shock absorbers
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 21
From: Bradenton Florida
shock absorbers
I need to replace the shocks on my 67 and was wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions. I want to keep them looking as origional as possible but also want to upgrade to todays technology. Perhaps AC/Delco "Reactek" gas shocks. I don't drive the car agressively it's just a fun weekend cruiser. Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.
[Modified by user9ryan, 6:46 PM 1/5/2002]
[Modified by user9ryan, 6:46 PM 1/5/2002]
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: pittsburgh pa
Re: shock absorbers (user9ryan)
I put KYB's on my '60. I got introduced to KYB shocks when I had a 280ZX in college and my rear shocks would never last. Someone told me to put KYB's on and I never had a problem again. I put almost 300K miles on that car. I like the ride I get with them on my '60. As I have stated before I will put my ride in my '60 against any vette from C-3 down. :D
Enjoy,
Curt
Enjoy,
Curt
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 0
From: Boerne Texas
Re: shock absorbers (Curtis)
Curtis:
I have had this question up a couple of times, as my '66 is coming due for another set. MagicV8 (Magicmachines) directed me toward Edlebrock, but as it turned out, they did not fit mid-years. I am still looking......... :yesnod:
Will KYBs fit C2s? I am also following this post closely. Hopefully, someone will lay out something good AND available.
****************
****************
Jeff
Ô66. Modified L72
ÒThe Silver BeastÓ
Keep on :seeya :seeya :flag
I have had this question up a couple of times, as my '66 is coming due for another set. MagicV8 (Magicmachines) directed me toward Edlebrock, but as it turned out, they did not fit mid-years. I am still looking......... :yesnod:
Will KYBs fit C2s? I am also following this post closely. Hopefully, someone will lay out something good AND available.
****************
****************
Jeff
Ô66. Modified L72
ÒThe Silver BeastÓ
Keep on :seeya :seeya :flag
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,270
Re: shock absorbers (magicv8)
Spax has ten way adjustable rebound shocks that you can adjust on the car. Otherwise you're just stuck with whatever the rates are on most fixed rate shocks.
They are yellow, but look like conventional shocks. If you repaint them Delco gray they will probably look original to the casual observer.
http://www.spax.co.uk
Duke
They are yellow, but look like conventional shocks. If you repaint them Delco gray they will probably look original to the casual observer.
http://www.spax.co.uk
Duke
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: pittsburgh pa
Re: shock absorbers (396 RAT)
"I put KYB's on my 1st 65, but like KONI's 100% better."
I have not had good luck with Koni. The price is way too high for what you get. This is just my experience. I am not into paying for a name. KYB puts out a good product for the $$. Koni is so expensive they should gold plate the product.
Enjoy,
Curt
I have not had good luck with Koni. The price is way too high for what you get. This is just my experience. I am not into paying for a name. KYB puts out a good product for the $$. Koni is so expensive they should gold plate the product.
Enjoy,
Curt
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente Ca.
Re: shock absorbers (Curtis)
"I have not had good luck with Koni"
What happened?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
My opinion.....
Gas shocks are fine, but operate on a different principle than Koni's.
A gas shock is hard to compress, then springs back hard.
A Koni is hard to compress, and just as hard to extract.
This allows your car to take a set, in a turn. If you think about it,
it makes sense. And they can be adjusted where ever you like.
(But you do have to remove 'em 1st )
I have had 4 sets of Koni's on different cars. The Koni's on my 396 were installed
in 1965 and still work great! Never been rebuilt. Never needed to be.
Its unusual to hear of a problem with these shocks?
Gas shocks are fine, Its just personal preference.
I just put Koni's on my 65 K code fastback (replacing the KYB's)
And its like a different car! (in a good way)
The KYB's worked fine on my 65 365 coupe, It also had a glass rear spring.
I just like the Koni's better. Thats all.
Many think they are a race shock and ride rough.
It just depends how you adjust them.
[Modified by 396 RAT, 1:34 AM 1/6/2002]
What happened?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
My opinion.....
Gas shocks are fine, but operate on a different principle than Koni's.
A gas shock is hard to compress, then springs back hard.
A Koni is hard to compress, and just as hard to extract.
This allows your car to take a set, in a turn. If you think about it,
it makes sense. And they can be adjusted where ever you like.
(But you do have to remove 'em 1st )
I have had 4 sets of Koni's on different cars. The Koni's on my 396 were installed
in 1965 and still work great! Never been rebuilt. Never needed to be.
Its unusual to hear of a problem with these shocks?
Gas shocks are fine, Its just personal preference.
I just put Koni's on my 65 K code fastback (replacing the KYB's)
And its like a different car! (in a good way)
The KYB's worked fine on my 65 365 coupe, It also had a glass rear spring.
I just like the Koni's better. Thats all.
Many think they are a race shock and ride rough.
It just depends how you adjust them.
[Modified by 396 RAT, 1:34 AM 1/6/2002]
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Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Re: shock absorbers (user9ryan)
I ordered a set of KYB high performance shocks from ZIP (#'s SU-205, SU-206)a couple weeks ago. Should be here tomorrow :D Will let ya know how they work. Don't care what color they are really. To me shocks, tires, alternators, batteries, tranny oil, antifreeze etc are expendable items. Dang hard to keep this stuff 'original' after 35+ years anyway... :)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 21
From: Bradenton Florida
Re: shock absorbers (MasterDave)
Thanks for the replys guys, looks like KYB gets the majority vote so far. Anybody have any experience with the AC/Delco gas shocks, good or bad?
