duosy

Has anyone put Monroe shocks (#5602 & 5603) on their C-5 ? How did they compare to the standard OEM shocks? Price is a major issue especially when replacing the F55 shocks.

Cybermind

I wouldn't put Monroe shocks on a C5. You can get quality Bilstein HD's for about the same price or slightly more than what Monroes are going to cost you. But, the difference between the two is enormous. I mean, you're driving a vette not a Cavalier. Your suspension is one of the most important components and you don't want to skimp on that.

Bill Curlee

One of the best up-grades for your car is to purchase some used ZO6 sway bars and springs and replace yours. Then you can purchase some C6 ZO6 shocks. The results are OUTSTANDING! There a direct fit shock that works EXCELLENT without any modifications and there only $240 new for all four from Gene Culley www.gmpartshouse.com

I would NOT install general purpose Monroe Shocks!

The F-55 is better than the F-45 suspension dampening system but not as good as a purpose built system like the Z-51 or ZO6 suspension systems.

You will need to remove the F-55 system before you remove the F-55 Shocks or you will get DTC and limited Speeds to 80 MPH. You need to find someone with a GM Tech II or a Service center with one who is willing to de-program the BCM.

Heres a post that may help:

- C5, dquagliaroli , Deprogramming F-55: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...uspension.html

Bill

DWC4

Unfortunately the shop that I had remove my F-55 shocks and deprogram, convinced me these Monroe were the best choice - I'd asked about the C6 and I let him go Monroe, he said 'best choice'. Well they suck, they're just awful .. might as well be driving a '63 Caddy with 200K on it. It won't clear any size speed bump but the worst is the spongey handling. I'll get the better ones and do it myself, having wasted about $700 on these with labor - thanks, Corvette Connection of Denver - they did great work, but my sales guy just sold me some sh*t shocks, for some reason.

jcgunn

I have an 03 Vert with Z-51 and am very happy with Bilstein HD shocks. I have about 40K on them now.

DWC4

Thanks, I will look into these, did you do it yourself - I am ok with the work but don't have a lift, wondering how it will go just on jack stands - ? Did you have the F55 programming removed?

OK, looks good:
NEW BILSTEIN FRONT & REAR SHOCKS FOR 97-13 CHEVY CORVETTE C5 C6, 46MM GAS SHOCK ABSORBERS, Z06 INDY 500 C-5 C-6 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

5.0 out of 5 stars Price:$429.89 Ships from and sold by .

• Brand New Set of Bilstein Monotube Shock Absorbers, 2 Fronts and 2 Rears
• Includes: | * 2 - Bilstein # 24-029759 Front Shocks, 46mm | * 2 - Bilstein # 24-029766 Rear Shocks, 46mm
• Bilstein B6 Heavy Duty monotube gas pressure shocks are the ideal choice for most applications | * These shocks provide improved handling and stability, without sacrificing ride comfort | * They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for the driver who demands superior performance, while maintaining an exceptional street ride

Ceedub53

I went with Bilstein HD's last year on my 99' Vert. Would do it again.

Simtech

Very easy to do on jack stand. Good luck with your project.

DWC4

Thanks for the encouragement, will do! Well on my F55, once removed, it turns out my car was one the factory left the shipping pucks in - so it rode - a bit stiff!! The previous two owners didn't catch it so I don't feel soo stupid about it. Unbelievable.

So how crazy would it be to have different shocks, front vs rear... stiffer in front for example - ??

jcgunn

Luckily, I did not have the F55 shocks!

jrprich

If you just removed the shock stuffers try driving your car now. The ride will be completely different now that your shocks can actually function as designed. My F55s are now working as designed.
This happened to me as well, both previous owners didn't remove the stuffers........has actually happened to hundreds, perhaps thousands of 03-04 owners. Do a search for Shock Stuffers and you will see.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rchid=70855068

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-stuffers.html

DWC4

I didn't know they were on till I had them removed and deprogrammed, but the ride had deteriorated, pretty sure the shocks were shot. And I got the Monroe which are junk. Again just wondering about only switching the front for a quality shock, I may do it just to see then do the rears. Too much money getting sunk into a 100k miler that I may not keep much longer. Thanks!