C5 shocks
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Blackfoot Idaho
C5 shocks
I have an 03 50th anniversary model with electronic adjustable shocks. The shocks are all but gone and I would like to replace them with shocks that aren't a thousand dollars apiece. If I replace them with - say Bilstiens, what doI do with the wires? I haven't even looked so I don't know if there are any wires, just assuming there is. Would this change any of my computer settings. Going to do this in the spring so somebody out there with all the shock knowledge, can you help me out?
Thanks,
old Rip
Thanks,
old Rip
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 398
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You have a number of options. First chose your replacement shocks and you can search the forum for reviews and suggestions. I went with C6 ZO6 shocks on my 2002.
Then the “wires” are actually connectors that you can just separate from the old shocks and leave in place with a zip tie to keep them out of harms way. However that leaves you with a car that is limited in speed so you have to fool the computer somehow.
There are plug in adapters that you can buy for around $175, or you can search the forum and I remember someone giving the instructions on how to remove the tops of the old shocks to use in place of the ones sold for this purpose.
The best way is to find someone with a Tech 2 , could be a Chevy dealership, and have them program the F45 system out permanently. There are very detailed instructions on how to do this on this forum.
That is the way I chose to go since I knew someone who could do the programming for me.
Then the “wires” are actually connectors that you can just separate from the old shocks and leave in place with a zip tie to keep them out of harms way. However that leaves you with a car that is limited in speed so you have to fool the computer somehow.
There are plug in adapters that you can buy for around $175, or you can search the forum and I remember someone giving the instructions on how to remove the tops of the old shocks to use in place of the ones sold for this purpose.
The best way is to find someone with a Tech 2 , could be a Chevy dealership, and have them program the F45 system out permanently. There are very detailed instructions on how to do this on this forum.
That is the way I chose to go since I knew someone who could do the programming for me.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 366,679
Likes: 24,422
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Moved to C5 Tech.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,738
Likes: 4,587
You have a number of options. First chose your replacement shocks and you can search the forum for reviews and suggestions. I went with C6 ZO6 shocks on my 2002.
Then the “wires” are actually connectors that you can just separate from the old shocks and leave in place with a zip tie to keep them out of harms way. However that leaves you with a car that is limited in speed so you have to fool the computer somehow.
There are plug in adapters that you can buy for around $175, or you can search the forum and I remember someone giving the instructions on how to remove the tops of the old shocks to use in place of the ones sold for this purpose.
The best way is to find someone with a Tech 2 , could be a Chevy dealership, and have them program the F45 system out permanently. There are very detailed instructions on how to do this on this forum.
That is the way I chose to go since I knew someone who could do the programming for me.
Then the “wires” are actually connectors that you can just separate from the old shocks and leave in place with a zip tie to keep them out of harms way. However that leaves you with a car that is limited in speed so you have to fool the computer somehow.
There are plug in adapters that you can buy for around $175, or you can search the forum and I remember someone giving the instructions on how to remove the tops of the old shocks to use in place of the ones sold for this purpose.
The best way is to find someone with a Tech 2 , could be a Chevy dealership, and have them program the F45 system out permanently. There are very detailed instructions on how to do this on this forum.
That is the way I chose to go since I knew someone who could do the programming for me.
Last edited by grinder11; Dec 26, 2022 at 12:05 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 174
Likes: 45
From: Pahrump NV.
I had the electronic shocks on my 96 and loved them, that car also had Hi mileage when I sold it and they still worked like new when I sold the car.
I wish My 98 had the option. not sure If I can upgrade the car to them or not?
I wish My 98 had the option. not sure If I can upgrade the car to them or not?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,738
Likes: 4,587
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,862
Likes: 1,288
From: New Jersey
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '25
I just got rid of my F45 shocks and couldn't be happier, granted I had 96k miles on them and any shock at the mileage is nearing replacement. I am now running C6 Z06 shocks which work perfectly in lieu of my F45!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 516
Likes: 22
From: Golden CO
Anyway I bought the C6 Z06 shocks and they are junk. Wore out in 3 years with few miles. Might as well just buy Monroe.
Then I replaced with Bilsteins like many recommended = awesome.
Good luck.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?
Brett Foote
9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)
Joe Kucinski
8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)
Joe Kucinski
7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made
Brett Foote
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,862
Likes: 1,288
From: New Jersey
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '25
Had the tech 2 removal of the F55 shocks done on my 03 50th anni (and that is the ONLY way it can be done, about $100) at about 100k, they were still in the shipping ties from the factory (unbelievable but a known fact on these cars, stupid dealer and missed by everyone including me till the replacements went in).
Anyway I bought the C6 Z06 shocks and they are junk. Wore out in 3 years with few miles. Might as well just buy Monroe.
Then I replaced with Bilsteins like many recommended = awesome.
Good luck.
Anyway I bought the C6 Z06 shocks and they are junk. Wore out in 3 years with few miles. Might as well just buy Monroe.
Then I replaced with Bilsteins like many recommended = awesome.
Good luck.
