Shock Absorbers
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
Shock Absorbers
My 2000 C5 convertibile needs new shock absorbers never been changed Car has 35k miles.
Are Bilstiens the way to go?
Can they be replaced at home with ramps and a floor Jack or need to have the car completely elevate?
Thanks
Are Bilstiens the way to go?
Can they be replaced at home with ramps and a floor Jack or need to have the car completely elevate?
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
Yes and yes. Based on the questions you are asking you may want to have a professional do the work.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 26
Likes: 7
Intermediate
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 26
Likes: 7
We bought the our c5 about 2.5 years ago, we had the original magnetic ones in there and the car was bouncing all over the place, we installed the Bilsteins and love them. Our car rides like its floating on air. However, the rubber bushings from Bilstein don't last long, keep an eye open for that. We had them installed with regular jacks while the car was getting re-painted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,006
Likes: 1,425
From: New Jersey
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '25
C6 Z06 shocks are my recommendation, direct bolt on.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 181
Likes: 110
From: Highland Village, TX
I do "feel" like the Bilsteins may have loosened up just a little in the year we've had them on the car. And the car still handles great on the road. I considered the C6 Z06 shocks, but from reading multiple threads I can away with the impression that they were better for those who track their C5. Ours is both my daily and our long distance road car, so the HD Bilsteins fit our use case.
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 111
Likes: 50
From: Thunder Bay
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I can also vouch for C6 ZO6 shocks. My '01 had stock, non-selectable suspension compared with my current '03 (magnetics replaced with ZO6). I can't really tell much difference. Mind you I had a 4-month hiatus between them.
I love the way the car handles. It's "stiff", but expected with a Corvette and certainly not harsh by any standard even on the worst roads. It handles the mountain twisties better than should be allowed and faster than I have the nerve for.
I love the way the car handles. It's "stiff", but expected with a Corvette and certainly not harsh by any standard even on the worst roads. It handles the mountain twisties better than should be allowed and faster than I have the nerve for.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 683
From: Pingree Grove IL
Did my Bilsteins B6 and C6z51 sways on a set of Quickjack. I doubt you will notice a difference between c6z06 or B6 shocks. Both are great choices and direct bolt in. It can be done with a floor jack and ramps. I believe it’s 3 bolts per shock. And it’s a corvette, not a Honda accord or Caddy. It will ride stiff unless you have mag ride or some kind of adjustable coil over on the softest setting. I have a 18/19 wheel combo, original 17/18 wheel combo might ride smoother, but I doubt you will notice a difference in that either.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 73
Likes: 18
From: Prague, Czech rep., EU
I did my Bilsteins myself in backyard with jack, basic tools and without prior experience or knowledge. I am happy with them. Only difficult part was removing few rusted nuts on the old shocks. I had to saw off top of one shock.