Bilstein Shocks Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 422
Likes: 129
Bilstein Shocks Question
Has anyone added the Bilstein B8 shocks to their Stingray and kept the factory OEM ride height? I want to go with the stiffer B8 shocks but do not want to lower the car. I suppose I could lower the car slightly like 1/4" or 1/2" only, but don't know if the B8's need more lowering. If I keep the factory ride height, does anyone know if the B6 shocks are comparable in stiffness to the B8? I'm tired of the base FE1 suspension on my Stingray. Perhaps I should just go with the OEM Z51 shocks. Just can't decide! Ugh! Thanks for any input.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
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If you can find an equivalency chart, then a specs chart, that would be where I'd start to find a set.
I will say this; Bilsteins were a lot less ordering through AutoZone, rather than the Mercedes-Benz dealer. They were also lifetime warranty through AutoZone too. I got a free replacement set after 150,000 miles when (1) started to leak. You cannot beat that.
One more thing.......Bilstein offers Comfort and Heavy Duty in each offering. You'll want the Heavy Duty ones.
I will say this; Bilsteins were a lot less ordering through AutoZone, rather than the Mercedes-Benz dealer. They were also lifetime warranty through AutoZone too. I got a free replacement set after 150,000 miles when (1) started to leak. You cannot beat that.
One more thing.......Bilstein offers Comfort and Heavy Duty in each offering. You'll want the Heavy Duty ones.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
In theory, shocks don't effect the ride height, they only effect how rapidly the springs compress/extend.
But it's not always that simple.
When I replaced the super stiff factory shocks on our 2009 Z51, with base model shocks; the car got slightly lower. That's because the Z51 shocks had a gas preload that the base shocks didn't, and that gas preload had the side effect of pushing the car upward slightly.
I'm not sure how the two types of shocks you are comparing, will differ in that respect.
But it's not always that simple.
When I replaced the super stiff factory shocks on our 2009 Z51, with base model shocks; the car got slightly lower. That's because the Z51 shocks had a gas preload that the base shocks didn't, and that gas preload had the side effect of pushing the car upward slightly.
I'm not sure how the two types of shocks you are comparing, will differ in that respect.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,110
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From: North Western Wyoming
I called Bilstein. They said stock height use the B6’s and if you lower it at all use the B8’s. They are both 46mm front and rear vs the non Z51 Stingray’s 35mm. According to the 2017 brochure the Z51 has 45mm front and 46 mm rear shocks. Z51 shocks , B6, B8 either way, It will ride stiffer than with those spindly, little 35mm shocks, you’ll be happy! Put sway bars on it too huge difference.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 422
Likes: 129
Thanks all for your input. I have several options and need to decide on one. The performance shop said they will lower the car for me if I go with the B8 shocks, however I don't want to lower it all that much. Other option is the OEM Z51 shocks from Cultrag or the B6. I already have added the OEM sway bars and it's still way to floaty and spongy. I think I will just flip a coin. LOL
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Bonneville Salt Flats
It seems to me it is simplest to not "reinvent the wheel." Though I have used Bilsteins on many cars over the years, I find it hard to not simply go with the Z51 shocks and be done with it. All the best in any event. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 582
From: North Western Wyoming
Thanks all for your input. I have several options and need to decide on one. The performance shop said they will lower the car for me if I go with the B8 shocks, however I don't want to lower it all that much. Other option is the OEM Z51 shocks from Cultrag or the B6. I already have added the OEM sway bars and it's still way to floaty and spongy. I think I will just flip a coin. LOL
