[Z06] DRM shocks backordered, should I try Johnny O'Connell instead?
12-29-2018, 10:10 AM
#41
Race Director
I inquired a long time ago and never heard back or followed up. A 15% off ebay coupon pop'd up and decided to pull the trigger on the B8s. Haven't installed yet but am sure I'll like and will be an improvement over oem. I imagine the DRMs are better for performance, but wonder (hope?) if maybe the B8s are some sort of improvement over the original sports, hence the name change? Searched (haven't called Bilstein...yet) and never found any info either way.
I have 46K miles on my Bilstein Sports and continue to be pleased with them. They have over 800 miles on them at 150MPH+, straight line, open road events and road course track events. They did improve the ride and calmed down the back end over the OEM shocks, which is why I replaced the OEM shocks. The stock suspension with the Bilsteins does roll more than you would want for a dedicated track car, but is fine for getting the car around the track quickly. If DRM's were available, they would be my bolt on choice, otherwise the B8s. If you are concerned with the suspension being "soft", then replace the leaf springs and shocks with firm coil-overs, but that is a $3-8K step up, vs $400-600 for better shocks.
The following 2 users liked this post by AzDave47:
gmore (12-29-2018),
tommyc6z06 (12-29-2018)
12-29-2018, 12:19 PM
#42
My son sells lots of Bilstein shocks. He confirmed for me that the Bilstein change from Sport to B8 was just to configure their naming consistently between Europe (always B8) and the USA. I confirmed the current Bilstein B8's that TR sells for my 09Z06 has the same 4 relevant digits as the ones I bought back in 2010, so no change between Bilstein Sports and B8s.
I have 46K miles on my Bilstein Sports and continue to be pleased with them. They have over 800 miles on them at 150MPH+, straight line, open road events and road course track events. They did improve the ride and calmed down the back end over the OEM shocks, which is why I replaced the OEM shocks. The stock suspension with the Bilsteins does roll more than you would want for a dedicated track car, but is fine for getting the car around the track quickly. If DRM's were available, they would be my bolt on choice, otherwise the B8s. If you are concerned with the suspension being "soft", then replace the leaf springs and shocks with firm coil-overs, but that is a $3-8K step up, vs $400-600 for better shocks.
I have 46K miles on my Bilstein Sports and continue to be pleased with them. They have over 800 miles on them at 150MPH+, straight line, open road events and road course track events. They did improve the ride and calmed down the back end over the OEM shocks, which is why I replaced the OEM shocks. The stock suspension with the Bilsteins does roll more than you would want for a dedicated track car, but is fine for getting the car around the track quickly. If DRM's were available, they would be my bolt on choice, otherwise the B8s. If you are concerned with the suspension being "soft", then replace the leaf springs and shocks with firm coil-overs, but that is a $3-8K step up, vs $400-600 for better shocks.
I appreciate the clarity and have read enough to know that I'll enjoy them.
With DRMs 'possibly' not being available, I wonder if they'll continue to make their poly bushings and if anyone has used them w/B8s - have read a lot of threads and don't recall anyone with that combo...maybe for good reason?
01-07-2019, 11:41 AM
#43
Drifting
Member Since: Dec 2017
Location: Baie-D'Urfe, Quebec
Posts: 1,580
Received 696 Likes
on
444 Posts
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Just spoke to Randy at DRM...and placed my order
Last edited by tommyc6z06; 01-07-2019 at 11:42 AM.
01-07-2019, 01:00 PM
#44
Team Owner
01-07-2019, 02:23 PM
#47
Racer
Same here...must have talked for over an hour. Very neat guy and man I could've talked with him for hours more! Best transaction I've ever had with ANY business and I've had some great ones.
Last edited by 99Hawk262; 01-07-2019 at 02:24 PM.
01-07-2019, 05:58 PM
#49
Racer
01-08-2019, 12:30 PM
#55
Team Owner
The following users liked this post:
Crikk (01-16-2019)
01-08-2019, 01:46 PM
#58
$475 is cheap if they perform as described here by many. I had to rebuild the Fox shocks on the 2013 Raptor I had, by the time it was all done, double the cost of these Bilsteins to rebuild my Fox shocks...you don't want to have to buy a set!!. I know they are a completely different application and type/style of shock, my point is $475 is not much if they fix the known issues inherent with the OEM shocks on the Z.
01-08-2019, 02:31 PM
#60
Team Owner
The following users liked this post:
99Hawk262 (01-08-2019)