USAsOnlyWay

I say "rare" to reflect the aftermarkets support. Particularily Koni... they dont make the yellow sports for the early C4s.

Soooo, I am finally ready to buy some shocks. (I need them badly, stock shocks right now w/~135k on them)

At the auto-x last weekend I was driving the car to the point that it showed its needed shocks so badly, so it has only motivated me to get the shocks finally replaced and put in the poly bushings I have.
So here are my options and here is where I need HELP!

I don't have tons of $$$ so $600 is pretty much the top price range for me. (And that is going to hurt!)

The car is stock C4 FE1 springs, 26mm rear solid bar, 30mm front solid bar, 383 stroker (338rwhp/400rwtq), 275/315 Victoracers, C5 front brakes with HP+ pads.


Non adjustable: Bilstein Z51 "sports" ~308$
Adjustable: QA1 12 ways ~550$

Now the ideal option, based on what I have read, for autocrossing would be Koni yellows ($588). They don't make these for Early C4s. I discussed with Manny (Solofast) a while ago, possible ways to get them to fit.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1393444

Unfortunately I cannot locate any around me and thus I have no clue of whether I could get them to work or not.

SO I am coming here for advice on where to go with shocks. Also, explicitly, if anyone has had success at nationals in a Early C4 I would love to talk to you about what you have/had done. (Though I fear the answer will just be 3k penskes)

I am not trying to make a run at nationals, but I am not going to spend 500+$ to just know that there was something much better out there...

I appreciate your time and thoughts.
Thanks
Chris

BrianCunningham

I've got the QA1's on my 'late' model C4, which you can adjust w/o taking them off the car or drilling a hole in your frame, which the Konis require.

QA1 now makes double adjustables, which are better for racing.

USAsOnlyWay

I know you are one of the few proponents of them.

My concern is, are the single qa1s worth the extra change over z51s?

0C5stein

QA1s absolutely. We have had great track and autocross results with them.

mrc24x

I am using the SSGT's (revalved bilstein non adjustable) from eshocks.com for smooth roadracing tracks. Hard to beat the price and I would guess they would be a little better than the z51's for your situation. Just click on racing on eshocks site and you will see them.
Good Luck,
Matt

ScaryFast

I also run the Bilstien shocks, custom valved for my application. Call them, tell them what you need, and they will custom valve a set for your car. It's about $600 for all 4, at least it was two years ago when I had my last set done.

Personally, me (and several other experienced guys here) prefer a non-adjustable shock. Get one built for your application and don't change it. With an adjustable shock you have one setting that is right and the rest are wrong...I don't like those odds.

I am an open track driver, though, so Auto-X may be a little different in this regard.

USAsOnlyWay

Thanks for the opinions guys. I have an e-mail out to vbandp for their opinion.

Scaryfast, do you have the number/name of who I should call?
I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks everybody.

Its between custom Bilsteins and qa1s at the moment.

Mark@MSI, do you carry my year qa1s? PM me a price, I would love to buy from you if you can beat summit's price. I'v got some nice hatch space for some promotional banners too! :-D
(We have 4 C6s that are out here getting mod fever, sounds like they are all doing sway bars right now... )

ScaryFast

The number for Bilstien is 800-537-1085. That's from an old set of notes I have, hopefully the number is still good. I spoke with Jack French, he was the right guy for specialty applications.

Rippie sells custom Bilstien shocks, too. You can always order from them if my info is old...

Let us know what you decide.

ZR1 MK

Keep in mind, the ssgt shocks are shorter in height and are designed for a lowered car only. The rear shocks have high rebound (extension) valving compared to other bilstein shocks. I think that was to compensate for rear toe changes caused by bump steer. How does the heavy rebound compare to other shocks you have tried?

USAsOnlyWay

Thanks Scary, I called and left a message. Is he good at getting back to you?

I'll give it a day, my window suddenly opened since I won't be shooting to have these prior to the first auto-x.

STEVEN13

Car:1992 FX3

I also (recently) went with the revalved Bilsteins. Made a huge difference-but my shocks had 100,000 miles. I like the fact that a shock specialist set up my valving.

Steven

ScaryFast

It's been awhile, but I do remember the turn around from when I shipped my old ones to when they came back fresh and new was impressive. About a week (from MI to CA).

If you're just ordering new parts I'd guess it'll be even quicker.

DREGSZ

Just Call Jack, tell him what you need and go with what ever he decides. I would never second guess him.

It takes too long to dial in DAs even if you could get them, I had a set of SAs and never put them on Big Red, my shocks from Jack were too perfect first time out of the box.

Bilstein is in greater San Diego, (Poway I think) just call info.

USAsOnlyWay

Hey Evan, I think that is the plan. I can't get ahold of him though?!

Doesn't matter now anyway, next race is the 14th and frankly, the rent on my new place at school is way too much $$. I won't have the extra income from my job I used to have, so this might get pushed back.

If you don't remember, my friend bought those SAs from you. He loves em, but I like the fact that you are voting for Bilstein.