Which shocks for Autocross?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
Which shocks for Autocross?
I have a 2001 C5 coupe, automatic, Z06 stabaliser bars front and rear.
I want to up-grade my shock absorbers for autocrossing.
What shocks do I want? GM Parts Direct has a set of 4 2004 Z06 shocks for $432. Mid America Motorsports has a set of 4 Bilstein "sport" (competition) shocks for $299. Autocrossers, your thoughts, please.
Roger T
I want to up-grade my shock absorbers for autocrossing.
What shocks do I want? GM Parts Direct has a set of 4 2004 Z06 shocks for $432. Mid America Motorsports has a set of 4 Bilstein "sport" (competition) shocks for $299. Autocrossers, your thoughts, please.
Roger T
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Are you fat because you're lazy or lazy because you're fat? San Jose, CA
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
I think the Bilstein Sports are a great deal. The ride can get pretty harsh over nasty roads, but it's worth it on the twisties. With my Hotchkis bars it's extremely flat through the corners.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 700
Likes: 2
From: Spring Hill Florida
Bilsteins
I've been running Bilsteins on my '86 (on my second set) since 1989. They ride a little harsher than stock but it's a Corvette not a Cadillac. As soon as the shocks on my '03 are done; it's Bilsteins for her. 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
Please, your imput.
Hey guys,
I just know there are some of you with some seasoned experiance with C5 autocross / street suspension. Help me make a smart decision on shock choice. Z06, Bilstein, other?
Roger T
I just know there are some of you with some seasoned experiance with C5 autocross / street suspension. Help me make a smart decision on shock choice. Z06, Bilstein, other?
Roger T
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 1
From: San Angelo TX
oops, forgot to mention what im using in my post, sorry about that. ive got bilsteins, they came with the lg coilovers i run on my dd/autocrosser. i have yet to revalve them, they seem fine for what the car is right now but in a year or two when its much more class prepped ill probably start messing with rebuilding them more.
personally i think they ride fine, but i can see how others would think they are a little harsh. if youre area gets a lot of ice and the roads show it, id say bilsteins will probably be too harsh if you drive on the street regularly. if youve got good roads or the car is autocross only, bilsteins at a minimum would be the way to go. i love them on my car and they handle great at an autocross or on the street.
id say if youre on a budget, z06s
if you can spend a little more, bilsteins
if money is no object, penskes
jmo
personally i think they ride fine, but i can see how others would think they are a little harsh. if youre area gets a lot of ice and the roads show it, id say bilsteins will probably be too harsh if you drive on the street regularly. if youve got good roads or the car is autocross only, bilsteins at a minimum would be the way to go. i love them on my car and they handle great at an autocross or on the street.
id say if youre on a budget, z06s
if you can spend a little more, bilsteins
if money is no object, penskes
jmo
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
oops, forgot to mention what im using in my post, sorry about that. ive got bilsteins, they came with the lg coilovers i run on my dd/autocrosser. i have yet to revalve them, they seem fine for what the car is right now but in a year or two when its much more class prepped ill probably start messing with rebuilding them more.
personally i think they ride fine, but i can see how others would think they are a little harsh. if youre area gets a lot of ice and the roads show it, id say bilsteins will probably be too harsh if you drive on the street regularly. if youve got good roads or the car is autocross only, bilsteins at a minimum would be the way to go. i love them on my car and they handle great at an autocross or on the street.
id say if youre on a budget, z06s
if you can spend a little more, bilsteins
if money is no object, penskes
jmo
personally i think they ride fine, but i can see how others would think they are a little harsh. if youre area gets a lot of ice and the roads show it, id say bilsteins will probably be too harsh if you drive on the street regularly. if youve got good roads or the car is autocross only, bilsteins at a minimum would be the way to go. i love them on my car and they handle great at an autocross or on the street.
id say if youre on a budget, z06s
if you can spend a little more, bilsteins
if money is no object, penskes
jmo
jmo, interestingly, the Z06 shocks, from GM Parts Direct on sale , are$432 and the Bilstein Sports (competition) are $299 from Mid America Motorsports. Thank you for your imput. I hope we can keep this thread going. I hope to learn more.
Roger T
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 1
From: San Angelo TX
thats good to know. sorry about the price mix up. ive been going by used prices recently so thats what i went with there. a couple of the ss guys i know picked up the z06 shocks for 100-200 from people who went to coils.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 9
From: MARRIOTTSVILLE MD
INTHERED
Haven't run them myself but a couple of the people in the local events I run have and they like them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,070
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From: MARRIOTTSVILLE MD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,909
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From: Hot Springs AR
I've autocrossed with Z51 and '04 Z06 shocks, and there are some observable differences.
With the Z51 shocks my car would get a bit unsettled over bumps in the lot we run in. The Z06 shocks have taken care of that to a significant degree (although I couldn't tell you why from a technical POV).
I do know that my times have improved towards FTD with the same group of folks I run with this year over last year. Hopefully some of that is my driving skills, but I think part of it is the Z06 shocks.
I don't have any experience with the Bilstein sports in an autox environment, but on the street they feel very similar to the Z06 shocks.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
With the Z51 shocks my car would get a bit unsettled over bumps in the lot we run in. The Z06 shocks have taken care of that to a significant degree (although I couldn't tell you why from a technical POV).
I do know that my times have improved towards FTD with the same group of folks I run with this year over last year. Hopefully some of that is my driving skills, but I think part of it is the Z06 shocks.
I don't have any experience with the Bilstein sports in an autox environment, but on the street they feel very similar to the Z06 shocks.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,911
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From: Simi Valley CA
Gene still has the C6 Z06 shocks on sale $223 shipped/four. (today is the last day though)
I have them, with the Z51 sway bars and KDW2s. Handles awesome however I have not driven any other set up to gauge them by. (other than the stock suspension on my car, which used to float, sway and every other ugly word one can think of for suspension)
I have them, with the Z51 sway bars and KDW2s. Handles awesome however I have not driven any other set up to gauge them by. (other than the stock suspension on my car, which used to float, sway and every other ugly word one can think of for suspension)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 9
From: MARRIOTTSVILLE MD
Gene still has the C6 Z06 shocks on sale $223 shipped/four. (today is the last day though)
I have them, with the Z51 sway bars and KDW2s. Handles awesome however I have not driven any other set up to gauge them by. (other than the stock suspension on my car, which used to float, sway and every other ugly word one can think of for suspension)
I have them, with the Z51 sway bars and KDW2s. Handles awesome however I have not driven any other set up to gauge them by. (other than the stock suspension on my car, which used to float, sway and every other ugly word one can think of for suspension)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,909
Likes: 1,858
From: Hot Springs AR
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,911
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From: Simi Valley CA
This link has the special code to use. Let me warn you, when you put them on, your car will look like a 4x4 for about a week or so. Then it settles down.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...light=gm+parts
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...light=gm+parts