Jig A Low

Hey guys,

I'm rebuilding the suspension on my '81 with all new rubber bushings, ball joints and tie rods. I also need new shocks but need some input on which ones to get. this is a street cruiser that will have no track time at all. I know alot of people like the Bilsteins but they are out of my range for now (maybe down the road a bit). does anyone have any input on something "middle of the road" that will have a nice smooth ride?

scottw

I run Monroe Sensatrac and am happy w/ them. Others run KYBs. If you can't go w/ Bilsteins, either of those will give you a good ride.

zwede

I suggest making your budget fit the Bilsteins. They really are that much better than other shocks I've run over the years. I've had KYBs, Monroes, Edelbrocks... The Bilsteins finally made the car ride smooth AND handle right.

Jig A Low

I'll consider the Bilsteins if they are REALLY that much better. I've been doing some on-line research and it seems like for every opinion of them being the best thing since sliced bread there is another that says they aren't any different than the KYB's or even Monroe's.

IF I decide to go that route, does anyone have a cheap(er) source for the Bilsteins, the cheapest I've found them is $368 for the set of 4

jb78L-82

I have had Delcos, KYB Gas A Just (NOT the GR-2's), Koni Oils, and Bilstein HD's in front and Sports in the rear, currently-The Bilsteins are head and shoulders above every other shock I have had both on the C3 and other cars. I currently have KYB GR-2's on a Grand Prix (They are OK) and Bilsteins on a 94 Mustang GT Convertible and a 2008 Chrysler 300-Bilsteins transformed those 2 cars as well-RIDE and handling. I would stay away from mass market standard passenger car shocks like Monroe-the reason the KYB's are on the grand prix.

As others have stated, I would really try to stretch for the Bilsteins and if not, I would go with the KYB Gas a Just if you a steel transverse rear spring and KYB GR-2's if you have a composite.

Hope that helps!

TheSkunkWorks

I too have run various brands of "shocks" on all kinds of cars, and tho my shark has Koni adjustables I still feel that a set of Bilsteins is one of the top five mods most owners will ever make. For a cruiser on rubber bushings that will never see the track, I highly recommend the HD ones at all four corners over the Sports.

sly vette

The shocks should be selected to compliment the springs. For a stiffer suspension the Bilstein Sports would be the way to go for a street car. You haven't stated what spring rate you are running.

spikebot 81

I rebuilt the entire suspension on my 81 and had kyb gas adjust shocks. Was not happy with a condition known as bump steer. The car almost changed lanes when going around a corner at speed and hitting a pavement joint( like on a overpass). Switched to Bilstiens and problem solved.

Jig A Low

thanks guys, I'm running the stock composite spring on the rear (not sure of the ##'s though).

and I did take into consideration all of your input and ordered the Bilstein HD's last night, got them at Wilcox and took advantage of their 10% off sale.

Provided they don't take as long to get here as the rest of the parts I ordered on the 7'th (and stil don't have) I can get this chassis put back together.

TimberwolfFXDL

I am due for shocks as well. How did you decide between the Sport and the HD?

marshal135

Billsteins HD on my 68 BB.
Done!
Marshal

marshal135

Timberwolf,
google eshocks.com
there are part#'s for the front and rears.
There is a separate set called sport for a firmer ride.
That will be your call.
I did HD's front and rear very happy with the ride.
Be prepared to fight w/ OEM front shock upper mount if its been
on a while.
I had to take a cut off wheel to the upper mounting nut.
After that the job went easy
Marshal

Jig A Low

I did a bunch of on-line research, seems that most people like the sports if they are going to be racing or autocrossing the car. if it's just a street cruiser (like mine), then most recommend the HD's. seems counter-intuitive to me but I'll go with the majority's recommendations on this one.

hugie82

I installed Koni adjustable shocks this past summer. Handling and ride was amazing with the shocks set at about 2/3 of the way towards stiff.

qwank

These are a pretty good deal:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...-and-rear.html

MIKE80

Good choice! I went with the Sports on my vette which are stiff but handle really great. I run HD's on my SUV and are by far the best I've had on it for ride and handling.

doctorgene

Yes Sir; There is a set of ( 4) Bilstein's for sale,200.00 for the set, in unopened boxes on Kansas City, Craigslist. Don't know any more than what's in the ad. Have a great one. Gene

couperdecar

If you've lowered your ride more than .75" then you need the SPORT shocks. If not , you need the HD shocks. The shock is the same internally.

Snoopysvet

I did not know that!

TheSkunkWorks

Actually, nominal shock valving should be based on spring frequencies (which result from the spring rate in question at a given sprung/unsprung weight ratio at each corner). Lowering often requires higher spring rates to avoid bottoming (or higher spring rates result from shortening them), which then subsequently necessitate more dampening.