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Hi everyone,
Have a question about factory shocks. After loooking for shocks for my '01, I've noticed each shock is marked with 3 letters, for example THE etc. I've also looked at some "Z 06" shocks. Is there a difference between the base shocks and the Z 06, and, how do you know that they are Z 06 and not some stock base vette shocks? BTW, still looking for a drivers side seat switch that someone may have sitting around the shop thats in good shape and won't mind parting with.
Thanks,
Y '01
HANDS down best factory shock is the C6 Z06 shock... for your C5. They bolt right on...
Let me splan that statement... that is for a overall, general, usage...you get, a nice firm ride, not harsh or stiff, smooth but not floaty, you can feel the road but it's not rough or bumpy. I upgraded to them from FE1 base shocks and I LOVE them...
Last edited by 73Corvette; Aug 27, 2015 at 12:06 AM.
It depends on what your needs are, do you want a good overall schock, the 06 Z06 is very good, if you autocross or want the best handling shock, the 04 Z06 would be the one. The 04 is a little harsher ride but slightly firmer handling characteristics.
It depends on what your needs are, do you want a good overall schock, the 06 Z06 is very good, if you autocross or want the best handling shock, the 04 Z06 would be the one. The 04 is a little harsher ride but slightly firmer handling characteristics.
You can get OEM GM (C5 or C6) parts from Gene at Cultrag.com with total confidence they will be what you ordered. He is a well respected Forum vendor here.
I am EXTREMELY happy with the C6 ZO6 shocks on my 02 ZO6. Completely eliminated the POOR suspension control when taking high speed turns onto the highway.
My OEM ZO6 shock were starting to show wear and reduced handling at 30,000 miles.
Great low cost BANG FOR THE BUCK replacement shocks.
If, you want to do extreme handling, there are better shocks and or coil overs but the cost is MUCH MORE!!
Got mine from Gene Culley! Great people and excellent prices!!
WOW!! great info. You guys are on it. I was leaning to the Z 06 but was not sure as to what I was buying. Is there a physical or numerical way to tell if the shock is a Z 06 or stock base model? I'll contact Gene to get his view on it too.
THANKS,
Y '01
the 04 z06 sachs shocks are the best oem shocks from any corvette that you can put on a c5. They are better than the c6z06 shocks, but they are very expensive. I was lucky to find a used set with 12k miles on them. The next best choice would be billstien sports (not oem), and then c6z shocks. If you plan to change the shocks, I would highly suggest to change your rear spring to the z06 spring, because the design of the shocks depends on the spring rate being used in conjunction with them.
the 04 z06 sachs shocks are the best oem shocks from any corvette that you can put on a c5. They are better than the c6z06 shocks, but they are very expensive. I was lucky to find a used set with 12k miles on them. The next best choice would be billstien sports (not oem), and then c6z shocks. If you plan to change the shocks, I would highly suggest to change your rear spring to the z06 spring, because the design of the shocks depends on the spring rate being used in conjunction with them.
Had not thought of the spring, great point. How do I know its a z-06 shock other that somenes word that it is? numbers? special marks?
Thanks
Y '01
Thank you for the business and for the positive feedback. The 04 Z06 front shocks have been discontinued so it is best to just move to the C6 Z06 shocks.
the rear shocks are really what makes the 04 z06 shocks special.
A good combo would be 04z shocks on the rear and billstien sports on the front if you must go new.
Looking at the graph, the sports are nearly identical in the front.
Personally, I would never have different manufacturers shocks on the same car. The Bilsteins may have similar dyno characteristics to the Z06 but they will age differently over time which may make the car tricky to handle. Also, they may not react the same way to brisk maneuvers, temperature swings, etc. Stick with the complete set of whatever shock you decide to go with. They were designed to work as a set. Just my two cents.
I went with the C6 Z06 shocks on a 1998 and also with the sway bars recommended by Gene. Very satisfied !
If your doing the install... I bought some pretty hefty zip ties... compressed the shocks and zip tied them in that position... put the TOPS in first to make sure the shaft is free and the rubber grommet on top is seated in the correct position... then I cut the zip tie and guided the bottom of the shock into position... then jack up the lower arm to get it where you need it to put the bolts in... good luck
they are a pain in the **** to get out... going back isn't near as hard.
Last edited by 73Corvette; Sep 4, 2015 at 06:55 PM.
A quick up date,
I did buy a matched factory set of shocksthrough GM parts giant - great pricing, nice product. 73 Corvette, great advise and THANKS for the heads up on this
Y '01
Best factory shocks?
Great people and excellent prices!!
