Bilstein shock question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 422
Likes: 129
Bilstein shock question
Anyone know the differences between the Bilstein B8 and B6 shocks for the C7? Im planning on upgrading my base Stingray with these or the stock Z51 shocks. My Stingray is stock height and with the base leaf springs. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 635
From: St. Louis
Stock Z51 non-mag ride shocks are perfect for the Base C7. I put them on my car and recommend them 100%!
I drive my car aggressively and use it for autocross. The Z51 shocks are just right - much stiffer than the original shocks but not so stiff as to be harsh and un-compliant.
I drive my car aggressively and use it for autocross. The Z51 shocks are just right - much stiffer than the original shocks but not so stiff as to be harsh and un-compliant.
Last edited by RacerRik; Sep 11, 2020 at 10:28 PM.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 542
Likes: 52
From: El Paso Texas
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 635
From: St. Louis
I have no experience with aftermarket B6 or B8 shocks. I do have experience with OEM base shocks and GM Z51 shocks on my base Stingray. Both OEM base and Z51 shocks are made by Bilstein to GM specifications. They both are stamped with Bilsteins name on them so that is not just an internet story. You can bet GM did plenty of development work to come up with shock specifications that are optimized for the C7 platform. I think you will be very happy with the Z51 shocks. I know I am!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
Bilstein B6 and B8 shocks are the same shock physically. The internal valving is the difference and the B8 are firmer and more performance oriented. The B6 or B8 will fit any C7.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 422
Likes: 129
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/bl...nd-bilstein-b8
Iceaxe - take a look at this Bilstein link. This is what makes me think the B8 shocks won't fit. I want the stiffness and performance of the B8 but am skeptical it will work after reading this. Remember, I have a base Stingray with the base leaf springs. Perhaps the B6 will be best. Thanks.
Iceaxe - take a look at this Bilstein link. This is what makes me think the B8 shocks won't fit. I want the stiffness and performance of the B8 but am skeptical it will work after reading this. Remember, I have a base Stingray with the base leaf springs. Perhaps the B6 will be best. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 635
From: St. Louis
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/bl...nd-bilstein-b8
Iceaxe - take a look at this Bilstein link. This is what makes me think the B8 shocks won't fit. I want the stiffness and performance of the B8 but am skeptical it will work after reading this. Remember, I have a base Stingray with the base leaf springs. Perhaps the B6 will be best. Thanks.
Iceaxe - take a look at this Bilstein link. This is what makes me think the B8 shocks won't fit. I want the stiffness and performance of the B8 but am skeptical it will work after reading this. Remember, I have a base Stingray with the base leaf springs. Perhaps the B6 will be best. Thanks.
I have to wonder about where the other guys giving you information get that info. Obviously some of it is wrong. Bilstein B6 and B8 shocks are certainly not physically the same. The link you provided proves that.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 542
Likes: 52
From: El Paso Texas
I suggest doing yourself a huge favor and just use the high performance Z51 shocks that GM spent a bunch of time developing for your car. You do know the spring rates on your Stingray are the same as the Z51 rate for the front spring and only around 7% softer for the rear spring right? If you add Z51 shocks plus the Z51 sway bars, you essentially have a Z51 suspension on your base Stingray.
I have to wonder about where the other guys giving you information get that info. Obviously some of it is wrong. Bilstein B6 and B8 shocks are certainly not physically the same. The link you provided proves that.
I have to wonder about where the other guys giving you information get that info. Obviously some of it is wrong. Bilstein B6 and B8 shocks are certainly not physically the same. The link you provided proves that.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 542
Likes: 52
From: El Paso Texas
Bilstein does make the c7 shocks to gm specs but the base shocks feel like you're on a boat and without the reat sway tons of understeer the z51 shocks do handle good but stiffer the ride a-lot the b6 or b8 are better valved gm went to both ends of the spectrum Super soft
super hard the happy medium are the mag shocks and to make another point most racers remove the magshocks and use Bilstein or penske coilovers
super hard the happy medium are the mag shocks and to make another point most racers remove the magshocks and use Bilstein or penske coilovers
Pro
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 542
Likes: 52
From: El Paso Texas
Bilstein does make the c7 shocks to gm specs but the base shocks feel like you're on a boat and without the reat sway tons of understeer the z51 shocks do handle good but stiffer the ride a-lot the b6 or b8 are better valved gm went to both ends of the spectrum Super soft
super hard the happy medium are the mag shocks and to make another point most racers remove the magshocks and use Bilstein or penske coilovers
super hard the happy medium are the mag shocks and to make another point most racers remove the magshocks and use Bilstein or penske coilovers
