GM vs. After market shocks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
From: MA
GM vs. After market shocks
I've replaced my sway bar and end links and now looking at shocks. I've replaced a lot of shocks in my lifetime and have always believed after market shocks are better than factory. Does this hold true with GM shocks?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The GM C6 ZO6 shocks are outstanding shocks for any C5 up-grade. I put them on my C5 02 ZO6 and saw a significant increase in emergent maneuver driving and high speed free way entrance ramp sweeping turn handling. It NO LONGER bounces off the side of the road when the turns are washboard rough. MUCH BETTER WHEEL CONTROL!!
The cost of four new C6 Z shocks is around $250.
If you’re driving skills and SOTP METER is that finely tuned that you can tell the difference between the Bilstein Shocks that are similar in price, ,,, then get the aftermarket shocks.
For the normal JOE that likes spirited everyday driving, save the cash for something else that you want to up-grade.
If you car is significantly lowered,, your are stuck with Bilstein Shocks or other aftermarket that will handle the shorter suspension travel.
If you do a lot of HPDE and road course,,, skip the shocks and do coil-over’s!
The cost of four new C6 Z shocks is around $250.
If you’re driving skills and SOTP METER is that finely tuned that you can tell the difference between the Bilstein Shocks that are similar in price, ,,, then get the aftermarket shocks.
For the normal JOE that likes spirited everyday driving, save the cash for something else that you want to up-grade.
If you car is significantly lowered,, your are stuck with Bilstein Shocks or other aftermarket that will handle the shorter suspension travel.
If you do a lot of HPDE and road course,,, skip the shocks and do coil-over’s!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,699
Likes: 16
From: Sun City- Menifee Calif.
The GM C6 ZO6 shocks are outstanding shocks for any C5 up-grade. I put them on my C5 02 ZO6 and saw a significant increase in emergent maneuver driving and high speed free way entrance ramp sweeping turn handling. It NO LONGER bounces off the side of the road when the turns are washboard rough. MUCH BETTER WHEEL CONTROL!!
The cost of four new C6 Z shocks is around $250.
If you’re driving skills and SOTP METER is that finely tuned that you can tell the difference between the Bilstein Shocks that are similar in price, ,,, then get the aftermarket shocks.
For the normal JOE that likes spirited everyday driving, save the cash for something else that you want to up-grade.
If you car is significantly lowered,, your are stuck with Bilstein Shocks or other aftermarket that will handle the shorter suspension travel.
If you do a lot of HPDE and road course,,, skip the shocks and do coil-over’s!
The cost of four new C6 Z shocks is around $250.
If you’re driving skills and SOTP METER is that finely tuned that you can tell the difference between the Bilstein Shocks that are similar in price, ,,, then get the aftermarket shocks.
For the normal JOE that likes spirited everyday driving, save the cash for something else that you want to up-grade.
If you car is significantly lowered,, your are stuck with Bilstein Shocks or other aftermarket that will handle the shorter suspension travel.
If you do a lot of HPDE and road course,,, skip the shocks and do coil-over’s!
The C6 Z shocks wouldn`t be a good choice?
Last edited by Dennis Wilson; Jul 6, 2011 at 03:13 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 347
From: SC
The GM C6 ZO6 shocks are outstanding shocks for any C5 up-grade. I put them on my C5 02 ZO6 and saw a significant increase in emergent maneuver driving and high speed free way entrance ramp sweeping turn handling. It NO LONGER bounces off the side of the road when the turns are washboard rough. MUCH BETTER WHEEL CONTROL!!
The cost of four new C6 Z shocks is around $250.
If you’re driving skills and SOTP METER is that finely tuned that you can tell the difference between the Bilstein Shocks that are similar in price, ,,, then get the aftermarket shocks.
For the normal JOE that likes spirited everyday driving, save the cash for something else that you want to up-grade.
If you car is significantly lowered,, your are stuck with Bilstein Shocks or other aftermarket that will handle the shorter suspension travel.
If you do a lot of HPDE and road course,,, skip the shocks and do coil-over’s!
The cost of four new C6 Z shocks is around $250.
If you’re driving skills and SOTP METER is that finely tuned that you can tell the difference between the Bilstein Shocks that are similar in price, ,,, then get the aftermarket shocks.
For the normal JOE that likes spirited everyday driving, save the cash for something else that you want to up-grade.
If you car is significantly lowered,, your are stuck with Bilstein Shocks or other aftermarket that will handle the shorter suspension travel.
If you do a lot of HPDE and road course,,, skip the shocks and do coil-over’s!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
You really need to install coilovers iF you are lowering more than what the stock bolts allow.
C6Z06 with bump stop cut approximately in 1/2 giving maybe another 1/4" - 3/8'" of travel;
I actually just touch my fender so I couldn't have more travel even if I bought coilovers.
Peter
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 did Bilstein Sports because im lowered on stock bolts. Bilstein Sports shocks are designed for lowered cars because they have a shorter base.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
Bilstein all the way. Just based on the lifetime warranty alone it's a better deal in the long run. OEM GM shocks are just that. They may be excellent shocks when new but please keep in mind that they will never have the quality or longevity of the Bilsteins.
FYI. The Sports are recommended for lowered cars or for a firmer ride and the HD's are for stock replacement with stock height.
FYI. The Sports are recommended for lowered cars or for a firmer ride and the HD's are for stock replacement with stock height.
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