Best shock replacements for everyday driver?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,198
Likes: 15
From: Columbia MD
Thanks for the referrals. Definitely get the C6Z06 shocks.
||--Genuine GM 2008 C6 Z06 Shocks--||
10313647 – Z06 Front Shocks
25819268 – Z06 Rear Shocks
Both sets of front and rear shocks (4) 236.28
For the shocks on our website, use part number c6z06shocks under Chevrolet make.
The C6 Z06 shocks will work on C5’s without modification.
||--Genuine GM 2008 C6 Z06 Shocks--||
10313647 – Z06 Front Shocks
25819268 – Z06 Rear Shocks
Both sets of front and rear shocks (4) 236.28
For the shocks on our website, use part number c6z06shocks under Chevrolet make.
The C6 Z06 shocks will work on C5’s without modification.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 25
From: Rochester Minnesota
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 51
From: Dallas TX
I have a 2001 with the F45 setup and it is my DD. I need new shocks and am thinking about going to c6 z06. It sounds like the c6 z51 would be better for me. Ideas?? Also, do i need to change out sway bars, etc...??
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I purchased the Bilstein HD for my '01 z51 about 3 years ago with only 30K miles on it (this was before everybody started using the c6 shocks) and they are great. The HD are slightly firmer than the stock z51 but the have much better control at all speeds and all road surfaces. Most noticeable was on the overpasses and bridges - it don’t float anymore (so its more confortable on the interstates). Much more stable at high speeds.
Many "mature" c5 owners feel the c6 z06 and Bilstein Sports are too firm for interstate travel (I bet much of its is spouse complaints). I think the HD is the perfect compromise (IMO).
I would think the c6 z51 would be similar to the HD shocks (not too stiff but firmer) and the price is right but I like the proven name and longevity of the bilsteins. Remember the factory shocks are produced but they lowest bidder! So how long will they really last?
So it guess it really depends on how much money you want to spend and how long you plan on keeping your ride.
Many "mature" c5 owners feel the c6 z06 and Bilstein Sports are too firm for interstate travel (I bet much of its is spouse complaints). I think the HD is the perfect compromise (IMO).
I would think the c6 z51 would be similar to the HD shocks (not too stiff but firmer) and the price is right but I like the proven name and longevity of the bilsteins. Remember the factory shocks are produced but they lowest bidder! So how long will they really last?
So it guess it really depends on how much money you want to spend and how long you plan on keeping your ride.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
You dont HAVE to replace the bars but they do improve the handeling and IMO are worth it. Plus both are an easy DIY jobs.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 51
From: Dallas TX
Thanks!!
I have just barely under 100,000 miles on my '01. I bought it used w/ under 20k in March '05. I drive it everywhere. The only thing I have replaced ever are the tires (and I switched to Michelin this time). I plan to drive it until it turns to rust.
I'll do shocks now (c6 z51 or HDs) and sways/springs in the spring/summer.
I have just barely under 100,000 miles on my '01. I bought it used w/ under 20k in March '05. I drive it everywhere. The only thing I have replaced ever are the tires (and I switched to Michelin this time). I plan to drive it until it turns to rust.
I'll do shocks now (c6 z51 or HDs) and sways/springs in the spring/summer.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
I replaced F45 with c6z06 shocks and could not be happier. The springs are fe1 and I went with the z06 sway bars and metal end links. Best mod yet I have owned mine for 8 years. The ride is not harsh it really holds the road, recovers quick and no roll just like a vette outta.
It is not recommended to use the C6z06 shocks on cars lowered on stock bolts there is a lot more up force and the bolts wont hold. If you gotta go low use stronger bolts. The car does ride about 1/2 inch higher with the C6z shocks
It is not recommended to use the C6z06 shocks on cars lowered on stock bolts there is a lot more up force and the bolts wont hold. If you gotta go low use stronger bolts. The car does ride about 1/2 inch higher with the C6z shocks
Last edited by aleadfoot; Dec 1, 2008 at 08:50 PM. Reason: more info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,562
Likes: 950
From: Communist Colorado
I replaced F45 with c6z06 shocks and could not be happier. The springs are fe1 and I went with the z06 sway bars and metal end links. Best mod yet I have owned mine for 8 years. The ride is not harsh it really holds the road, recovers quick and no roll just like a vette outta.
It is not recommended to use the C6z06 shocks on cars lowered on stock bolts there is a lot more up force and the bolts wont hold. If you gotta go low use stronger bolts. The car does ride about 1/2 inch higher with the C6z shocks
It is not recommended to use the C6z06 shocks on cars lowered on stock bolts there is a lot more up force and the bolts wont hold. If you gotta go low use stronger bolts. The car does ride about 1/2 inch higher with the C6z shocks
I realize this is an old post, but I'm looking into the C6Z shocks for my 02Z. My car is lowered on stock bolts, but not all the way down... about 1/2 of fully dropped. Will the C6Z shocks still work? Any concerns?
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Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I am running the stiffer Bilstein sport shocks on my car and there amazing and its a daily driver. So much more fun to drive with them, get them and a new set of Z sway bars with metal end links, car will be a new beast around corners.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
When I got my C6z shocks there was a warning stating"not recommended for cars lowered on stock bolts" There is alot of up force as evident in the car rides a little higher. I love the ride the car handles great and the fe1 springs I think mellow it out so it isnt too harsh.. I drive a vette and dont want a caddy like ride.. I would do the C6z shocks again veery happy
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Newport Oregon
Do a search on 'F45 bypass' or something, you'll get a bunch of hits. Basically F45 has 2 wires to each shock to control them. You need to fake out the PCM that they're still there or you throw codes, the MIL light turns on and the car's top speed is limited to 80 MPH. There are 'bypass kits' sold for this for a fair amount of money (180.00 or so)
You can do the same thing with 15ohm (some guys use 25ohm) 25amp resisters. Seal em up and zip tie the wires up out of the way and you're done.
You can do the same thing with 15ohm (some guys use 25ohm) 25amp resisters. Seal em up and zip tie the wires up out of the way and you're done.
Last edited by Dave Sweatt; Dec 28, 2008 at 12:25 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Hey bill can you explain this? What would you do different? I thought that is what you did?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,639
Likes: 39
From: Winston-Salem North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I'm not racer, I just want a good maneuverable ride, and at 56,000 miles I figure I must be due for new shocks. The big Corvette catalogs seem to push Biltstein, but how about KYB, or even Munro or other generics? Does Autozone have something decent anybody could recommend?
Thanks,
Bluemill
Thanks,
Bluemill
