C5 Shocks
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX USA
C5 Shocks
Need new shocks. Currently have stock shocks with ride control. Replacing them is very expensive. Maybe someone has a better suggestion, and maybe I could get a shock with a little softer ride. :auto:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 6
From: redlands,ca.-usa
Re: C5 Shocks (rapidrobert)
The adjustable shocks(F45 option) can be rebuilt by Bilstein in San Diego.you will be much happier by replacing the shocks with any other non adjustable shock.When the F45's go away it feels like the car bottoms out on bumps.Due to age of the springs they might have to be adjusted to achieve the correct ride height.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX USA
Re: C5 Shocks (Z11409)
Thanks Z11409 for the good info. I will probably replace the adjustables with a good shock for the C5. You are right, it feels like I bottom out on any significant bump plus they squeak when in the "Tour" position. I was a little surprised that they went bad this soon as I only have 22,500 miles on my '98 Vette. :confused:
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clarita Ca
Re: C5 Shocks (rapidrobert)
You can replace them with any shocks...but.......... you must remove the computer portion of the F45, physically and through programming, or you can buy/make simulators (15 ohm, 5 watt resistors). AND, if you don't change the springs to Z51 or Z06 it will ride ok but the performance handling will be crapola
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 1
From: Irvine CA
Re: C5 Shocks ('97 C5)
You can replace them with any shocks...but.......... you must remove the computer portion of the F45, physically and through programming, or you can buy/make simulators (15 ohm, 5 watt resistors). AND, if you don't change the springs to Z51 or Z06 it will ride ok but the performance handling will be crapola
I would go with Bilstein Sports and Z51 springs at the minimum
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX USA
Re: C5 Shocks (c5chris)
Thanks again for all the info. It will certainly help me decide what to do. If I stay with the F45 system, I will replace or rebuild the shocks 'cause they are not doing the job as they are now. I'll let you know what I did, and how it turned out! :auto:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Philly burbs PA
Re: C5 Shocks ('97 C5)
AND, if you don't change the springs to Z51 or Z06 it will ride ok but the performance handling will be crapola
There are countless forum members who have swapped out their base suspension shocks with Bilstein Sport shocks and HAVE NOT replaced the springs. Their handling is much better then stock. Of course the handling is more matched with the Z51 springs, but you will be happy if you swap out just the shocks too.
