Guys, do you know how long the stock shocks ride quality lasts? The ride in the Vette I just bought seems a little rougher than another one I've driven. I'm thinking that changing out to a set of new shocks will smoothen things out. There's another thing that I noticed. At speeds above 80mph, I notice a vibration through the car. Is this due to the shocks, or something with the driveshaft? I don't want to get any shocks which will further stiffen the car. I already have a rock stiff car and I want the Vette to be more comfortable.

Damn, it's funny that my BMW is stiff enough to being havoc to my spine and I want the C5 to drive smooth.

 

Should get well over 50K on the stock ones. Many here have been switching to the '04 Z06 shocks - several vendors have them on sale now. I don't think the ride quality will be compromised much and they are supposed to be a very good mod.

 

I agree on the life expectancy - I had 36K on my 01 coupe prior to trading it in. Ride quality had no noticeable change in that mileage. What suspension do you have on the car? The Z51 performance package is going to ride stiffer than the stock setup. The vibration is probably a wheel that is slightly out of balance. Find a shop that can do a quality high speed spin balance and that should take care of the vibration.

 

I'm not sure how to tell what type of suspension it is. Is there a way to tell? I just bought the car yesterday. I'll also get an tire balance done. Are you guys sure that the Z06 shocks won't be stiffer than the stock ones?

 

I have an extra set of "base" FE1 shocks if you want them... They have about 24k miles on them- will sell for uber-cheap!

Look in the glove compartment and see if you have option code "Z51".

Yes, the Z06 shocks WILL be stiffer than the FE1 shocks. This "vibration"- sounds like you need the tires balanced...

 

I just changed my stock '00 coupe shocks with 21K on them for '04 ZO6 shocks. The difference is unbelievable! I am VERY easy on my car and the stock shocks were junk when I removed them...IMHO!! Go with the '04 ZO6 shocks!!! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

 

What year model did you buy? Is it lowered? Is the suspension modified?

 

The suspension seems stock. It doesn't look like it's lowered. It's a 99 Vert C5. I can't buy anything right now from anyone because I just bought this car. Plus, I'm saving up for some coilovers if I find one which will suit my needs. I don't want to lower this car since my wife will be driving it. She'll tear the bottom of the car off if I do that. I looked in the glove compartment and I didn't see anything related to the suspension. The other C5 vert that I drove had the adjustable suspension with the three settings. Maybe that's why it was smoother.

 

No way should your car be riding "rock stiff" unless the suspension was modifed (heavy duty shocks, springs, poly bushings, etc) or something is damaged underneath. I would get back with the seller, or have a Corvette knowledgable person check it out.

 

I have an 00 FRC, should I go with the sport bilstiens or the 04 zo6? Since I lowered the car, the stock shocks seem like crap.

 

Here's a long winded comment....good luck to you....

IMHO, if the shock is tested cold (in temperature) dampening is still present at 50K mileage, agreeing with above.

However, once the oil heats up all bets are off. So GM typically doesn't warranty without a leak present, no matter what the mileage.

On a sport motorcycling, a Fox/ Penske et al is rebuilt with new oil and nitrogen every 5K mileage and I have always noticed a difference when done so.

Also driving habits and road surface play a role on shock life.

So no difinitive answer.

My 02, there could be an improvement at 15K, (Miata's precident) but I think each Vette is different, where some may not show an improvement.

However, a minor lowering of the chassis and a switch to Bilstein Sports is my recommdation no matter what the mileage....if control not comfort is what you are after. I read you wish comfort.....so base OEM shocks and re check all your suspension bolts is more to your post. Tough call, I really liked the dampening improvement with the Bilsteins myself and I think it is still comfortable.

If you choose Bilstein, your Bilstein rubber jouces and mounting rubbers need to be inspected every 10K (PITA). The jouce on the shaft has a tendancy to split; hidden under the blue boot. $2 part. The rubber mounts center hole can also wear oval.

Lastly, vibration is typically wheel balance.