ForceUser

Hey gang, I am pretty sure I need new shocks for my C4 but I was wondering, should I change the springs too?

xrav22

If you have the fiberglass leaf style springs like an 85 has the answer is no they last 5x longer than steel coil springs, I used AC Delco shocks which make a huge difference as all my shocks were shot when I bought mine.

tunedport85inject

buy Bilsteins

ForceUser

Thanks guys, my shocks are shot, I'm bouncing all over the road. I saw a set of Monroe shocks for a good price, wondering on using them - at this point anything would better.

xrav22

Try rock auto

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

I just used 53016/17.
Not sure your year but mine work great up to 90mph so far

tunedport85inject

Monroe are for minivans...don't put things like that on a sport icon like a vette,even if an old C4.Bilstein are the way to go bro',all of us here use Bilsteins as a basic choice...almost ...all of us.

vader86

No you don't need to change the springs, you could do the bushings if you feel like paying the labor.

But no, do not buy Monroe shocks. Get KYBs, Konis, Bilsteins, Edelbrocks.

leesvet

You only change springs if/when you are trying to change the way the car handles or how it reacts to driver input.

There are many different springs. Some VERY stiff, that give great control and instant reaction to driver input. Others are softer, mushier for a more comfortable ride with a slower reaction to yanking the wheel hard. If you are not happy with the ride quality, get the ID on the current rear spring and look at the suspension chart for the C4 and see if there is something more appropriate for your kind of driving.

Keep in mind, that stiff for good handling and/or track use is NOT very street friendly on city streets. I installed a stiff rear spring (411/lbs) when my car spent more time competing. Now that its become a DD....that spring makes it miserable after an hour. So, THINK about it before you do something you MAY not enjoy down the road...

What the others have said about which shocks to buy, absolutely correct. Cheap shocks like Monroes will seem like no shock at all. They are NOT designed for a transverse spring IRS system, and they are not be able to keep up with the fast spring rate...
You bought a Vette...its gonna take $ to keep it up. Bilstiens @ $75ea or more, is the goin rate. The KYB are a little less but they SUCK in the comfort dept but they DO handle the road.
Stick to performance brands or you'll regret it. bouncy bounce...

whalepirot

The Monroes (cheap) I tried well over a decade ago, proved that we get what we pay for... Junk. Both sets (2nd was warranty replacement) leaked in short order. My money was refunded.

I have a near-new set of rear Bilsteins here, with <1000 miles on them. These, for an early C4. $75/pair.

I had my Z51 originals redone by Bilstein. Again, I am getting what i paid for! Yesssss.

MavsAK

Don't even waste time with the Monroes.

Bilstein, KYB, Koni.

jyeffy

I just installed KYBs in place of a no name shock that were spent and it is like driving a new car. maybe Bilsteins next time.

JrRifleCoach

Its a good time to take this advise and just buy the Bilsteins.
IMO the KYBs are no better than the Monroes or other low end shocks.
No matter which shock you buy the first test drive will have you smiling and ranting about how great these XYZ shocks ride.