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Bilsteins HD's on 2003 - WOW!

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Old Dec 31, 2015 | 04:49 PM
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Default Bilsteins HD's on 2003 - WOW!

Just finished installing Bilstein HD's on my 2003. It is incredible how smooth it rides and how well it handles. The shocks have far exceeded my expectations. They are the perfect combination of comfort and performance.
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Old Dec 31, 2015 | 09:08 PM
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Default More shock info please

Originally Posted by Ed Blue 03
Just finished installing Bilstein HD's on my 2003. It is incredible how smooth it rides and how well it handles. The shocks have far exceeded my expectations. They are the perfect combination of comfort and performance.
Bilstein has several models. Which HD are you using, and what stock suspension are you replacing?

Many thanks, and Happy New Year!

professor jim
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Old Dec 31, 2015 | 10:45 PM
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I love my Bilstein Sports on my 03.

My previous shocks were F55 (Mag Selective Ride) that were leaking at 30K miles.....

Plasticman
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Old Dec 31, 2015 | 11:35 PM
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Good to hear. Bilstein makes some very good shocks.
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Old Jan 1, 2016 | 06:30 AM
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Originally Posted by professorjim
Bilstein has several models. Which HD are you using, and what stock suspension are you replacing?

Many thanks, and Happy New Year!

professor jim
Replaced the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride.

Only one part number came up for the Front and one for the Rear when I was searching for the best price.

Happy New Year!
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Old Jan 1, 2016 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Ed Blue 03
Replaced the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride.

Only one part number came up for the Front and one for the Rear when I was searching for the best price.

Happy New Year!
If you previously kept the Magnetic Ride switch in the "Tour" position, then the Bilstein HD shocks were the best alternative.

I normally kept the Mag Ride switch in the "Sport" position for a firmer ride, and was advised to use the Bilstein Sport shocks, and I confirm that I really can't tell the difference!

Bilstein offers the B6 HD shocks, and the B8 SP (Sport) shocks for the C5 Vettes.

See listing here (scroll down mid page, or filter by brand for Bilstein):

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/S...3&autoModClar=

From what I see, there is only one version of HD Bilsteins (different p/n of course for front and rears) for the C5. And then separate p/n's for the front and rear Sport version.

Plasticman

Last edited by Plasticman; Jan 1, 2016 at 11:08 AM.
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Old Jan 1, 2016 | 03:25 PM
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Congrats on the new shocks.
I installed hd's in my 99 vert and couldn't be happier.
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Old Jan 1, 2016 | 04:26 PM
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I always enjoy positive work reports, the more so with this one, since I have a lowered 03 that came to me with brand new bilstein Hd shocks.

I drew some comfort that this critical component was selected by a corvette shop, but have no frame of reference beyond my personal rear end, and it drives pretty nice. Lacks some travel , so drops into holes, but the car is lowered.

Reports like this tell me that old buying decision was not primarily price driven. Cheap owners are always a worry with an old used car.
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 08:48 PM
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for those will bilsteins are you lowered or at stock riding height??
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by LT1driver
for those will bilsteins are you lowered or at stock riding height??
HD's are stock height.
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Ed Blue 03
Just finished installing Bilstein HD's on my 2003. It is incredible how smooth it rides and how well it handles. The shocks have far exceeded my expectations. They are the perfect combination of comfort and performance.
I did the hd's too. Just had an ordeal locating them in stock somewhere. Got mine from Ecklers. They don't use the hd or sport terminology in their listings. I had a worn out F45 system. I also did the c6 z51 sway bar upgrade. Car ride has been transformed. I'm very happy with the ride.
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Ogr
I did the hd's too. Just had an ordeal locating them in stock somewhere. Got mine from Ecklers. They don't use the hd or sport terminology in their listings. I had a worn out F45 system. I also did the c6 z51 sway bar upgrade. Car ride has been transformed. I'm very happy with the ride.
What were the signs that your F45 was worn out? Mine isn't leaking and doesn't bounce on a corner test. What else should i look for?
Thanks
professor jim
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by professorjim
What were the signs that your F45 was worn out? Mine isn't leaking and doesn't bounce on a corner test. What else should i look for?
Thanks
professor jim
My 99 has 150k and the f45 shocks showed no signs of leakage. They did squeek when I would drive slowly over a bumpy road. Worst in the tour setting and quieter in sport and performance. When I pulled them off they had very little resistance. The ride was jarring..like the shocks were bottoming out. The hd's still let you feel the bumps but it isn't harsh and you can sense the shock working.
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