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From what I've read, GM is going with Bilstein shocks in the C7. I'll bet they're a step-up from the C6 Z06 shocks. Bilstein shocks are tough to beat, although I've read of good things about Konis.
Honestly the Bilsteins are probably one of the best upgrades you can do that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I think mine were $300 or $350, but the driving was night and day, both firm and soft when you want it. They will also last a very long time. I think that was probably the best 300 bucks I've spent were I noticed such an improvement. They also work very well if you choose to lower your car.
My Vette is not lowered but I have the upgrade sway bars, which Bilsteins to go with Sport or Heavy Duty?
Had the C5 on the lift this morning, aside from outter tie rod ends and stabilizer links, I'm seriously knowing that I need to do shocks. 108k on originals? yikes.
BUT
There's that "Active Suspension" question. (duh here)
Car's build sheet says FE1
Just suppose I want to keep the active suspension.
What is the way to go?
If you have the Magnetic ride control (electric shocks) then the only way to keep that system is to get OEM replacements. IF you have mangnetic ride control (switch in teh center for sport/Comf) and you dont want to spend the $$ for the OEM replacements then you can go to another shock ex. '04 Z06 Sachs shocks, Bilstein, C6Z06, ect.. then you can swap the shocks out and have to have a shop/dealer with a TECH II scanner disable the magnetic ride control option in the BCM. (search feature on here will lead you to where you turn it off in the TECH II menu).
I went with Bilstein sports years ago when my vette was aggressively lowered and did not like. It felt like I was driving a mine cart off tracks. I switched to Koni FSDs soon thereafter and haven't looked back. Smooth and firm at the same time, like
Had the C5 on the lift this morning, aside from outter tie rod ends and stabilizer links, I'm seriously knowing that I need to do shocks. 108k on originals? yikes.
BUT
There's that "Active Suspension" question. (duh here)
Car's build sheet says FE1
Just suppose I want to keep the active suspension.
What is the way to go?
You have a 99 so, you have F-45 Active Handling Real time Dampening. Personally,,,,,, I hated the one in my 98 Coupe... A complete waste of money. FE1 is the BASE Suspension. ZO6 is the most aggressive (for a stock suspension)
If it were me, I would install a complete Z51 or ZO6 suspension and use C6 ZO6 shocks. You will absolutely LOVE the improvement!!! The C6 ZO6 shocks are only $250. for all four!
You will need to find a GM Tech 2 and program the F45 RPO out of the BCM or use resistors and fool the ESC Computer before you replace the shocks.
You can find used ZO6 suspension parts in the for sale section all the time.
Thanks, Bill Curlee, I see that you're a 'Tech Contributor', so you might just be the man I want to talk to.
So you say "a complete Z51 or Z06 suspension and use C6 Z06 shocks. only $250.oo for all four!"
Question.
This means changing springs, stabilizer bars, "The Works"???
Honestly the Bilsteins are probably one of the best upgrades you can do that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I think mine were $300 or $350, but the driving was night and day, both firm and soft when you want it. They will also last a very long time. I think that was probably the best 300 bucks I've spent were I noticed such an improvement. They also work very well if you choose to lower your car.