montman

Took my 87k mile 08 in for an alignment. One front shock is leaking. I am looking at either the Bilstein B6 HD shock or the KYB Gas-A-Just. They are both about 90.00 each from Tire Rack. My car has the Z51 option, but I don't push it in the corners or drive high speed. Mainly want the SMOOTHEST ride possible. Which ones should I get? Thanks in advance!

Mike's LS3

Definitely, Bilstein Shocks. I have the Bilstein sports and they work well with my Z51 suspension. HD's will give a softer ride, if that is what you like. C7's come with Bilstein shocks.
I am not a fan of KYB shocks. Had them on a couple vehicles in the past and would not buy them again.

enventr

ontime

Bilstein vote from me too. Cant speak for the KYB shocks but I had great success in my former C5 with the sports.

Chevyrelic

Sleazy Rider

another vote for...not kyb. i put kyb's on the wife's excursion, i know, not a vette, not even 3 years ago and just got looking at new shocks for it. alignment shop said it needed new shocks all around and i have known the guy for years and he knows i do all the vehicle maintenance myself.

gn85

I haven't had any experience with KYB, but I have several vehicles that have Bilsteins and I've been happy with them all.

jaredtxrx

Silver vs Yellow, pick a color.
Both are pretty solid shocks and you really can't go wrong with either. Their price points being so similar makes the choice even harder.

TxLefty

I might be tempted to check and see what Bilstein recommends for the Z51. You want to be sure you get the right shocks to match your spring rates.

WW7

I have had both KYBs and Bilsteins on my Vette and didn't like the KYBs at all.. No where near the Bilsteins in performance or longevity..Go with Bilstein..

WW7

The suggested Bilstein shock for the Z51 is the sport shock, but some do use the softer HD shock instead...WW

4SUMERZ

I installed the Bilstein Sport shocks on my 2006 Z51 optioned car this past Spring and the ride is similar to the Z51 shocks that came as OEM.
If you want a softer ride, go with the HD shocks.

Lee Cromwell

I have the same question.. I'm about to do the same and thinking bilsteins But... The 6 or the 8... They say the 8 is for lowered cars.. Mine is stock height z51 option.. For those who have done this can you use the 8 sport without being lowered??

Bowtie Jim

We used to call them Kill your back.
Another vote for bilstein

BacknBlack08

Looks like overwhelming support for Bilstein's... I know I won't install another set of KYB's I tried 2 sets one set was a replacement set for the first and both sets leaked like Exxon Valdez after less than 500 miles on some pretty good roads.with non aggressive driving. Recently put Bilstein's made for Hotchkis TVS Kit on a friends 67 Camaro.restoration project and haven't looked back.
Just my .02
BNB08

PCMusicGuy

I'm surprised to see 15 posts and not one mention of Koni shocks. I believe if you do a search you will find many raves about the Koni FSD shocks. From memory, I remember them being very good and not as harsh as the factory Z51 shocks. I would not say the same for the Bilstein's.

BacknBlack08

Koni is definitely one of the top shock manufactures among many others, but I think most replies were going off the original poster's question of KYB or Bilstein. Its highly unlikely you will find a Koni shock in his 90.00 price range.
BNB08.

montman

Wow, thanks everyone for your great information! I looked at some other car brand forums and it seems like Bilstein is preferred over KYB. I guess Koni is an option, but I'm a cheap Bas***d so i guess Bilstein HD it is. Happy Motoring to all!