I replaced the shocks on my Z51 with the above at ~27K miles. My primary reason for doing so was the lack (or loss possibly) of rebound damping (primarily low-speed).

The Bilsteins are a good choice for those who want more control. They were a pain to install, but otherwise have delivered just what I was looking for. The car no longer floats/wallows over undulations, and body motions are much more controlled, without a significant impact to ride quality. My only request to Bilstein would be to reduce the high-speed compression, which I feel is a bit firmer than need be.

Overall a very good mod for those not needing/wanting a full coil-over upgrade, yet 1/2 the cost of the Koni FSD's.

 

thanks for the input, just ordered mine

 

Oh, one other thing; don't waste your time calling Bilstein if you need installation support - they were all but useless.

 

My trick was to compress to old ones, and the Bilsteins with Ratchet straps. No suspension dissasembly required. Still a PITA, but a little easier....

 

I have been thinking about installing Bilstein rear shocks to reduce my wheel hop issues at the track. Did you just replace them for a better ride, or are you hoping it will reduce your wheel hop?

 

I don't drag my C6, so I did it primarily for handling.

 

Does Bilstein make different shocks for the Z51 or just one model? Also, where did you get them and how much did you spend?

 

I thought that the HD's were the upgrade for the stock shocks and the sport were the rock crusher ones

 

Bilstein makes 2 models for the C6 - Sport & HD. Sport has firmer damping settings.

 

I am curious too. I have the Z51 and looking to help with the wheelhop, and improve handling. Who has the best price on these?

 

Are they both stiffer then Z51 stock? I don't want them too stiff.

 

OK, now that it seems I am even more lost now about the shock issue than ever before, does any one know the differences between the two shocks that Bilstein makes? Of corse I don't want to sacrifice ride quality, but I sure as heck don't want to destroy mt differential from wheel hop.

 

Very simple - HD have softer damping settings than the Sports. The genersal recommendation is that for Z51 cars, the Sports are the preferred choice.

 

Guys, it is impossible to describe until you have a set, but these shocks are like no other. They are more firm than stock, but they are also a lot LESS harsh. The jiggly thudding and stumbling over pavement of the Z51 shocks is gone. Instead, you get supple, well damped movements and far better wheel control. It is the only shock that feels like this other than other megabuck monotube shocks. Get the Sports.

 

Love mine, virtually eliminated wheelhop, but experience helps eliminate the rest of the hop.Learning how to use your clutch for hop free launches. I have a z51 mn6. New best short time on runflats 1.88, no hop. Bilstien sports. E shocks has them for cheap:

http://www.eshocks.com/bilstein.asp?...FSasGgodp1dqSg

 

I checked the Bilstein website. Here is what they have to say about the two shocks:

GETTING THE RIDE THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Bilstein mono-tube gas pressure shock absorbers are available in a wide variety of sizes and stiffness settings, depending
upon the vehicle type and use. All Bilstein shocks absorbers instantaneously self-adjust to changing road surfaces; in addition,
their performance does not gradually decline from age, use or heat, requiring no compensating manual adjustments as
with conventional multi-tube shocks. Shock stiffness settings are divided into five usage categories shown below.
SPORT (S)
For the performance-minded driver, Bilstein “Sport” shocks deliver absolute mastery of the road surface.
Designed to push a car’s suspension to it’s performance peak, these shocks are well suited for use with special springs, antisway
bars or other suspension upgrades.
HEAVY DUTY (HD)
For most vehicles including full-size sedans, SUVs and trucks. These shocks provide improved handling and stability without
sacrificing ride comfort. They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for heavy hauling for occasional off-road use,
while maintaining an exceptional “street” ride.

 

I drag race and my Bilsteins cured about 80% of my wheel hop on the stock tires. Last night, in relatively cold weather and new drag radials, no wheel hop at all.

 

why did you have to compress the shocks, if the suspension is fully down, why don't they just drop in and out

 

I did mine last week. It took me a lot of sweat and tears too finally conjure up the idea of using the strap too!!! My neck still hurts!!!
The answer to your question is....you have to use the strap in order to compress them enough to fit them into place around and through other suspension parts. Ionly wish I had read this thread(if it existed) before I started...

 

Guys, there is absolutely no need for straps, zip ties, etc... to compress the shocks. I'm a weak little fella and was able to remove the shocks by hand. For the rears, once you unbolt the upper shock bolts and then the lower shock bolt, just grab hold of the shock body below the dust cover and push up. You can compress the shock enough so that the bottom leg of the shock clears the lower control arm. Then rotate and remove. For the front, once you remove all the bolts, push down on the shock (using the bushing or dust cover as leverage) until the shock rod is clear of the frame. Then rotate and remove. Easy.