C5Z shocks vs. C6Z shocks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
C5Z shocks vs. C6Z shocks
Alright, so the time is coming for me to replace my shocks on my 2003 Z06. GM part house has the C5Z shocks for around 430.00 dollars while the C6Z shocks are around 250.00 dollars. What is the difference in ride feel and performance. I know that the C6 are bilstein while the C5 are a higher end shock, but I want to know about performance. Which is stiffer, which is higher quality, etc.
Thanks
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,586
Likes: 0
From: Lynn Haven, FL Sunshine State
St. Jude Donor '08
I put some C6Z shocks on to replace my aging C5Z stockers and it made a world of difference! I think they ride/feel 100x better, but that is compared off my worn out shocks... I got my rears for $60 almost brand new so I really couldn't pass em up.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I have been waiting for a true handling comparison on these these shocks. Most people using the C6Z shock don't seem to be pushing their cars hard on the track or autocross course so aren't able to provide the comparison.
The 04 C5Z shocks were specially tuned for the C5 and it makes sense they would outperform shocks that were designed for a different suspension system but it is hard to ignore that price difference.
Same thing goes for the comparisons between the 04 C5Z shock and the Bilstein Sport.
I am approaching 40K miles on my 03Z with original shocks and a lot of hard track and autocross usage and think a new set of shocks would improve the handling some.
Bill
The 04 C5Z shocks were specially tuned for the C5 and it makes sense they would outperform shocks that were designed for a different suspension system but it is hard to ignore that price difference.
Same thing goes for the comparisons between the 04 C5Z shock and the Bilstein Sport.
I am approaching 40K miles on my 03Z with original shocks and a lot of hard track and autocross usage and think a new set of shocks would improve the handling some.
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
I have been waiting for a true handling comparison on these these shocks. Most people using the C6Z shock don't seem to be pushing their cars hard on the track or autocross course so aren't able to provide the comparison.
The 04 C5Z shocks were specially tuned for the C5 and it makes sense they would outperform shocks that were designed for a different suspension system but it is hard to ignore that price difference.
Same thing goes for the comparisons between the 04 C5Z shock and the Bilstein Sport.
I am approaching 40K miles on my 03Z with original shocks and a lot of hard track and autocross usage and think a new set of shocks would improve the handling some.
Bill
The 04 C5Z shocks were specially tuned for the C5 and it makes sense they would outperform shocks that were designed for a different suspension system but it is hard to ignore that price difference.
Same thing goes for the comparisons between the 04 C5Z shock and the Bilstein Sport.
I am approaching 40K miles on my 03Z with original shocks and a lot of hard track and autocross usage and think a new set of shocks would improve the handling some.
Bill
The 2004 Z06 shocks will completely eliminate that feeling of the body "floating" above the chassis that occurs when, for example, you are cornering while going over the top of a hill. You will feel much more in control of the car in "extreme" cornering situations.
For everyday "street" driving I can't tell much difference between my original 01 shocks and the 2004 shocks (though that could be that I'm just not really good at sensing this kind of thing).
I strongly recommend you try the 2004 Z06 shocks when you decide it is time to replace your existing set.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
and event hough i was there the first time Reese said that, they are an improvement over old c5 shocks
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 7
From: Sandy Ego Ca.
...but I GUARANTEE you Bill that if you put the 2004 Z06 shocks on your car you will be quite surprised at the difference between them and your 2003 shocks.
The 2004 Z06 shocks will completely eliminate that feeling of the body "floating" above the chassis that occurs when, for example, you are cornering while going over the top of a hill. You will feel much more in control of the car in "extreme" cornering situations.....
The 2004 Z06 shocks will completely eliminate that feeling of the body "floating" above the chassis that occurs when, for example, you are cornering while going over the top of a hill. You will feel much more in control of the car in "extreme" cornering situations.....
Could also be that my shocks are worn too....
Just my two cents to muddy the water...
