Question on shocks 98 C5
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 7
From: Florida
Question on shocks 98 C5
Hi—
I just purchased a high mileage 98 C5. The suspension feels weak & worn. Any suggestions on value shocks I can purchase. I want something to bring the car into original handling condition. I won’t be running on the track. I see huge price variances.
What a terrific car.
thanks
dan
I just purchased a high mileage 98 C5. The suspension feels weak & worn. Any suggestions on value shocks I can purchase. I want something to bring the car into original handling condition. I won’t be running on the track. I see huge price variances.
What a terrific car.
thanks
dan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 635
From: Dallas TX
Bilstein B6...
They are like 90-100 per.
Everything else I am seeing for "cheap" isn like 60-70 bucks. For an additional ~30 per I am going Bilstein all day long.
Cheap shocks are cheap for a reason.
Can get them from Doug Rippie with better valving also.
They are like 90-100 per.
Everything else I am seeing for "cheap" isn like 60-70 bucks. For an additional ~30 per I am going Bilstein all day long.
Cheap shocks are cheap for a reason.
Can get them from Doug Rippie with better valving also.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 7
From: Florida
First Corvette ever. What a fun experience. I grew up driving a 1968 MGBGT in the Smokey mountains. A corvette in the 1960s was the leader, 327 365 HP and 427s. (Tires didn’t exist to match these cars) The C5 reminds me of an unlimited rocket 2 seater.
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Since you are not going to track the car, the C6 Z06 shocks will probably be the best value shock for you. Its a decent ride on the street, but not worth anything on track.
Next would be a B6 Bilstein (Bilstein HD). Better performance and still not expensive.
The DRM re-valved Bilstein shocks are a great value for what they are, but if you are not tracking the car you might not see the benefit from them. If you like to drive around town in a spirited manner, take on ramps to the highway briskly, etc the DRM shocks will make the car a lot more fun.
Also, if its higher mileage be sure to check ball joints, tie rods, bushings to make sure they are not adding unnecessary slop to the handling.
Next would be a B6 Bilstein (Bilstein HD). Better performance and still not expensive.
The DRM re-valved Bilstein shocks are a great value for what they are, but if you are not tracking the car you might not see the benefit from them. If you like to drive around town in a spirited manner, take on ramps to the highway briskly, etc the DRM shocks will make the car a lot more fun.
Also, if its higher mileage be sure to check ball joints, tie rods, bushings to make sure they are not adding unnecessary slop to the handling.
Last edited by Kubs; Apr 30, 2021 at 08:30 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 635
From: Dallas TX
C6 Z06 shocks, unless you find take off's are more expensive than Bilsteins from what I am seeing.
Just an observation.
I have C6 Z06 shocks on my 02 Z(the prior owner put them on), but no way would I pay a "new" price for them which is more than a set of Bilsteins.
Just an observation.
I have C6 Z06 shocks on my 02 Z(the prior owner put them on), but no way would I pay a "new" price for them which is more than a set of Bilsteins.
