bick333

I plan to replace my original 2005 - Z51 shocks after 72k miles.
Is a Vert and seems to sit lower than stock. two options: Bilstein Sports and HD.
Vendor recommends the HD for cars not "lowered" and Sports for "lowered" cars. Most posts on forum seem to favor the Sports.
Sounds like the Sports will give firmer ride like the Z51 original shocks.

Anyone have specific results between the two? Spirited driver on crooked roads on weekends. Long trips occasionally. minimum track times.
Thanks,
Bick

torquetube

The gas charge is pretty light and won't have a big effect on ride height. Set ride height wherever you want it with the adjuster bolts at the end of the springs.

I haven't done the back-to-back HD-versus-Sports test you're looking for but I can tell you that the Bilstein Sports are not especially harsh. There are stock sports cars with a lot stiffer ride than a C6 Z51 with Bilstein Sports.

bick333

Reading some old posts, still split on which is best. Old posts mention problems with the mounting parts that come with the Bilsteins. ( 2010) . Do you know if that has been fixed by Bilstein? Some recommend using OE bushings, bumpstop, etc.
Thanks,
Bick

JerriVette

I went with the higher performance bilsteins from tire rack for my c6 z51 around 50k miles. I now have 115k miles since I bought this 2008 since new.

I never noticed a difference with the bilsteins.

Car rides good as it always has. I had my GM dealer install the bilsteins for their labor rate.

I'd probably do the same next time around if I still have this car.

I do recommend changing the spark plugs and wires with OEM parts before the 100k miles. I do that every 50k miles. I found one or two of the plugs missing the tip when the dealer pulled the plugs.

I think the 100k mile between plug and wire change is too long.

Good luck...and this c6 at 115k miles since new is the most reliable car I've owned in 40 years....even better than my two previous newly purchased c5 s.

Great car...

torquetube

I installed a set in 2008 and another set last week. The hardware appears unchanged. I haven't encountered problems with it, although the additional thickness of the rear lower mounting brackets will require the full length of the stock 100mm bolts without a thread to spare.

The EPDM bushes on top find their own slightly cockeyed positions after tightening down the nuts, but even after nine years and 100K miles they were still tight and un-torn.

They feel very similar to the stock Z51 shocks.

4SUMERZ

I'm in the market to replace the shocks from my Z51 suspension and I'm on the fence between the HD and Sports. I don't do motocross, or even push the car to the limits on any roadway, and do many road trips.
Will the sport shocks be just like the Z51 shocks, or stiffer. Has anyone gone HD on the Z51 suspension and lling to give their honest review on the difference if any as far as ride, handling, etc?

Thanks

Dano523

if you are trying to correct the problem with rear wheel skipping when pushed hard out of a corner with light chop, then the Koni FSD will solve this problem, ending up with the same ride as when the z51 shock were fresh.

If its not the chop problem from above, and want to get the car to maintian its level'ness better in hard corning, then then DRMs instead.

As for the sports with there stiffer dampening over the HD shocks, about the same as the z51 shock, and the HD's are a move towards the base shocks with softer ride instead

Purple92

I ended going with the Doug Rippie (DRM) valved Bilsteins. They definitely stiffened up the ride. Is it objectionably stiff - I guess that depends on your perspective. If you primarily use the car to take your wife to dinner at the country club - you probably aren't going to be happy with these shocks - but if you bought a Z-51 / GS car because you want a car that handles and you're willing to accept compromises in ride quality for better handling - these are probably going to be just fine. If however - your last name is Magnussen, and you just happen to be paid to drive a C7R - then you will probably find the DRM shocks to be somewhat better than the factory shocks, but still quite underdamped for doing the "Keyhole" at Road Atlanta....

BTW - If you do go with the DRM valved Bilsteins - spend the few extra $$$ and get the urethane bushings - if I remember correctly it's like $25 extra - and BTW - budget at least an hour a corner to install the shocks no matter what you go with.

Neumonic2002

I would recommend the sports to the OP, they plant the car better especially over unsettled pavement and would be just a tad more firm than the factory Z51 shock. They worked perfect on my car and are still going strong all these years later.

bick333

Which did you install? HD or sports?

timd38

Doug Rippie has specially tunes Bilsteins if you want something a little more specific.

http://dougrippie.com/products/c6-co...hocks-for-c6z/

Dane@LGmotorsports

I can do a custom bilstein/hyperco set of coilover's for you. Just give me a call 972-429-1963 or email dane@lgmotorsports.com

torquetube

Sports.