Suspension Simulators
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 7
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Suspension Simulators
Long time lurker - first time poster...I need to replace the shocks on my 2000 coupe and I've heard that because of the "ride control" feature that I need to also get some Suspension Simulators or else my speed will be limited to 80 MPH. Is this true?
I'm also looking at replacing with the C6 Z06 shocks after reading several other threads. Is that a good choice or should I look at the Bilsteins or KYBs?
Thanks for any help.
I'm also looking at replacing with the C6 Z06 shocks after reading several other threads. Is that a good choice or should I look at the Bilsteins or KYBs?
Thanks for any help.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: Richmond BC
IF you have the F45 shock option i.e. the perf/sport/tour switch you will have to get simulators. Another option that I would recommend is to have a shop deprogram them. I think the cost would be the same or less to have them deprogrammed and you don't have to add the simulators. Either way does work though. IF you don't do it your speed will be limited to 80MPH.
Alot of guys on here swear by the C6 Z06 shocks. I have seen others swear by the Bilsteins - they come in sport (hard ride) or HD (a little softer ride) I don't remember reading much about the KYBs, but I personally chose to go with the Koni FSDs for my daily driver. I am happy with their performance and ride. I don't track my car but I do drive aggressively at times and they work well for me. Bottom line is that my wheels are in contact with the road now as opposed to bouncing around a lot on old worn out shocks.
Alot of guys on here swear by the C6 Z06 shocks. I have seen others swear by the Bilsteins - they come in sport (hard ride) or HD (a little softer ride) I don't remember reading much about the KYBs, but I personally chose to go with the Koni FSDs for my daily driver. I am happy with their performance and ride. I don't track my car but I do drive aggressively at times and they work well for me. Bottom line is that my wheels are in contact with the road now as opposed to bouncing around a lot on old worn out shocks.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks Voodoo! My tires aren't on the road as much as they need to be - bouncing around on the terrible roads we have around here. I'm glad to hear your confirmation and advice, so I'll probably order up the simulators rather than find someone to reprogram and then I'll take a look at the Koni FSDs before ordering shocks. Next, I have to figure out if I can replace them myself or if I'll need to find some help (have never done shocks on a vette). Thanks again!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: Richmond BC
I did my own shocks, it was pretty simple, just do a search on how to do it as the fronts need to be compressed when removed. I used the "tie wrap" method. The Konis were pricey, over 700 if i remember right. But those were Canadian dollars 
I might have gone with the Z06 shocks or Bilstein HDs if I didn't want to spend the money but in my mind I justified it by thinking the Konis would give me a softer ride cruising and stiffen up when hitting the corners hard. Does it work? I'm not convinced but I don't have any experience with different (good shocks) to compare them to. I can say after several months that I am happy with my choice. BTW I did not upgrade the sways, they are base stock along with new rubber, not poly bushings. I might upgrade those one day as well. I hear that this will keep you flatter in the turns.
I might have gone with the Z06 shocks or Bilstein HDs if I didn't want to spend the money but in my mind I justified it by thinking the Konis would give me a softer ride cruising and stiffen up when hitting the corners hard. Does it work? I'm not convinced but I don't have any experience with different (good shocks) to compare them to. I can say after several months that I am happy with my choice. BTW I did not upgrade the sways, they are base stock along with new rubber, not poly bushings. I might upgrade those one day as well. I hear that this will keep you flatter in the turns.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
That's good to know. I'm kind of out in the boondocks (well 45 minutes from town) so when I start a project, I want to know everything I can before I tear into it. I found a few YouTube videos showing changing shocks now so I think I should be good to go. I was thinking of doing new rubber on the sways and other pasts of the suspension while I'm down there, but since it is my daily driver I can't bite off more than I can chew for each job. I also want to replace my oil pan gasket soon but I hear that is a big job that requires some suspension to be removed, so I'll probably be back under the car again soon. I guess that's the price to pay for putting 167,000 miles on it.
I don't get the chance to test the limits of the car very often, so I will probably save a little and get the C6 shocks. I'm sure they will be all that I need them to be.
I really appreciate the conversation. It's great to be able to reach out to other vette owners and get advice - I don't have anyone around here that knows anything. I've read the forum for a while but now that I've started to actually post to it I think it will be a bigger part of my life.
I don't get the chance to test the limits of the car very often, so I will probably save a little and get the C6 shocks. I'm sure they will be all that I need them to be.
I really appreciate the conversation. It's great to be able to reach out to other vette owners and get advice - I don't have anyone around here that knows anything. I've read the forum for a while but now that I've started to actually post to it I think it will be a bigger part of my life.
