Best C6 Shocks for Your Corvette: Expert Reviews | Cost | Value | Comparisons | Pros and Cons

Best C6 Shocks for Corvette

Best C6 Shocks

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Best C6 Shocks for Your Corvette | By Chris Trautman | Corvette-Web-Central.com

Have you been searching for the Best C6 Shocks for your Corvette but aren't sure where to start?

The C6 Corvette came stock with several different suspension options throughout its production from 2005-13.  In fact, the production options RPO codes were FE1, FE3, and F55 all listed in performance order. 

First, a quick lesson on picking the right parts:

• FE1 is the basic old school normal non-performance shock for the entry level Corvette C6.  Suspension System Soft Ride
• FE2 Suspension System Ride, Handling
• The FE3 could be found on the Z51, Grand Sports, Z06 and ZR-1 Corvettes.  Suspension System Sport
• FE4 Suspension System Special Ride
• FE5 Suspension System Ride, Handling, Performance
• The F55 shocks where part of GM's adjustable ride technology.   Note: The F55 shocks can be prone to leaking and are very expensive to replace.  You can upgrade these and actually have a lower cost to replace all 4 shocks.
• F92 Chassis Continuously Variable Real Time Damping Magneto Rheological, "Specific Tuning" for the F55 shocks.

Confused yet?  We bet you are!  Let's simplify it a bit, FE3 was the top level non-MAG ride shocks.  FE1 is for base corvettes.  Everything else is a combination of a MAG-ride shock.

How can you tell what shocks you have? If you have a suspension ride control switch on your center console you have a MAG-ride shock.  

Better known as MAG ride (or a magnetorheological damper) which puts a computer controlled magnet inside the shock which adjusts the shock valve dampening through iron filings in the shock fluid. 

This fluid binds together with the application of an electrical current from the ride computer. This reaction restricts the shock fluid through the fixed orifice magnet allowing proper oil flow for the desired shock rate.

(Wow that was a lot of geekery!)  So long story short, they cost a lot of money and are getting harder to find as the C6 continues to age and their shocks wear out. 

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Let's Compare The Top 3 Best C6 Shocks!

Compare	C6 OEM Shock (FE3) F+R Set	C6 Koni Shock	PFADT Coilover C6 Corvette
Price Approx	$420 USD Set of 4 View Now	Front $241-276 USD (Each) Rear $323-370 USD (Each) View Now-Front View Now-Rear	$2900-3100 USD Set of 4 View Now
Reviews		* Currently Unrated
Pros	Best Performance OEM Brand for the cost Fits all years 05-13 (will need shock simulator if you have F55 Shocks OEM Quality OEM 1 Year Warranty Best overall ride for daily driving	Re-buildable Reasonable ride quality for performance based shock Lifetime Warranty	Adjustable ride height, true coil over conversion removes leaf springs, 24 distinct settings both front and rear Eliminates cross talk from OEM leaf spring setup
Cons	Not adjustable Not for hard core racing but not bad Will need Shock simulators for F55 Shocks	More Expensive for full set Harsher ride for everyday driving	Most expensive More work to remove stock leaf springs
Cool Features	Drop in install Cost around $100 each (approximately)	Re-buildable More adjust ability than other shocks	Customize for different driving and track needs
Bottom Line	Most C6 Corvette owners agree these are the best daily driver shocks to replace any worn existing shock. Compliant ride with a performance spirit. Lowest cost to replace	Performance shock for the twisties, maybe not the best for an everyday driver.  Buy this shock if you are looking for max performance for a leaf sprung corvette without coil-over shocks	Cost can be a factor if you are on a budget, but if you are looking to transform your Corvette ride & handling this is the setup to have

* Not rated in our system.  This is a shock brand we have not tested nor had any direct experience.  The opinions we offer are through several data collection points across our network of verified purchase product owners.  

What About the Expensive F55 Shocks?

What do you do if you have the F55 Shock option and don't want to replace it with the same OEM shock?  We have a solution for you!

The F55 Simulators for the C6 Corvette shocks eliminate the need to reinstall the OEM shocks.

These simulators fool the car ride system and allow your corvette to function without Malfunction Indicator Lights and reach speeds above 80 mph.

You can now pick any shock setup on this page for your Best C6 Shock setup!

Upgraded Suspension Items for The Best C6 Shock Setup 

aFe Power 440-401002-A PFADT Series Heavy Duty Street End Link Set

What are the signs my end end links are failing?

You will notice noises during turning, twisting or over bumps.  Typically performance can be lost after 50k miles.    

Sway Bar End Links on all C5, C6 and C7 Corvettes vary in different forms of cheap plastic pieces to mildly more durable metal designs that break down quickly and degrade handling and performance dramatically. 

• If you are changing your shocks, we also highly recommend replacing your sway bar end links.

The sway bar end links are not required for your shock change but they are nice to do at the same time!

The aFe Power 440-401002-A PFADT Series Heavy Duty Street End Link Set are built to last much longer than the OEM units. 

They are built with these unique high quality features not found in other brands.  

• Heavy Duty, 1/2" Rod End Links, PTFE lined for quiet operation
• CNC Machined Aluminum Articulation Spacers, Grade 8 Hardware

The minor cost difference between these and the stock units is well worth the investment for the Best C6 Shocks!

Best C6 Shock

Maintenance tips:

Leaving your car to sit can be just as bad as driving when it comes to shocks.  It sounds like a no win, but it's important to keep the shocks exercised occasionally to keep the rod of the shock wiped clean of contaminates that cause corrosion. 

Failing to do so can cause corrosion on the chrome rod. The shock will eventually leak as the rust bubble located on the rod slides up and down inside the shock tube, destroying the internal seals. 

On the flip side, driving your car also can wear out the shocks. 

So, what's the answer?  We say drive it, don't save it for the next guy!        

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Best C6 Shocks