New shocks??
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
New shocks??
I have an '02 LS1 convertible and am thinking of changing shocks for better handling. What about Bilsteins? I have changed sway bars to Z06 ones and installed braided brake lines and ceramic pads to improve stopping. Any info is apprecated. TKS...Tom
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 5
From: Holly, Michigan
You'll get mixed opinions regarding the harshness of the ride from Bilsteins, but it will enhance handling...HD's are not quite as firm as the Sports. HD's will result in ride comfort similar to (if a bit stiffer than) the OEM's..
Personally, I opted for the Bilstein Sports for my FRC...
Personally, I opted for the Bilstein Sports for my FRC...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
I had Bilstein Sports on for just over 3 years. Replaced with Koni FSD's. Almost double the price, but *much better* comfort AND handling then the Bilstein sports. Check out my thread about the difference.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1963596
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1963596
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
I tried Bilstein Sports on my 03 Z and took them right back off after a few weeks. They were too soft for performance driving in twisties. They are probably better than stock base C5 shocks but certainly not better than Z06 ones. My stock shocks were noticeable difference better.
Last edited by briann510; Mar 11, 2008 at 03:08 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,509
Likes: 239
From: Coconut Creek FL
I am getting ready for a major suspension upgrade to my base suspension 97 MN6. I put Bilstein Sports on my last 97 with the Z51 suspension and it was a great improvement over those shocks with +\-40K miles on them.
This time around I am going with Z06 springs front and back, Z06 sway bars front and back and back to the Bilstein Sports...its my daily driver as well...not that it makes a difference, I enjoy the rigid suspension...lets face it, its a CORVETTE not a Fleetwood!
This time around I am going with Z06 springs front and back, Z06 sway bars front and back and back to the Bilstein Sports...its my daily driver as well...not that it makes a difference, I enjoy the rigid suspension...lets face it, its a CORVETTE not a Fleetwood!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 12
From: Salt Lake City UT
Depends on how much you want to spend.
I have had both the Bilstein Sports and 2004 ZO6 shocks and rate them about the same on the track. The ZO6 shock seemed a little stiffer on rough roads (street). This is on a 2000 , lowered 1 in with ZO6 springs and sway bars.
For about $890 I would think about switching to the Pfadt inverted shocks which adjust for both compression and rebound. I believe they will work better than the Koni 3013's at a lesser cost. They are better set up for a lowered car. My next step will be with Pfadt street sways and inverted shocks. I think the ZO6 rear sway is a little stiff and I should have gone with the Z51 rear sway. The Pfadt will give me adjustability with front and rear sway re: undertsteer/oversteer.
I have had both the Bilstein Sports and 2004 ZO6 shocks and rate them about the same on the track. The ZO6 shock seemed a little stiffer on rough roads (street). This is on a 2000 , lowered 1 in with ZO6 springs and sway bars.
For about $890 I would think about switching to the Pfadt inverted shocks which adjust for both compression and rebound. I believe they will work better than the Koni 3013's at a lesser cost. They are better set up for a lowered car. My next step will be with Pfadt street sways and inverted shocks. I think the ZO6 rear sway is a little stiff and I should have gone with the Z51 rear sway. The Pfadt will give me adjustability with front and rear sway re: undertsteer/oversteer.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
So you don't miss the point on brakes...
ceramic pads reduce brake squeal and dusting, but I do not beleive they improve braking.
If you want to improve braking look at some ferro carbon or carbon metalic pads like Hawk HP +
ceramic pads reduce brake squeal and dusting, but I do not beleive they improve braking.
If you want to improve braking look at some ferro carbon or carbon metalic pads like Hawk HP +
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have the Bilstein Sports...Love them! I dont find the ride harsh at all..if i did they wouldnt be on the car. I never compromise driveability. 
They work excellent with z06 sways
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I also have Bilstein Sports on my lowered Z. They do initially have to break in a little, but usually in just a few hundred miles and they'll be fine. Wheel control is most important, and I believe they are far superior to the GM shocks. There are some turns around here that my car would bounce mid-turn, but the Sports smoothed them right out. At steady highway cruise they also ride real nice, but they stiffen up right away when needed. In addition, the price on them is real reasonable, too.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle, NY New York
I also have Bilstein Sports on my lowered Z. They do initially have to break in a little, but usually in just a few hundred miles and they'll be fine. Wheel control is most important, and I believe they are far superior to the GM shocks. There are some turns around here that my car would bounce mid-turn, but the Sports smoothed them right out. At steady highway cruise they also ride real nice, but they stiffen up right away when needed. In addition, the price on them is real reasonable, too.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
The C6Z shocks are pretty good and not that expensive. The Bilstiens are somewhat better, but you have to pay extra so just weigh it out.
For people that are thinking about upgrading springs and shocks I would look at coilovers as an alternative.
And as mentioned Ceramic pads are not for better peformance as a matter of fact the hotter they get the worse they perform. They are fine for regular driving and they do cut down on dust.
For people that are thinking about upgrading springs and shocks I would look at coilovers as an alternative.
And as mentioned Ceramic pads are not for better peformance as a matter of fact the hotter they get the worse they perform. They are fine for regular driving and they do cut down on dust.