Where to Buy New Bilstein Shocks, FX3?

[efnfast]

I find a couple of my shocks are leaking.
I'm going to stick with the Bilstiens.
From what I see, Bilstien will rebuild them, but isn't thrilled about it.
What is a good source to buy them?
TIA. - Steve

[efnfast]

Charlie, that part number does not seem to be an adjustable shock. They don't show shocks for our cars.

[RussMcB]

I bought my new shocks from AJ USA a year ago (www.ajusa.com (800) 877-1911 in San Diego, CA) that time they were shown on the web site. Maybe you could call them. They had the best price.

Another option is www.deltavee.net

I spent a few minutes on the phone with them and got a very good feeling that they're knowledgeable and experienced with FX3 shocks. They might be able to rebuild your current shocks.

[efnfast]

Just ordered them from AJ. Copied the number from the Bilstien site. The AJ site had them, but couldn't confirm they would fit the car. I could have been patient and called them........

[Hib Halverson]

If you are looking for replacement Selective Ride Control (SRC) shocks, remember, there are two types of those shocks, early (89-91) and late (92-95). They do not interchange. If you install the incorrect type, the system will malfunction and set codes.

For more info see:http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/fx3/index.html

My last information was that Bilstein USA has stopped rebuilding SRC shocks due to lack of some parts, but I'd call them to confirm that.

[Hib Halverson]

I don't know what the proper Bilstein PNs are. All I know is there is one shock for 89-91 and another for 92-95. I have a bunch of extra shocks and I'd have to go get them out of storage and look on the shock bodies for the PNs. Can't do that right now.

From the shock's perspective, the differeces are 1) the bypass valve travel is different 2) the late shocks have a secondary valve stack in the bypass circuit which improves damping in the lower steps and 3) damping which is more aggressive overall because of lower spring rates for MY92-up

Someone might ask: can you update an early system to the late shocks and the answer is likely yes but....you also need the late controller, or the Bilstein motorsports controller loaded with the late OE cal.

I'm going to guess that, with Bilstein likely no longer rebulding them, and the supply of new shocks getting close to exhaustion, used, good-condition SRC shocks are going to become like "gold" in the ZR-1 communiry. It's a good thing that the shocks themselves were interchangeable between all C4s within the early and late series. That is, you find a set of useable SRC shocks on a 93 convertible in a junkyard, they'll work on a 93 ZR-1 just fine.

Lastly, if, in fact, Bilstein is no longer rebuilding them that, also, may mean that the famed "Moraca" valving Bilstein used to offer is gone forever. :thumbsdo:That made such a differance on ZR-1s becuase it greatly reduced the drop-throttle oversteer issue when the system is in "Tour".

[Hib Halverson]

I think the FX3 Part Numbers for 1995 ZR-1 are:

Front........22124885
Rear.........22124886

Those are the GM numbers which may or may not be what's on the shocks. The PNs I was talking about are the Bilstein numbers.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

A few weeks ago when I was deciding to keep or sell all of the old FX3 shocks I had laying around, the tech at Bilstein was patient and kind enough to allow me to read off all the part numbers from the different shocks. They stated they only rebuild Bilstein aftermarket shocks and not any of the shocks that came as OEM on the cars or sold by GM and their part numbers.

[efnfast]

So now that I've jumped the gun and possibly ordered the wrong shocks, how much oil on the tube is normal? Thanks for all the responses.

[RussMcB]

A long shot but maybe worth pursuing: Find someone with a shock dyno and have them test your shocks. That will tell you for sure if your shocks are okay or need work.

I'd bet Delta Vee.com has a shock dyno.

http://deltavee.net/shop/services/bilstein-shock-rebuild-service-2/

[vilant]

I bought my replacement shocks from shock warehouse. Here's a link for the 1990 shocks
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=224139&selected_year=1990
I sent all 4 of my original shocks to Bilstein a few years ago. Tried to get a group rebuild. They were only able to rebuild the front shocks as the parts they needed for the rear are NLA and won't be reproduced. If your shocks only need minor repair they may be able to help, but really don't think they have any rebuild parts for the original shocks left.

[Hib Halverson]

A long shot but maybe worth pursuing: Find someone with a shock dyno and have them test your shocks. That will tell you for sure if your shocks are okay or need work.

I'd bet Delta Vee.com has a shock dyno.

http://deltavee.net/shop/services/bilstein-shock-rebuild-service-2/


Shock dyno...good idea but only if you have data which tells you how the shocks should perform. Besides Bilstein, where would one get shock dyno data?

[Hib Halverson]

So now that I've jumped the gun and possibly ordered the wrong shocks, how much oil on the tube is normal? Thanks for all the responses.

If the "oil" on the tube looks more like a thin coating of "moisture" then, you're ok.

If you see liquid oil or, worse, oil dripping, your shocks are FUBAR.

[RussMcB]

Shock dyno...good idea but only if you have data which tells you how the shocks should perform. Besides Bilstein, where would one get shock dyno data?I agree, but only if you have a strong desire to have good, known valving, and have the driving skills and need for it.

I think Delta Vee, DRM or any other Corvette racing businesses with shock experience should be able to tell if a shock is good or not (if that's the main goal).

One time I had a box full of unknown condition racing shocks. A friend and I put them on his shock dyno. I was able to find the best pairs (and by that I mean they matched and had smooth, normal curves - they may not have had optimum valving). It was pretty easy to tell the shocks that were not up to snuff, in need of service. That's kinda what I was thinking about when I mentioned the shock dyno thought.

[rexrcr]

Delta Vee Motorsports offers the Moraca revalve modification, I have the original Corvette/Bilstein valving information.

Also, new FX3 shocks are available (cataloged as a B6):

1990-1991 Front, Bilstein # 20-070007
1990-1991 Rear, Bilstein # 20-070014

1992-1995 Front, Bilstein # 20-070274
1992-1995 Rear, Bilstein 20-070281

Email rob@deltavee.net or text 888-407-5122 (we receive so many spam phone calls we no longer answer voice calls).

Rob

[XfireZ51]

Hi, after a search for a client I stumbled upon this old thread.

Delta Vee Motorsports does offer the Moraca revalve modification, I have the original Corvette/ Bilstein valving information.

Also, new shocks are available at times from Bilstein (cataloged as a B6).
Part Number: 20-070007 is a front, early design
Part Number: 20-070014 is the rear, early design
Part Number:20-070274 is front, late design ('92-'95)
Part Number:20-070281 is rear, late design

Email rob@deltavee.net or sms/ text 888.407.5122 (we receive so many spam phone calls we no longer answer voice calls).

Rob

This post should go into the stickies.