Bilstein Shocks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 373
Likes: 8
From: Orange County CA
Bilstein Shocks
Pardon the ignorance but what is the consesus on Bilstein shocks (front BE5-2977 rear BE5-2978). Theer is a guy on e-bay selling the whole set for $300. He states that they are much better that stock. I have a 2006 mn6 f-55. Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
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I just went from stock Z51 shocks to the Koni's and the difference is very noticable ...for the better. Car feels planted in the turns not so much float in the nose.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,746
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From: Upper St. Clair PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09
www.eshocks.com sold them to me for 299 shipped brand new. Good upgrade but I have a Z51. Isnt the f55 the adjustable suspension? I wouldnt touch that and if i did, I would keep the stock shocks in case I needed them later to restore.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
Z-51 + Bilsteins a "no brainer"
I too just replaced my stock Sachs shocks with Bilsteins on my 06 Z-51 equipped Vert, and at a fraction of going the Koni route. Couldn't be happier the car handles as if on rails, entry and exit speeds are way up and the ride is planted and solid. No more jitters on uneven road surface or twitchy / nervous feel on less than perfect roadway.
$300 delivered from shockwarehouse.
I'm taking it to the Tail of the Dragon in June for a serious test run... ;-)
$300 delivered from shockwarehouse.
I'm taking it to the Tail of the Dragon in June for a serious test run... ;-)
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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Well, the main difference would be that the suspension loads would continue to be carried by the strong central backbone of the car instead of having pogo sticks tweaking the frame out at the corners on shock mounts not designed to carry the main suspension loads of the car. Better shock damping too.
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
did you go with the "sports"? Also what difference did you notice, better control, handling etc.? Do you need to align after install and approximately how much is the install?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,285
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From: Denver PA
St. Jude Donor '07
I went with the Sports. Ride hasn't changed, but handling seems better. The rear seems to plant better without the tires spinning. I haven't gotten any wheel hop either, but then it hasn't been on the strip since they were installed. I had the front end aligned since I put new wheels and tires on it also. My original front tires wore on the inside. I am very satisfied with the Bilstien Sport shocks.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Liquordale Florida
Went with the sports also (over Z51). Rides a little stiffer, handling is improved. I had a leaky OEM (out of warranty) and decided to switch the whole thing over to Billies.
Personally, I'm waiting for the budget to allow for the Koni FSD's as my replacement for the Bilst's...
Rick
Personally, I'm waiting for the budget to allow for the Koni FSD's as my replacement for the Bilst's...
Rick
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
Likes: 10
From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Bilstiens are great for the money and just great at any price. You can also have them revalved. I am sure I have passed many many cars with big dollar shocks.
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
great feedback, sounds like the consensus is favorable for the bilsteins sports on the z51, my mod list just got longer 
is this a reasonable diy project, i've done brake pads before but never shocks?
is this a reasonable diy project, i've done brake pads before but never shocks?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,670
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From: merritt island fl
C1 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
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Do a search in the C-5 section. There was a good write-up there and the process is the same for a C-6.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
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From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
Lots of (good) choices out there.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 196
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From: Bethesda MD
Hop?
I have a Z-51 -- with mods am just starting to find a small bit of wheel hop. (Any is too much.) Anyone with a Z-51 with this mod...did the Bilstein Sports help or stop wheel hop???
Last edited by martinblank; May 12, 2007 at 07:58 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans