vettebuyer6369

Ive seen some different threads discussing this, but answers all over the place. Search function didnt answer.

Picked up a 315 rate rear composite spring for my '69- assuming it needs shocks to go with it, what is the best choice? Looking for comfortable ride, not performance. The car will not be driven for performance so Im not interested in rough or stiff ride.

dochorsepower

I've got a glass spring in mine, older TRW item and I don't remember if 315 or 360, but I tried the KYB and just not right. I've switched to Koni and then adjusted one half turn stiffer than medium and it seems to be just the right amount of rebound. I drive daily and it is just right.

Racer11

Dont use KYB's I have them on my mono rear spring and it is too springy,,,I get at least one bounce that is too many.

VBP sent me some shocks that were supposedly for my springs and they were crappy and I switched for the KYBs,,, Dont make my mistake,,,I have heard Bilstine Sports are the way to go.

TheSkunkWorks

The word's "comfortable ride" having been mentioned, I'd highly suggest a set of 4 Bilstein HD's, not the Sports.

vettebuyer6369

I researched the KYBs and found several versions - some specific for the metal spring, some for the composite, OEM style and high performance.

Couldnt get much detail from anywhere, even the KYB site. The composite set seems like the only ones that were right.

Others told me even the Bilstein Sports were too stiff.

1974ta

Friend has KONI adjustable shocks with fiberglass rear spring and swears by them.

Bill

Paul L

I have a VBP #330 rear spring. My choice of shock was their KYB GR-2 (part #VBP218), designed by VBP and manufactured by KYB especially for the former's composite spring. I have no idea what the "best" shock is but this one gives a comfortable ride and seems to take care of the rebound/bounciness inherent in composite springs. But I do not push the car: it is just a boulevard cruiser.

http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...ear-Shock.html

gdh

I have the VBP 360 spring with Bilstein HD's couple with 550 lb springs in the front I have a firm but comfortable ride. Once I added the Sharkbar the firmed up significantly more.

Rotonda

I agree with the above. I had a 315# spring and put in the high pressure monotube KYB's. DON'T - NO REBOUND CONTROL.

I changed to the KYB GR-2 with the special VB&P valving intended for composit springs. ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. These work.

vettebuyer6369

Thanks for the help, everyone. Paul and Rot, these are the ones I ordered.

Paul L

You won't be disappointed.

Don't forget a heatshield for the spring.

DJmaya

I know this is old but I just replaced my rear shocks on my 77 and I am incredibly satisfied with the change and I replaced Bilsteins.
I had Bilsteins Sports on my rear with the single leaf composite @ 330lbs. One of the bilsteins gave up and the car sat uneven with one side lower than the other. I never really liked how much the car bounced on certain parts of the highway so I was on the hunt for stiffer shocks and the guessing game of what I am going to like
Then I found the QA1 single adjustable shocks and was amazed at how much better my ride became. The adjustable part is literally a *** I can turn with my hand with 18 settings and all i have to do is reach behind the tire and turn. No more guessing before purchase at how stiff you should go and then regret it.
I am not even halfway to the stiffest and the ride is already firmer than the Bilstein sports without being harsh. The car drives like a dream.

Even better they sell the shocks at different lengths so you can adjust your ride height AND there is also a dual adjustable shock if you are interested on doing gritty track tuning.