Bilstein shocks

[abbezr1]

With winter getting closer in the north, I was just thinking of a winter project I might try. I was thinking of sending my shocks back to bilstein and having them rebuilt. These are my originals on my 90 and my car has 43k. Has anyone done this with their cars? Is it as simple as doing the shocks on any other car and if so was the performance of the rebuilt shock as good as new? Thanks for any input.

 

[91VETTEZR1]

i would suggest buying new shocks, for $65 more you can buy brand new with fulkl warranty. eshock.com has them for $170 each shipped

 

[abbezr1]

Thanks for the reply, have you ever changed your shocks yourself on your Z? I have changed shocks on some old classics but not on any true sports cars. I talked to a couple guys and said they are a pain on vettes. Thanks again for the reply.

 

[91VETTEZR1]

Thanks for the reply, have you ever changed your shocks yourself on your Z? I have changed shocks on some old classics but not on any true sports cars. I talked to a couple guys and said they are a pain on vettes. Thanks again for the reply.

hi
front and back are fairly easy to replace.

 

[abbezr1]

hi
front and back are fairly easy to replace.

Thanks, when I get back from hunting I will starting looking for shocks and get started.

 

[Hib Halverson]

First, don't be too hasty to reject rebuilding your SRC shocks. The one thing that can be done in a rebuild which cannot be done with new shocks is changing the valving. The ZR-1s SRC shocks actually work better if they are revalved using Bilstein's Moraca valving which bumps up the rebound valving. That mitigates the car's tendency towards trail throttle oversteer.

Second, front shocks on C4s are easy to change. The rears are a little more difficult to remove/replace but the real problem comes when you have to remove the upper shock mount which must be done before a rebuild and may be necessary if new shocks do not come with the mounts. Changing those mounts is quite difficult because of the need to compress the isolators during assembly. I finally had to make a fixture and use a hydraulic press to install the mounts.

Third, for more information on SRC shocks see an article here on the CAC at:C4 Corvette's Selective Ride Control - Six Steps for a King's Ride

 

[abbezr1]

Thanks Hib, I think after reading some info on the rebuilds it sounds the way to go. The fronts did look easy but the back shocks installation did concern me a little. I will read up on it some more. This project is my Christmas gift to myself so I wanted to do the labor myself. Thanks for your input!

 

[Hib Halverson]

Thanks Hib, I think after reading some info on the rebuilds it sounds the way to go. The fronts did look easy but the back shocks installation did concern me a little. I will read up on it some more. This project is my Christmas gift to myself so I wanted to do the labor myself. Thanks for your input!

You're welcome. Glad to be of service.

In re: upper rear shock mounts, you might call Bilstein in San Diego and ask them if, during the rebuild process, they can remove and replace the mounts for you.

 

[Scrrem]

First, don't be too hasty to reject rebuilding your SRC shocks. The one thing that can be done in a rebuild which cannot be done with new shocks is changing the valving. The ZR-1s SRC shocks actually work better if they are revalved using Bilstein's Moraca valving which bumps up the rebound valving. That mitigates the car's tendency towards trail throttle oversteer.

Second, front shocks on C4s are easy to change. The rears are a little more difficult to remove/replace but the real problem comes when you have to remove the upper shock mount which must be done before a rebuild and may be necessary if new shocks do not come with the mounts. Changing those mounts is quite difficult because of the need to compress the isolators during assembly. I finally had to make a fixture and use a hydraulic press to install the mounts.

Third, for more information on SRC shocks see an article here on the CAC at:C4 Corvette's Selective Ride Control - Six Steps for a King's Ride

Hib,
The shocks on my 90 ZR-1 are pretty ratty, do they refinish the exterior as well? Just curious.
Rich

 

[Hib Halverson]

Hib,
The shocks on my 90 ZR-1 are pretty ratty, do they refinish the exterior as well? Just curious.
Rich

They clean them up during the rebuild process--obviously--but as far as repainting and relabeling, I'm not sure. You'd have to check with Bilstein on that.