Shocks???

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Apr 18, 2005 | 11:18 PM

#21

Corbrastang

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 3,113

Likes: 4

You know if you use those bilsteins they will not be correct. You might want to look for a set of original shocks. Just kidding!!!

Apr 19, 2005 | 03:10 PM

#22

bondtimbond

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 176

Likes: 3

From: Houston Tx

I just purchased and installed Bilstein HD shocks on my 67 partially based on Louie's positive comments, and I couldn't be more pleased. Ride is nice, just firm enough for me, and handling in much better than the KYB GR2's I replaced. The GR2's are OK shocks but just too soft for my tastes.

Just so you'll know, the cheapest place I found for the Bilstein HD shocks is Mid America Motorworks (http://www.madvet.com/). Their price is $249/set plus shipping, which in my case with shipping to Texas was about $67 per shock.

I looked all over the place for the SPAX shocks that Duke recommends and could not find them.

Vette Brakes sells the Bilstein Sport shocks primarily, but according to "Gary" who I discussed this with at a recent Vette show he says they do still have the HD shocks also, but not in the catalog. He might be willing to gives us a good deal on them, but it still might not be any better than Mid America is already.

Last edited by bondtimbond; Apr 19, 2005 at 04:54 PM.

Apr 19, 2005 | 04:43 PM

#23

LouieM

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 13,648

Likes: 3,600

From: NorCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by bondtimbond

I just purchased and installed Bilstein HD shock on my 67 partially based on Louie's positive comments, and I couldn't be more pleased. Ride is nice, just firm enough for me, and handling in much better than the KYB GR2's I replaced. The GR2's are OK shocks but just too soft for my tastes.

Tim,
I was happy to recommend the Bilstein HD shocks, but you never know how the next guy will feel about them, we all have different tastes. Thanks for mentioning that you like them as much as I do.

Louie

Apr 20, 2005 | 11:34 PM

#24

6TFour

Heel & Toe

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

From: The Woodlands Texas

My 64 had a new set of KYBs on it when I purchased it two years ago. Did not like the ride at all. Last year, I rebuilt tranny & put TRW rear spring in. Decided to try the GR2 shock..... big mistake, way too soft. The ride was very bouncy in the rear. Looking for something to do one weekend, went to local parts house and purchased Delco shocks for rear. Improvement, but not what I was looking for. Finally just broke down and bought a set of the Bilsteins and WOW ! wished I'd have done that to begin with. Have a set of KYBs & virtually new GR2s I'll sell if anyone is interested !!

Apr 21, 2005 | 01:06 AM

#25

jimdvan

Racer

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 386

Likes: 3

From: Chapin SC

6TFour, what weight of rear spring did you use? What did it replace?

Apr 21, 2005 | 09:31 AM

#26

bondtimbond

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 176

Likes: 3

From: Houston Tx

6TFour, did you get the Bilstein Sport shocks or HD shocks like I have? Just curious, as I have noticed that folks often refer to shocks just as "Bilsteins" and I wonder if they are generally referring to HD or Sport...

Apr 21, 2005 | 01:59 PM

#27

6TFour

Heel & Toe

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

From: The Woodlands Texas

Jimdvan - I had a 9 leaf steel spring. Went with the 315# TRW. I mainly cruise around the neighborhood and local community where I live. If you drive a bit more agressive and are looking for performance, the 340# might be a better choice. Now that I have the Bilstein shocks I am please with the ride.

Bondtimbond - I got the sport shocks from Vette Brakes. They had a really good special going last December. Called them up, described what I was experiencing, and the guy I spoke to told me I should go with the sport shocks..... ordered them right then.

Apr 21, 2005 | 07:24 PM

#28

bcwaller

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,206

Likes: 62

From: Redondo Beach CA

C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019

I chime in for the Bilsteins as well. I am quite happy with them, and ride with them and my quite stiff 245/45/16 BFG R1 tires was better than with the old Monroe GT shocks and 235/60/15 tires.

I had KYBs on the Chevelle and they were OK, but I felt that they were missing something. I upgraded to Koni adjustable, but that can be overkill. Adjustable is great if you really want to push the car and tune it the extra tenth, but likely not worth the extra expense. If you ever do get adjustable shocks, make sure they are externally adjustable because you will rarely pull the shock to adjust it back to street trim after a track session...