Shock Absorber Recommendations
03-09-2009, 07:55 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Shock Absorber Recommendations
I need recommendations for shock absorbers for my 63.
I am looking for best (smoothest) ride quality, without having to sacrifice too much in handling...
Any favorites?
Thanks in advance.
PS I tried to do a search on this subject, but apparently the search function is having issues...
I am looking for best (smoothest) ride quality, without having to sacrifice too much in handling...
Any favorites?
Thanks in advance.
PS I tried to do a search on this subject, but apparently the search function is having issues...
Last edited by kbuhagiar; 03-09-2009 at 08:56 PM.
03-09-2009, 07:55 PM
#2
Tech Contributor
I tend to like Monroe gas shocks, but that's simply because it's what we always used when I was growing up.
My 65 has Bilsteins up front, and specially rated KBY on the rears (with a composite rear spring) but I'm not happy with the ride quality. Probably a combo of spring rates, shocks, etc.
Last edited by 62Jeff; 03-09-2009 at 08:11 PM.
03-09-2009, 08:41 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
I have Bilsteins all the way around (heavy duty, not the Sport). I think they are somewhat tight and I may try Monroes in the future.
03-09-2009, 09:00 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Ken, a long time ago a buddy sent his Koni's back to be rebuilt and for some odd reason, there was no charge. No idea if they ever had a so-called lifetime guaranty or not but if yours seem to be leaking I'm sure they can be rebuilt. Also, not sure how many actual 'steps' or levels are available but since they are adjustable, have you tried to change the adjustment to a softer level?
Mike T.
Mike T.
Last edited by Vet65te; 03-11-2009 at 10:12 AM.
03-09-2009, 09:13 PM
#5
Racer
If you want a great smooth rid that is excellent for these cars with radial tires, use the inexpensive GM delco gas shock, no frills, Can be had sometimes for $106 a set delivered. They even look very similar to originals, they come shiny black, just paint 'em grey!
Unless you are autocrossing or similar, these are the way to go.
Unless you are autocrossing or similar, these are the way to go.
Last edited by uncle427; 09-29-2009 at 07:33 AM.
03-09-2009, 11:13 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
I just put a set of KYB's on and I'm very pleased with them. Nice smooth ride,and I still have good handling,and they are silver gray in color. I believe they are called GR2. Shock Warehouse has them on clearance for 122.38
Last edited by 65 vette dude; 03-09-2009 at 11:22 PM.
03-10-2009, 12:10 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
Delcos too bouncy for me
Just installed Bilstein HD's and they smoothed out the ride noticeably.
Not too stiff either. Best price was $280 delivered from the PartsLadi on Ebay.
Not too stiff either. Best price was $280 delivered from the PartsLadi on Ebay.
03-10-2009, 04:44 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
If you want a great smooth rid that is excellent for these cars with radial tires, use the inexpensive GM delco gas shock, no frills, I have them on all my cars and have installed them on dozens of others cars that the owners had Konis, Bilstiens, KYB, etc and were not happy with them. Every owner was VERY impessed with the better ride with the delco's and they are still plenty responsive for control! Can be had sometimes for $106 a set delivered. They even look very similar to originals, they come shiny black, just paint 'em grey!
Unless you are autocrossing or similar, these are the way to go.
Unless you are autocrossing or similar, these are the way to go.
03-10-2009, 04:54 PM
#10
Le Mans Master
I have Bilstein HDs all around in my 65, really like the ride in my vert (had the Bilstein Sports on before, but with the vert it was too much rattles and and such). By the way, I am running an oem equivilant 9 leaf rear spring in my setup.
I drive my car in a spirited fashion, and not just in a straight line.
Painted them that blue-grey shock color, and they look just like the proper deal (otherwise, the Bilstein safety yellow, with the bright blue boots, really stands out!)
I drive my car in a spirited fashion, and not just in a straight line.
Painted them that blue-grey shock color, and they look just like the proper deal (otherwise, the Bilstein safety yellow, with the bright blue boots, really stands out!)
03-10-2009, 05:13 PM
#11
Drifting
Member Since: Oct 2006
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I have Bilstein HDs all around in my 65, really like the ride in my vert (had the Bilstein Sports on before, but with the vert it was too much rattles and and such). By the way, I am running an oem equivilant 9 leaf rear spring in my setup.
I drive my car in a spirited fashion, and not just in a straight line.
Painted them that blue-grey shock color, and they look just like the proper deal (otherwise, the Bilstein safety yellow, with the bright blue boots, really stands out!)
I drive my car in a spirited fashion, and not just in a straight line.
Painted them that blue-grey shock color, and they look just like the proper deal (otherwise, the Bilstein safety yellow, with the bright blue boots, really stands out!)
Replaced basic Monroe's with Bilstein HD's all around. Noticeable ride difference. Of course, good radial tires help too.
03-10-2009, 05:16 PM
#12
Racer
If you want a great smooth rid that is excellent for these cars with radial tires, use the inexpensive GM delco gas shock, no frills, I have them on all my cars and have installed them on dozens of others cars that the owners had Konis, Bilstiens, KYB, etc and were not happy with them. Every owner was VERY impessed with the better ride with the delco's and they are still plenty responsive for control! Can be had sometimes for $106 a set delivered. They even look very similar to originals, they come shiny black, just paint 'em grey!
Unless you are autocrossing or similar, these are the way to go.
Unless you are autocrossing or similar, these are the way to go.
Bob
03-10-2009, 06:12 PM
#13
Racer
The Bilstiens are an excellent shock also, I have one car with them on it, seems comparable to the delcos, just at almost 3 times the cost. It is also std susp as is the others. Only reason I used them as they came new in the box with a project car, so someone else paid for them, otherwise, I would not.
03-11-2009, 02:25 AM
#14
Drifting
Ken, a long time ago a buddy sent his Koni's back to be rebuilt and for some odd reason, there was no charge. No idea if they ever had a so-called lifetime guaranty or not but if you're seem to be leaking I'm sure they can be rebuilt. Also, not sure how many actual 'steps' or levels are available but since they are adjustable, have you tried to change the adjustment to a softer level?
Mike T.
Mike T.
i believe in the stiff shock, big sway bars, and stock spring rate theory- you don't transfer too much weight from corner to corner, the car wan't wallow through corners and brakeing/ accelerating is not upset. you can set-up the koni's to control your car.
there is nothing better, why do you think all F-1 cars run koni's???...
Last edited by mechron; 03-11-2009 at 02:30 AM. Reason: more info: PS, i have bilsteins on my C-4, but it is only a C-4.
