Best C7 Shocks for Your Corvette | Expert Reviews |  Best Cost to Value | Value Comparisons | Pros & Cons

Best C7 Shocks

Best C7 Shocks for Your Corvette | By Chris Trautman | Corvette-Web-Central.com

Have you been searching for the Best C7 Shocks for your Corvette but aren't sure where to start?

The C7 Corvette came stock with several different suspension options throughout its production from 2014-19.  In fact, the production options RPO codes are listed below in performance order.

First, a quick lesson on picking the right parts:

• FE1 Suspension, 4-wheel independent
• FE3 Suspension, Z51 performance
• FE4 Magnetic Selective Ride Control
• FE6 Suspension, Performance Ride and Handling
• FE7 Suspension, Z07, Z06
• FEA Suspension, ZR1
• FEB Suspension, Performance Ride and Handling

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 C7 continues to age and their shocks wear out. 

C7 Corvette Performance Upgrade Q&A Comments

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Let's Compare The Top 3 Best C7 Shocks!

Compare	C7 Shock aFe Control Johnny O'Connell Signature Series Set	C7 Shock OEM Mag Ride (each)	C7 Shock PFADT Featherlite Single Adjustable Coil Set
Price Approx	$840-880 USD Set of 4 View Now	Front $341-360 USD (Each) Rear $323-370 USD (Each) FE7-FE6-FE4 Front Buy Now 2015-16 FE7 Rear Buy Now 2017-19 FE7 Rear Buy Now FE2-FE4 Rear Buy Now Note: Always check fit using Suspension RPO code, year and even VIN if requested.  Mid 2016 had a part number change!	$2900-3100 USD Set of 4 View Now
Reviews	* Currently Unrated	* Currently Unrated	* Currently Unrated
Pros	Best Performance Brand for the cost Fits all years 2014-19 (will need shock simulator if you have Magnetic Ride Shocks Shocks 1 Year Warranty Best overall ride for daily driving Lowest cost	OEM Quality Direct fit for Stingray, Grand Sport, Z06 (Not for ZR1) Stock appearance Potential to replace one shock at a time under certain circumstances	Fully Adjustable ride height, true coil over conversion removes leaf springs,  Eliminates cross talk from OEM leaf spring setup Best performance
Cons	Not adjustable Not for hard core racing but not bad Will need Shock simulators for  Magnetic Ride Shocks	Fixed performance parameters	Most expensive More work to remove stock leaf springs
Cool Features	Drop in install Tuned By Legendary Corvette Racer, Johnny O'Connell Performance Front & Rear Shock Upgrade	Bolt in and go with a stock ride	Customize for different driving and track needs Ball on Axis Front Upper Mount Improves Ride With Quiet Operation Lightweight, Hard Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum Body
Bottom Line	If you want a no-compromise shock solution that improves handling while improving ride quality, the solution are these aFe control Johnny O'Connell Signature Series shocks Lowest cost to replace for dollar to performance ratio	Keep you car stock with the original 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 Magnetic Ride Shocks?

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

The Shock Simulators for the C7 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 C7 Shock setup!

Upgraded Suspension Items for The Best C7 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 C7 Shocks!

Best C7 Corvette Coilover Shocks

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 maintain 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 or gal!        

C7 Corvette Performance Q&A

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Best C7 Corvette Shock

Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019

About Us: Corvette Web Central | Owner Bio: Chris Trautman

Established in 2008 by Chris Trautman, Corvette Web Central quickly grew into one of the top leading Corvette enthusiast websites globally. 

"This website is a passion of mine just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris.  He was frustrated trying to find information on the internet about Corvettes which was was not biased or influenced somehow. 

He has owned three Corvettes over the last twenty years and does not plan to stop owning one anytime soon.

C7 Corvette Morimoto Tail Light

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