Jims66

I'm getting ready to replace the old worn out shocks on my '66 convert. Has anyone used the KYBs that you see listed in Zip Products and Ecklers ($189.95/set of 4) ?? How do they compare to the Delco "Racetek" ? This is a stock small block Sunday driver that sees the occasional drag race on and/or off the track with regular P205-75-15 radials. I don't do any autocrossing. Also..., any tips for installing (pitfalls) and are there any recommended tourqe specs for tightening the bolts ?? Thanks.

63vette_dreamin

I have KYBs on my 68 BB camaro....work fine to me,squats nice and no wheel hop.I run 215-70-14 on it.

GUSTO14

There was a time when you could buy a set of KYB's for about $100 and considering the price differential between them and a Koni or Bilstein at the time they might have been considered a better value. At the price they are now selling for I don't personally believe they compare to the Bilsteins.

VB&P has them for $309.99 a set and you also get a Corvette FORUM discount which will lower the price even further.
Bilstein Sport Shocks (set of 4), 1963-82 Price: $309.99

http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=920

I have used KYB's and Bilsteins both in the past. The KYB's lost their nitrogen charge in less than two years. In my opinion there is little comparison in the quality and durability of the two. For the money I would use Bilsteins. In fact I have Bilsteins on all of my Corvettes as well as a Tacoma and a Miata I autocross regularly. I wouldn't hesitate to use them on any vehicle short of an all out road race car.

In the end, it's your money and your decision... good luck... GUSTO

Vetterodder

I've run KYB's on several cars and have been happy with them. I agree that they aren't the equal of some of the pricier shocks but, for the money, I think they're a good value. I never had any reliability issues and liked their handling but I think the Bilsteins provide a better ride quality. If you check Summit or Jegs you'll find the same shocks (regardless of brand) for much less money than the Corvette supplies.

Frankie the Fink

I ran KYB Gas-Adjust on my '66 Mustang that had a Shelby-ized suspension and steering. I was extremely pleased with them....drove with them daily and auto-crossed with them many weekends...

54greg

KYB's on my 66 vert. I paid $160 for all 4. Great deal great shock.

iflyto

Put a set of KYB GR-2's on my 66 SB coupe in June, no problems. Bought them from Summit, all four were less than $100.

65 vette dude

I put a set of KYB's on, and couldn't stand them. Great handling, but very firm ride. I took them off and put on a set Delco Road Handler's from The Parts Ladi. I think they were 90 dollars. The handling is very good, with a comfortable ride. The front shocks torque are 10 ft lbs at the bottom, and 5 ft lbs at the top. The rears are 35 ft lbs at the bottom, and 50 ft lbs at the top.

muskegonbrake

The KYB GasAJust shocks have always been a popular shock for these cars, not too stiff, not too soft. We've been selling them for $175 a set and we run through a decent ammount of them. BUT I do not suggest them for the composite springs. Something about the self-adjusting valving doesn't agree with those springs.

bluester

I found that the rears made my 67 "pogo" over expansion joints very annoyingly. rattled my eyeballs. I put some gabriel gas shocks on, I figured if I didn't like them I could just pitch them 'cause they were pretty cheap and try something else, but I like them just fine.

Frankie the Fink

I think it makes a difference which KYBs you purchase....the Gas-Adjust and GR-2s are for different driving scenarios....

Having said that...I would err on the side of 'softer' for these vintage fiberglass cars....God knows I have had enough stress cracks...

Jims66

Would you happen to have the Summit part number for a '66 sb ??

Thanks to all who responded.

Jims66

Thanks for the torque specs...........

iflyto

Jim,
The KYB GR-2 front is 343127 and the rear is 343218, according to Summit they fit 63-82.
Alex

Jims66

Thanks Alex. BTW....., Mosport Green is my favorite color.

65 vette dude

Funny you should mention that. I was told that Delco shocks are made by Gabriel. The Delco Road Handlers are the same as the Gabriel Ultra's. Auto Zone sells Gabriae shocks, and you can get them really cheap, when on sale.

65 vette dude

The KYB shocks I tried were the GR2's. Very stiff and bouncy ride, especially when paired with my bias ply tires.

LouieM

If you buy Bilsteins, be sure to go with the Heavy Duty model, NOT the Sport model. The Heavy Duty ones are for the street and ride and handle well, and seem to me like the original equipment shocks. The Sports are for competition and ride like a truck. I autocross a lot with the HD shocks, so they are competent for the occasional race.

Jims66

I just read that the GR2s are for use with the single poly rear spring while the regular KYBs are for the stock multi-leaf metal springs. Has anyone heard this?? I'm just trying to get a stock riding shock and am getting more confused by the minute...................

harleydrjr

The fiberglass Monoleaf requires more shock (stiffer) because there is no interleaf friction like on a multileaf. I had to go to the stiff KYB's when I put the VBP monoleaf in. with the bilsteins it had a double bounce over bumps.