WHT Z06 Modifications: Shocks

In December of 2005 Car & Driver magazine tested a pre-production C6 Z06 at Grattan Raceway Park in Belding, Michigan. They complained the car was too stiff for such a rough track saying, "If the Z06 encountered any kind of bump or lump in the pavement as it was exiting a corner, the result was a nearly instantaneous outward snap of the tail."

In the summer of 2006, Corvette engineers took some cars to Grattan to investigate Car & Drivers complaint. Ultimately they agreed and came up with a re-valved shock that was supposed be used for 2007 Z06 production but supplier issues delayed their deployment until late in March of 2007. Car & Driver included the Z06 in another test that same month and found its handling much more predictable.

My Z06 (built in mid-March) missed getting the revised rear shocks parts by only a week or two. When I first got it, I was truly impressed with how stiff the suspension was. It was stiffer than my SS Camaro which has had a number of suspension upgrades including Koni Sport dual adjustable struts and shocks. Over time I decided that it might be a bit stiffer than I'd prefer so when part numbers for the revised Z06 shocks surfaced, I installed a pair.

Old vs. New

Installation notes

• The factory service manual says to disconnect the outer tie rod from the suspension. Instead, I put a bottle jack under the lower control arm and compressed the shock a few inches and then attached some heavy duty zip ties. I removed the upper bolts and let the suspension down and removal was simple. It was not difficult to compress and zip tie the new shocks prior to installation.

• There's nice install page called The McRat Method to C5 Shock Replacement. The car is a 2002 C5 Z06 but the procedure is similar.

• Part numbers:

  Summary

  It's easy to tell the new shocks are slightly softer but they're still pretty stiff!

  ---

  Description	GM	Delco
  Original	10318361	540-203
  Revised	25819268

  Copyright © 2007
  Craig Leres