sslateron

Do aftermarket shocks really make a difference in handling? Or is handling maxed out and "tuned" from the factory?

Arctic2002ss

Yes, it is a noticeable difference. My Bilstein HDs are both firmer and ride better than stock. Even an instructor at an HPDE that is familiar with f-bodies said that my car feels better than stock and the only other thing I have done is SFCs.

wXh151

*awaits Mr. Wizard's response*

BMR Tech2

iTrader: (5)

Hello, yes they make a huge difference along with springs and sway bars. Its all in the combination.

sslateron

Even on a Corvette Z06?

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

Yes, however you might have said this first, as many of the people here are "F-bodders".

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Mr. Wizard here... I guess I get that nickname because I know what I'm talking about....

For the entertainment value to wXh151, here goes:

What year Z06? FWIW, I have dynoed a lot of C5 shocks for our autox use and Bilstein HD's are actually pretty close to GM damping, and for certain year cars pretty much identical.

So while some think it's funny that I do my homework, others hopefully find my research and time worthwhile so I don't recommend improper parts, or parts that might not help much. That after all, was the question.

Handling is not "maxed out" from the factory, but a Z06 is closer than a base 'Vette with a Z51 in the middle. The fact that the stock shocks and HD's are similar doesn't mean you can't improve the dampers, it just means that HD's aren't the answer. If you think Bilstein's are the ultimate just because of the name, that'd be your mistake.