Dk Met Grn 80 L82

Ecklers says KYB is their best seller for replacement shocks on 78-82s. I have heard good things about Bilstein. Only concern on Bilstein is the ad says it may raise the body 1".

Any success with either brand? :chevy

gdh

It seems that if you go with the composite spring that Bilsteins SPorts are the way to go, but if leaving your suspension stock you should enjoy the KYB for a fraction of the price. As for me I am buying the Bilstein Sports this spring and put the 340 composite on at the same time.

mountainshark76

I ran KYB's on a IROC Z I had they sucked bilsteins or monroe sense a trac
or reflex :thumbs:

Shark Racer

I wouldn't be surprised, if you were running stock 300lb springs, to see the bilsteins raise the front a bit! Those things are weak. :) The bilstein sports are STRONG. Very hard to compress.

If you want to know why KYB GR2s are the best sellers, take a look at the price. I love my bilstein sports. Have never run KYBs, and don't particularly plan on it. The general consensus is that the GR2s do the job though. How they compare to the Bilsteins? Don't know.

-Steve(who loves his new bilstein sports)

79VetteMike

I am rebuilding my suspension and just took off Monroe Sensatrac's. They rode very smooth. I had considered putting a set of those back on. Any good arguements for switching to another shock? I also just ordered the composite spring from Muskegon Brake. I think the spring rate is 340 on that one. Thanks in advance....

foundvettelifeisgood

I just installed the Bilstein's from the VBP Perf Plus kit. I don't think they could possibly have an impact on body height. I don't know if they're "sports" or not.

:cheers:

Scooter70

I just installed this combo on Saturday. :cheers: It'll be a few weeks before I get to drive it, but I'm expecting 200% improvement over the 9 leaf spring with cheap KYBs. If anyone wants my old KYBs, they probably only have 1500 miles on them.

no_radio

I had the KYBs on my '74 with VB Touring kit (460# coils and 330# monoleaf). Rode very hard, felt every expansion joint, but suspension handled pretty well.
Got a deal on a set of Bilsteins, MUCH better ride with the same or better handling. Yes, they are a lot more expensive, but the ride is worth it, much less bouncing, alot more control over rough surfaces.
Jeff

groovyjay

My vote goes to bilstein, I'm using Koni shock on my 79, I love the ride quality! :cheers:

flynhi

I've tried most of 'em: GM, Koni, Tokico,Monroe,KYB (Std and GR2), Bilstein (Xtreme and Sports) and Carerras.
My assessment:
Best Ride - Koni
Best cornering performance - Blistein Sports
Least bouncy with front and rear composite springs - KYB GR2s
Best Value - KYB GR2s

MN-Brent

I think some of you guys are confusing the KYBs up a little.

KYB GR2 are the cheapo low pressure gas shocks.

KYB Gas-A-Just are the "Best Sellers" and are high pressure gas that are supposed to compare to Bilsteins. I just put the KYB Gas-A-Just on my 82 with otherwise stock Gymkhana suspension. So far the ride is great with this set-up.

My sold 86 IROC and my 98 ZR2 Blazer both have Bilsteins and the rides are excellent and both fairly stiff. I would say my IROC suspension with the Bilsteins is just as "harsh" than the vettes with the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks.

Brent...

Sleper

I have Bilstein's and have for 15 years. I have had no troubles :) and really like how they perform. I would recommend them. :cheers: