Which shocks should I buy?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 905
Likes: 0
From: Rhode Island
Which shocks should I buy?
I just lowered my car. It is a 97 with 48,000 miles on it. I figure it must be time to change the shocks. I have it lowered by about 1 1/2 inches. Do I need to buy shorter shocks? I have heard this recommended before. If so, does anyone know who makes them?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 400hp
I just lowered my car. It is a 97 with 48,000 miles on it. I figure it must be time to change the shocks. I have it lowered by about 1 1/2 inches. Do I need to buy shorter shocks? I have heard this recommended before. If so, does anyone know who makes them?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by weekendwarrior
try the bilstein sport shocks. i think nate at the corvette garage has then on sale 4 for 290$ 
Bilsteins are a popular and affordable choice. They are shorter than the OEM shocks so they will fit very nicely on your recently lowered car. The cheapest I have seen is $299 shipped.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 72
From: Upstate NY
I just got a price from Gene at Fred Beans for 04 Z06 shocks and was planning on buying them. They are about just a bit more in price. Any opinions as to which are better the Bilsteins or Z06s? I'm assuming the Bilsteins would provide a stiffer ride than the Z06 shocks.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 564
Likes: 1
From: Tampa FL
Originally Posted by sacred1
i need the same info, i have the adjustable suspension option too. dont know which ones to get...
Bilstein C5 Corvette Shocks, Front Pair
Improve handling with precision Bilstein shocks.
Rising rate valve design maintains damping efficiency in all conditions.
Single tube design filled with oil and nitrogen gas in a pressured, sealed compartment.
A dividing piston exerts constant pressure on the oil, completely eliminating any foaming of the oil.
One set should outlast your car.
Installs easily in approximately 3-4 hours.
Will not fit cars with adjustable F45 suspension (1997 - 2000 C5).
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Do you think Bilstien spend hours and hours tuning the valving at the Nuremburg ring??? No they didn't, they used they're best guess. I'm usre they're fine shocks, but the '04 Z06 sachs shocks were specifically tuned and perfected. Now if you're lower than 1.5" lower than stock you'll wear out the stock configuration shock quicker and the shroter bilstien might be a better option. I'm going w/ the '04's soon.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Cobra4B
Do you think Bilstien spend hours and hours tuning the valving at the Nuremburg ring??? No they didn't, they used they're best guess. I'm usre they're fine shocks, but the '04 Z06 sachs shocks were specifically tuned and perfected. Now if you're lower than 1.5" lower than stock you'll wear out the stock configuration shock quicker and the shroter bilstien might be a better option. I'm going w/ the '04's soon.
My $02
Tim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,752
Likes: 3
From: Bethlehem PA
Originally Posted by TurboWindsor
I wouldn't be so quick to come to this assumption. The Nuremburg ring cannot even come close to giving engineers the feedback that GM's suspension dyno can. Bilstein is a premier dampener company hands down. I am sure they have had 04' Z06 shocks in their hands and completely gone through for evaluation, and improved upon. All Bilsteins are completely rebuildable/revalvable, and are a much higher end shock than an OEM mass produced piece.
My $02
Tim
My $02
Tim
Bilsteins are an excellent shock and a majority of the Porsche race guys I know use them exclusively.
I have driven both. The Z06 shocks were stiffer with more road feel but did not rebound as controlled as my Bilsteins.
When I auto crossed at the Pocono raceway, I had no trouble keeping up with the Z's, 2 M3's and an M5 in the twisties. This I didn't expect with stock sways.
Scott
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by Cobra4B
Do you think Bilstien spend hours and hours tuning the valving at the Nuremburg ring??? No they didn't, they used they're best guess. I'm usre they're fine shocks, but the '04 Z06 sachs shocks were specifically tuned and perfected. Now if you're lower than 1.5" lower than stock you'll wear out the stock configuration shock quicker and the shroter bilstien might be a better option. I'm going w/ the '04's soon.
I bought Bilstien and love them.
