Stingray shock upgrade question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 422
Likes: 129
Stingray shock upgrade question
I am upgrading the shocks on my base 2019 C7 Stingray and have a few questions. I currently have the base FE1 soft ride shocks without mag ride and will upgrade to stiffer Z51 shocks. The GM part numbers for the FE3 Z51 shocks are 84513885 front and 84513884 rear. They are fairly inexpensive and only about $80 each. I also have the option to purchase the Bilstein B6 shocks instead of the shocks direct from GM. The B6 is a heavy duty shock and the Bilstein B8 is a sport shock. The Bilstein are about $120 each. My question is that I was under the assumption the OEM Z51 shocks used on our Vettes are made by Bilstein. Is this true? Are the GM shocks listed for the Z51 without mag ride the same as the Bilstein B6 or B8? Anyone know the differences between the B6 and B8? My car is stock height and not lowered on its bolts. Any feedback is much appreciated. Oh one more thing, any ideas on where to have this work done other than the dealer. I don't have a lift. Thanks! Mike.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 780
Likes: 94
From: Pittsburgh PA
I wish I could answer you. I asked similar shock questions for years on this forum as well as many Google searches and found little, especially for C7, unless wanting track coil over conversion. I wanted a controlled but supple ride on rough roads so I didn’t want Z51 shocks. Couldn’t afford Penske and couldn’t get real info on others including Koni, or the difference between the Bilsteins. Ultimately I went with Afe Johnny O’Connells. Not hugely better but noticeable for sure in both control and supple response. Of course I can’t say how they would compre to the other options.
Last edited by Roadrogue; Sep 9, 2020 at 06:01 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 673
Likes: 325
From: Orlando, Florida
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
Apparently the B8s are a lot firmer.
B8s are also for lowered. B6 for regular ride height
i have a set of B8s from CCA (forum vendor) right beside me ready to go on next week!
B8s are also for lowered. B6 for regular ride height
i have a set of B8s from CCA (forum vendor) right beside me ready to go on next week!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 387
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
Does this help......B6 is more of a standard (OEM) road shock and the B8 would be closer to a OEM Z06.
Bilstein B6 4600 The original monotube shock, first installed on Mercedes-Benz cars over 50 years ago and still trusted by automakers all over the world to provide the perfect blend of performance and comfort.
Bilstein B8 Sport High pressure monotube shocks with high performance valving. Tuned on the Nurburgring, these are ideal for aggressive drivers, lowered vehicles, race cars, or anyone who doesn't want to compromise performance.
Bilstein B6 4600 The original monotube shock, first installed on Mercedes-Benz cars over 50 years ago and still trusted by automakers all over the world to provide the perfect blend of performance and comfort.Bilstein B8 Sport High pressure monotube shocks with high performance valving. Tuned on the Nurburgring, these are ideal for aggressive drivers, lowered vehicles, race cars, or anyone who doesn't want to compromise performance.
