Replacement shock question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 333
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento California
Replacement shock question
Hey guys, I'm about to replace the stock shocks on my 99 coupe, it has the base suspension. I was pretty much set on buying the Bilstein sport shocks, but recently I checked out a thread from the GM House of parts. They had the stock C5 Z06 shocks for a little bit cheaper than the Bilstein's, what are your experiences with these shocks?
thanks!
thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,995
Likes: 61
From: Fort Wayne IN
I've got a '99 and I'm going with Bilstein HD's not the sports. I've driven a car w/ the sports and it is harsh to say the least. The HD's are more like a Z06 shock IMHO.
3-2-1 Flame suite fully operational
3-2-1 Flame suite fully operational
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 333
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento California
What type of road were you on, I see you're in Ft. Wayne so I'm assuming you guys have some pretty harsh winters.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 0
From: I have to return some videotapes
I bought the Bilstein Sports from forum vendor Randy@DRM in December when they were on special for $300 shipped. Installed on my 2000 FRC, I actually thought they removed some impact harshness that was present in the stock Z51 shocks. My car was a DD with some track duty on the weekends, and found them great in that role.
The 04Z and C6Z shocks have gotten good reviews here. The thing I like about the Bilsteins is that you can get them revalved down the road for about 1/2 the price of buying new, or can valve them to custom specs if you like. Maybe try a PM to Randy to see what his current price is.
The 04Z and C6Z shocks have gotten good reviews here. The thing I like about the Bilsteins is that you can get them revalved down the road for about 1/2 the price of buying new, or can valve them to custom specs if you like. Maybe try a PM to Randy to see what his current price is.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
I put on C6 Z06 shocks..
a direct bolt on replacement and less expensive that the C5 Z06
buy them from Gene at www.GMpartshouse.com
||--Genuine GM 2008 C6 Z06 Shocks--||
10313647 – Z06 Front Shocks
25819268 – Z06 Rear Shocks
Both sets of front and rear shocks (4) 259.20 shipped.
For the shocks on our website, use part number c6z06shocks under Chevrolet make.
The C6 Z06 shocks will work on C5’s without modification.
a direct bolt on replacement and less expensive that the C5 Z06
buy them from Gene at www.GMpartshouse.com
||--Genuine GM 2008 C6 Z06 Shocks--||
10313647 – Z06 Front Shocks
25819268 – Z06 Rear Shocks
Both sets of front and rear shocks (4) 259.20 shipped.
For the shocks on our website, use part number c6z06shocks under Chevrolet make.
The C6 Z06 shocks will work on C5’s without modification.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
Likes: 10
From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
OEM shocks are pure JUNK and don't last like a Bilstein. They are a low bid item and for the average auto I read they pay 15- 20 bucks. They may be more for a Vette but they are JUNK! You can re-valve rebuild and resell easier than a stock shock. Actucal article I read said they were paying 9 dollars each but it was a while ago so I raised the price.
Last edited by John Shiels; Jul 30, 2008 at 06:16 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
The Bilsteins are good if your car is lowered.
I too had the base FE1 suspension and I changed over to ZO6 springs and swaybars as well as Bilstein sports. My car is lowered by about an inch (soon to be lowered by 1.5 inches).
The sport provide a pretty harsh ride.
If I just wanted a simple replacement and upgrade from the stock shocks, I would go with the C6ZO6 shocks. You can't beat the pricing and I read many good things about their performance.
I too had the base FE1 suspension and I changed over to ZO6 springs and swaybars as well as Bilstein sports. My car is lowered by about an inch (soon to be lowered by 1.5 inches).
The sport provide a pretty harsh ride.
If I just wanted a simple replacement and upgrade from the stock shocks, I would go with the C6ZO6 shocks. You can't beat the pricing and I read many good things about their performance.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 0
From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
C6-Z06 shocks/Metal Endlinks from Gene Culley, C5-Z06 Swaybars (forum member), f/r. Excellent handling, lowered on stock bolts, f/r, no drifting around those curves during spirited runs.
Last edited by renegad44; Jul 30, 2008 at 09:02 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I have the Bilstein HD's on my 01 z51 and I love them. They are SLIGHTLY firmer than stock with only 30k miles but they have much better control on all roads at all speeds. One of the best improvements I have done so far. I esp. love the fact the HD's control the floating I had on the interstate after crossing an overpass/bridge. Now the car settles immediately after a bump/overpass/bridge. I also agree with the fact that the factory uses cheap disposable shocks. I would go with a quality aftermarket shock that will last much longer in the long run.