Shock install
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 389
Likes: 19
From: Cape coral Florida
Shock install
Just finished installing new bilistein drm shocks today on the Z not the easiest of jobs but got it done.Went for a short drive I am not sure I feel much of a differance I guess I'll have to give it some time.
What the judgement of those who have made this switch ?
What the judgement of those who have made this switch ?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
Likes: 2,712
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
For normal street driving, I think a major component of shocks is "hot air". Everyone seems to claim their shocks will improve handling, improve the ride, give better gas mileage, and cure cancer.
We replaced the stock Z51 shocks on our 2001 with Bilstein Sports. In addition to being a DD, I also used that one for autocross and HPDE. The only difference I noticed was that my wallet was a little thinner.
This summer I replaced the Z51 shocks on our 2009 Z51 with base model shocks, trying to get a better ride on the perpetually frost-heaved roads of Illinois. The ride definitely got better, the deterioration in handling was pretty minor and I probably wouldn't have noticed it if i didn't know. Of course, this car is a DD only, no track use.
A really great driver could probably tell the difference between different brands of shocks, but not for most of us.
We replaced the stock Z51 shocks on our 2001 with Bilstein Sports. In addition to being a DD, I also used that one for autocross and HPDE. The only difference I noticed was that my wallet was a little thinner.
This summer I replaced the Z51 shocks on our 2009 Z51 with base model shocks, trying to get a better ride on the perpetually frost-heaved roads of Illinois. The ride definitely got better, the deterioration in handling was pretty minor and I probably wouldn't have noticed it if i didn't know. Of course, this car is a DD only, no track use.
A really great driver could probably tell the difference between different brands of shocks, but not for most of us.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 351
Likes: 2
From: Northern Virginia
I replaced my 08 Z51 with Bilstein Sport (only had 8,000 miles on the original shocks) and I felt a much firmer ride. I don't consider it harsh, but many would. It has helped with the wheel hop on a rapid take off and I think it corners better.
I am happy with it.
I am happy with it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
Likes: 2,712
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Let's see...
Post #4 has an owner who replaced the already-stiff Z51 shocks with Bilstein Sports and says the car rides firmer.
Post #5 has an owner who replaced the softer base shocks with Bilstein Sports and says the ride is much improved.
Yep.
Oh, I forgot to mention that shocks will also stop world hunger.
Post #4 has an owner who replaced the already-stiff Z51 shocks with Bilstein Sports and says the car rides firmer.
Post #5 has an owner who replaced the softer base shocks with Bilstein Sports and says the ride is much improved.
Yep.
Oh, I forgot to mention that shocks will also stop world hunger.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
Eliminated rearend twitchiness, a more planted feel coming out of the curve, and reduced wheel hop are the most noticeable changes I felt from going stock to DRM shocks on the Z. It appears to also absorb more of the road bumps better...Stock shocks felt very bouncy.
I bet if you drove a stock Z (non Z07), then got back in your Z with DRMs...you're going to facepalm because you realized what has improved when you start looking for it.
I bet if you drove a stock Z (non Z07), then got back in your Z with DRMs...you're going to facepalm because you realized what has improved when you start looking for it.
