How many miles/years til the shocks need replacing?

Thanks for a reply!

 

Although obviously a lot depends more on HOW the car was driven versus the number of miles, I can tell you that my 98 A4 with 47k miles has a set of severly sagging stock shocks.

In no way am I saying change your shocks at 50k miles but if you drive it hard through the corners, live in an apartment complex or gated community with monster speed bumps in front of every house (like I do), etc. then you may want to explore the possibility.

Also remember that if you don't have the Z51 suspension on your coupe than any shock change will also be an upgrade if you go with something like the ZO6 shocks...improving ride and cornering ability.

 

Unless you shock/s outright FAIL, your probably not going to notice that they have lost their ability to DAMPEN properly.
Especially if you didn't purchase the car NEW. Even if you are the original owner, for the most part, peoples BUTT "O" METER just cant detect the subtle degrades that happens as a shock wears out. You will know that your shocks were bad when you install a new set and say HOLY CRAP the car drives SOOOO Much better!!!


If you want whole new driving experience, take on this UP-GRADE!

I have an 02 ZO6. I have let a number of friends drive it and they all say, Hea, this isn't bad at all!! ). Meaning that they were told by "someone" that the ZO6's ride rough! It all depends on what your definition of ROUGH is. If you slide you A$$ out of a Lexus and hop into a C5, it going to be ROUGH!

I put 06 C6 ZO6 shocks on my 02 ZO6. There firmer shocks and have better dampening. There not rougher as much as a bit firmer, if you know what I'm getting at. Guess what? The set of FOUR new in the box C6 ZO6 shocks were $230!! .

There also an exact no muss/no fuss bolt in replacement and they will fit any C5 as a direct bolt in up-grade!!!!

Well worth the time and money!

If you also add ZO6 sway bars, metal end links combined with the ZO6 shocks (from what ever year you prefer (C5 ZO6 shocks are EXPENSIVE!),,you will feel the car connect to the road a LOT better! I did that on my 98 coupe and enjoyed every second of it. The new C6 ZO6 shocks on my 02 ZO6 firmed the ride up quite nicely. Handles really nice in fast turns and it isn't any ROUGHER!

BC

 

I have a 2000 coupe witht he base suspensioin, and I replaced the shocks with the C6 Z06 shocks that Bill is talking about and it is great!

My coupe had 76k on it when I got it and probably 82k when I replaced the shocks. While I didn't think that the old shocks were bad, the coupe was not really firm. I wanted firm, and got it. The C6 Z06 shocks are great on the street or on the track, they make my Vette feel like what I think a Vette should feel like. They really suck up the bumps and give confidence. I would recomend them as a good upgrade.

 

I would say go for it if you have over 40 or 50K miles. The orginal shocks are produced by the lowest bidder. They are only good for so long. I replaced my 01 with z51 package (30,000 miles) with the Bilstein HD shocks and I love them. The HD's are SLIGHTLY firmer than the z51 shocks were but with much better control on all road surfaces at all speeds (esp. noticable at high speeds - car settles much quicker). I would say go for it - I dont think you would be sorry. I also replaced the z51 sway bars and end links with the z06's - now the car handles the why it should from factory and I have a confortable cruiser for long trips as well.

 

Does anyone have part #s for the C6 z06 shocks and the C5 z06 sway bars/endlinks? This sounds like a very interesting weeking project.

 

I found these on another site:

Part #'s of Interest:
- GM OEM Z06 Front Swaybar: 10419094
- GM OEM Z06 Front swaybar bushings:10419095 (2 needed)
- GM OEM Z06/Z51 Rear Swaybar: 10424743
- GM OEM Z06/Z51 Rear swaybar bushings:10431951 (2 needed)
- GM OEM 2002+ Z06 Aluminum endlinks:10435298

Althought the endlinks partnum does not appear to be valid

 

Replaced my factory units at 40k with Bilstein sports. A slightly firmer ride but great performance upgrade. Our supporting Vendors can fix you up!



OGC5

 

Contact Gene Culley. Look on his website www.gmpartshouse,com

He has the parts and best prices. He also has a forum post with specials on it with PART #:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1807569