BTW, SWCDuke where do you get Delco grey spray paint, I don't really care for the KYB white?
BTW, SWCDuke where do you get Delco grey spray paint, I don't really care for the KYB white?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: pittsburgh pa
Re: shock absorbers
The problem with Koni is they are too stiff for my area. Pittsburgh has terrible roads. If I lived in Florida or California that is a different story. I guess the problem was too stiff and the price is just too high. (this is my experience on other peoples cars, not mine) Koni is a good shock, but I can't justify the price. I need a little give in my shocks in this town. Vettes are not noted for the best ride as it is.
What made Koni so much better for you over KYB? Just the stiff ride or do you feel it handles better? My car doesn't handle as good as it would if I got rid of the wide whites. If I went with a Z rated tire I would imagine my car would handle better. It is ok, but I don't beat it around bends as much as I do out of the hole.
Enjoy,
Curt
What made Koni so much better for you over KYB? Just the stiff ride or do you feel it handles better? My car doesn't handle as good as it would if I got rid of the wide whites. If I went with a Z rated tire I would imagine my car would handle better. It is ok, but I don't beat it around bends as much as I do out of the hole.
Enjoy,
Curt
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente Ca.
Re: shock absorbers (Curtis)
I think there is just less body roll in the turns with Koni's.
And they do ride a bit firmer, maybe that's what I like about them.
One thing is for sure, they don't seem to wear out!
If they ever do get too soft you can tighten 'em up.
There is nothing wrong with KYB shocks.
They sell millions of them everyday.
I was just pointing out what I prefer.
Also, I know C1's can ride very rough.
But don't claim to know much about them.
If you are looking for a softer ride, a gas shock may be too
stiff? I will let you ask the C1 experts!
Take care :seeya
And they do ride a bit firmer, maybe that's what I like about them.
One thing is for sure, they don't seem to wear out!
If they ever do get too soft you can tighten 'em up.
There is nothing wrong with KYB shocks.
They sell millions of them everyday.
I was just pointing out what I prefer.
Also, I know C1's can ride very rough.
But don't claim to know much about them.
If you are looking for a softer ride, a gas shock may be too
stiff? I will let you ask the C1 experts!
Take care :seeya
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Caledonia, MI, USA
Re: shock absorbers (396 RAT)
I just replaced my rear shocks with AC/Delco....I had put Monroe's on after the Bloomington show and got a very stiff (Bumpy and choppy) ride. The original style shocks have a better rebound and make the car much more enjoyable to drive.
Good Luck....
Good Luck....
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,270
Re: shock absorbers (396 RAT)
I think there is just less body roll in the turns with Koni's.
Duke
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
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Re: shock absorbers (user9ryan)
BTW, SWCDuke where do you get Delco grey spray paint, I don't really care for the KYB white?
Duke
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 334
Likes: 6
From: Newark De
Re: shock absorbers (SWCDuke)
What shocks would everyone recommend for a 64 327 coupe w/ F40 suspension. my front end seems to be too soft in that the yellow AC delco shocks dont seem to be dampening to much. The shocks are still good but they dont seem to have enough resistance for the stiffer springs..
Any Thoughts,
Don
Any Thoughts,
Don
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente Ca.
Re: shock absorbers (SWCDuke)
"quote"
Shock absorbers do not have any effect on steady state body roll during cornering
Ever pulled on a compressed Koni?:lol:
Maybe body roll is not the right way of explaining it?
Cars just seem to corner flatter with Koni's.
Will you buy that? :D
Shock absorbers do not have any effect on steady state body roll during cornering
Ever pulled on a compressed Koni?:lol:
Maybe body roll is not the right way of explaining it?
Cars just seem to corner flatter with Koni's.
Will you buy that? :D
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,270
Re: shock absorbers (396 RAT)
"quote"
Ever pulled on a compressed Koni?:lol:
D
Ever pulled on a compressed Koni?:lol:
D
Sure, any shock will provide a resisting force - AS LONG AS IT IS MOVING, but once you stop pulling or pushing on it, it just stops and does nothing. The only exception is gas pressure shocks. They increase the spring rate slightly, but the subsequent increase in roll stiffness is offset by the higher roll couple due to the slightly increased ride height.
Many think shocks limit body roll. It's a myth, plain and simple! They will limit the rate of body roll and will keep the car from wallowing around in quick transitions, but they have no effect on the total amount of body roll you have in steady state cornering.
Your perception of less body roll with a firm shock like Konis is probably due to better transition control going into a corner and less wallowing around than with typical shocks replacement shocks, or old worn shocks.
Duke
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,270
Re: shock absorbers (jump150)
Because F-40 has double the ride rate of the base suspension, I think you're going to have a tough time finding shocks with sufficient rebound control.
An adjustable is your best bet - Spax or Koni. That way you can tune it to the needs of F-40 and your driving style.
Duke
An adjustable is your best bet - Spax or Koni. That way you can tune it to the needs of F-40 and your driving style.
Duke