Difference between Z51 and Z shocks???
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,054
Likes: 665
From: Norcal
Difference between Z51 and Z shocks???
I read the sticky that discussed similar questions but could not find the answer. I also emailed the user who created the sticky and he did not know. I am looking at upgrading the shocks on my C5 and see that there is a Z51 and Z option. Does anyone know the difference, if any???
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 0
From: Denver PA
St. Jude Donor '07
If you want upgrade your shocks, get the Bilstein Sport shocks. I just installed them and they seem to be a lot better. The car seems to plant a lot better than with the Z51 shocks. They are suppose to eliminate wheel hop also. I haven't tried that yet.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,054
Likes: 665
From: Norcal
I know that is another great option, but I am working with a C5 here and I heard your stock suspension is already light years ahead of mean. At under $200 I can't beat the option. I don't road course or anything like that. Just looking to smooth out my ride.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
But if you are looking to smooth out your ride look elsewhere, the ride got substantially more firm, particularly over small bumps in the road.
I now have a C6 Z51. I cannot comment on the difference between the z51 shocks and the Z06 shocks - I have Z51's on my C6 and I find no need to change them, they seem great for street and track. They are firm like the Z shocks were on my C5. My buddy has a C6 Z06 and I would say it rides 10% more roughly than my car, but that could also partially be from the increased spring rates the Z06 has over the Z51.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 4
From: Crete IL
The C6 Z06 shocks are stiffer, similar in performance to the 04 Z06 shocks. The ride is also a little more harsh and a little more busy but still not that bad. How important is ride quality to you? Does your C5 have the base suspension or Z51?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Do yourself a favor - if you get new C5 z06 sway bars (highly recommended, no ride detriment), get urethane bushings from Ecklers for about $9 each. You will otherwise likely drive yourself nuts with squeaks with the factory Z06 bushings. Do a search on C5 tech history if you don't believe me and see how many people suffer until they get the urethane bushings. You can lube them but the squeaks come back, trust me. I learned the hard way.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,054
Likes: 665
From: Norcal
Do yourself a favor - if you get new C5 z06 sway bars (highly recommended, no ride detriment), get urethane bushings from Ecklers for about $9 each. You will otherwise likely drive yourself nuts with squeaks with the factory Z06 bushings. Do a search on C5 tech history if you don't believe me and see how many people suffer until they get the urethane bushings. You can lube them but the squeaks come back, trust me. I learned the hard way.
I hear you Joe- I think I am going to just opt for the C6 shocks and leave my sway bars alone. I might replace the bushings but thats it.
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
I have an '06 C6 Z512 MN6 and I installed the Bilstein Sport shocks. The Bilsteins will smooth out the ride and at the same time give you better cornering and tracking ability.
The 1st thing I noticed about the Bilstreins was that my ride was smoother while cruising.
The 1st thing I noticed about the Bilstreins was that my ride was smoother while cruising.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
That's what surprised me about the Bilsteins after I replaced my stock Z51 shocks. I thought the ride might be a bit more rough but nope. Less wheel hop at the track as well. The was the main reason for the switch.