1992 Base Bilstein vs Bilstein Z51
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
1992 Base Bilstein vs Bilstein Z51
Can anyone tell me if I can use the Bilstein Z51 shocks on my 1992 w/o having a Z51 equipped package? Car does not have the optional ride selective option. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,218
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
I have a 96 LT4 with the Bilstein Z51 shocks that came with the Z51 package. Don't think there is a whole lot different about the suspension except for maybe sway bars and front brakes, maybe stiffer springs. They are fully mechanical shocks, no electronics involved. I don't see any reason you couldn't install them on your car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
Short answer... Yes you can use them.
Longer answer...
I found some info on the Bilstein HD (non Z51) and SP (Z51) for comparison.
I searched for my '95 Corvette and found length and damping values by part number for these shocks.
**The only length difference between the HD or SP is the compressed length of the front shocks. The Z51 has more travel and can go slightly lower.
**The damping rates are quite different. The Z51 rates are about twice as firm in both jounce and rebound.
For me the choice is easy. I will go with the Z51 shocks on my '95. I liked them on my '94 and was investigating it to see the differences. I like a firmer ride.
HD (B6) Front (non Z51) 24-020534
Length Min/Max 10.18" / 13.56"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 106 Nm/ 76 Nm
SP (B8) Front (Z51) 24-184861
Length Min/Max 9.43" / 13.56"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 228 Nm/ 261 Nm
HD (B6) Rear (non Z51) 24-020541
Length Min/Max 9.61" / 14.69"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 134 Nm/ 114 Nm
SP (B8) Rear (Z51) 24-184878
Length Min/Max 9.61" / 14.69"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 222 Nm/ 222 Nm
Longer answer...
I found some info on the Bilstein HD (non Z51) and SP (Z51) for comparison.
I searched for my '95 Corvette and found length and damping values by part number for these shocks.
**The only length difference between the HD or SP is the compressed length of the front shocks. The Z51 has more travel and can go slightly lower.
**The damping rates are quite different. The Z51 rates are about twice as firm in both jounce and rebound.
For me the choice is easy. I will go with the Z51 shocks on my '95. I liked them on my '94 and was investigating it to see the differences. I like a firmer ride.
HD (B6) Front (non Z51) 24-020534
Length Min/Max 10.18" / 13.56"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 106 Nm/ 76 Nm
SP (B8) Front (Z51) 24-184861
Length Min/Max 9.43" / 13.56"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 228 Nm/ 261 Nm
HD (B6) Rear (non Z51) 24-020541
Length Min/Max 9.61" / 14.69"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 134 Nm/ 114 Nm
SP (B8) Rear (Z51) 24-184878
Length Min/Max 9.61" / 14.69"
Damping Jounce/Rebound 222 Nm/ 222 Nm
