on the track when installed on C5s. I would expect that would transfer over to the street as well.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
I think the order of stiffness would be: OE, Bilstein HD, Z51/Z06 (don't know if you can get the Z51 shocks anymore), Bilstein Sports. I'm not putting the C6 Z06 shocks in this list, because I don't have any experience with them.
A plus for the Bilstein Sport shocks is they're about 1.x" shorter than OE shocks, and work better with cars that are lowered, esp. those lowered beyond what the OE adjusters will allow.
If you decide you really want handling, then I'd go for the Z06 or Bilstein Sports. C6 Z06 shocks have been somewhat hit or miss on the track when installed on C5s. I would expect that would transfer over to the street as well.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Vettedrmr, I would say you are correct. I would like to add the Bilstein HD is also one inch shorter. I measured them with my stock z51 shocks. I did not lower my car and they are fine - so it will work great with factory height or lowered.
I would also say for firmness in from soft to firm would be: OEM base, z51, Bilstein HD, C5Z06, Bilstein Sport, C6Z06. (IMO and based on extensive reseach on the CF on PM's from CF members).
Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Elma NY
I am leaning toward the Bilsteins, although I wanted to stay with GM parts. What I can't figure out is why the C5 shocks are almost twice the price of the C6?? I think I would have gone with them if they were not so pricey.
The cheapest I have seen the Bilstein HDs was $290 shipped on ebay. Has anybody seen them cheaper?
thanks!
The cheapest I have seen the Bilstein HDs was $290 shipped on ebay. Has anybody seen them cheaper?
thanks!
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
Yep,,,I would have to agree with the assessment that the C6 ZO6 shocks are a bit firmer! I was on a rough street today that I have driven on many times (first time since I changed to the C6 shocks) and I picked up on the change in firmness. Nothing bad, it just different!
They sure do corner well and they do keep the tires on the ground better.
BC
I was on a rough street today that I have driven on many times (first time since I changed to the C6 shocks) and I picked up on the change in firmness. Nothing bad, it just different! They sure do corner well and they do keep the tires on the ground better.
BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,913
Likes: 1,867
From: Hot Springs AR
I would like to add the Bilstein HD is also one inch shorter. I measured them with my stock z51 shocks. I did not lower my car and they are fine - so it will work great with factory height or lowered.
I would also say for firmness in from soft to firm would be: OEM base, z51, Bilstein HD, C5Z06, Bilstein Sport, C6Z06. (IMO and based on extensive reseach on the CF on PM's from CF members).
Hope this helps.
I would also say for firmness in from soft to firm would be: OEM base, z51, Bilstein HD, C5Z06, Bilstein Sport, C6Z06. (IMO and based on extensive reseach on the CF on PM's from CF members).
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the info on the HDs. I had a hunch they were shorter as well as the Sports (why would Bilstein make them different lengths?), but didn't know.
Have a good one,
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
I am leaning toward the Bilsteins, although I wanted to stay with GM parts. What I can't figure out is why the C5 shocks are almost twice the price of the C6?? I think I would have gone with them if they were not so pricey.
The cheapest I have seen the Bilstein HDs was $290 shipped on ebay. Has anybody seen them cheaper?
thanks!
The cheapest I have seen the Bilstein HDs was $290 shipped on ebay. Has anybody seen them cheaper?
thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 2
From: ZHills Florida
St. Jude Donor '08
[FONT=Vettedrmr, I would say you are correct. I would like to add the Bilstein HD is also one inch shorter. I measured them with my stock z51 shocks. I did not lower my car and they are fine - so it will work great with factory height or lowered.
I would also say for firmness in from soft to firm would be: OEM base, z51, Bilstein HD, C5Z06, Bilstein Sport, C6Z06. (IMO and based on extensive reseach on the CF on PM's from CF members).
Hope this helps.
I would also say for firmness in from soft to firm would be: OEM base, z51, Bilstein HD, C5Z06, Bilstein Sport, C6Z06. (IMO and based on extensive reseach on the CF on PM's from CF members).
Hope this helps.
I've done a lot of searching on this and I have read what you posted above many times BUT two guys have posted that they called Bilstein and THEY said their shocks are the same size. I kept looking for a guy actually measured, like yourself. Why would Bilstein say that when real world experience from so many says it isn't true?
I have a lowered FRC and a set of Bilstein sports waiting to install.