shocks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Abington MA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
shocks
As one of my winter projects I was planning on putting new shocks on my 65 coupe. Does anyone recommend a brand and model.
I was looking at Edelbrock but would be interested in anyones opinion. I'm not trying to match the originals. I'm more interested in driving performance.
Thanks, Mark :steering:
I was looking at Edelbrock but would be interested in anyones opinion. I'm not trying to match the originals. I'm more interested in driving performance.
Thanks, Mark :steering:
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 442
From: Southwest MI
Re: shocks (markiemyster)
It all depends on how you use the car? And what springs do you have? Do a archive search, many opinions there on the subject.
Here's my opinion of the current/popular C-2 Vette Shocks........
KYB = good all round street shock
Bilstein Sport = more performance oriented (also I hear a bit better ride than
KYB... but they cost ~ twice as much)
Koni = top of the line adjustable, it'll do whatever you want
I went with the Bilstein Sports from "Vette Brakes" for my F-41 '66 427
Here's my opinion of the current/popular C-2 Vette Shocks........
KYB = good all round street shock
Bilstein Sport = more performance oriented (also I hear a bit better ride than
KYB... but they cost ~ twice as much)
Koni = top of the line adjustable, it'll do whatever you want
I went with the Bilstein Sports from "Vette Brakes" for my F-41 '66 427
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,270
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 32
From: New Smyrna Beach FL
Re: shocks (markiemyster)
Don't know whether comfy is possible. I installed Bilstein Sports from http://www.eshocks.com
Great handling, especially with all that torque.
[Modified by 67435animal, 4:06 AM 11/19/2003]
Great handling, especially with all that torque.
[Modified by 67435animal, 4:06 AM 11/19/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente Ca.
Re: shocks (markiemyster)
Its personal preference.
I am a KONI fan.
Have used them on 3 cars so far
with stellar results.
71 2002, 65 K code Mustang, 65 Vette.
Modified to add..
One more thing, they last a long, long time.
The one's on my vette were installed in 1966
(about 70,000 :reddevil easy miles)
Have never been rebuilt, and still work great!
To me, that says something.........
:)
[Modified by 396 RAT, 6:15 PM 11/18/2003]
I am a KONI fan.
Have used them on 3 cars so far
with stellar results.
71 2002, 65 K code Mustang, 65 Vette.
Modified to add..
One more thing, they last a long, long time.
The one's on my vette were installed in 1966
(about 70,000 :reddevil easy miles)
Have never been rebuilt, and still work great!
To me, that says something.........
:)
[Modified by 396 RAT, 6:15 PM 11/18/2003]
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,270
Re: shocks (63Corvette)
There aren't any formulas or computer programs to select damping rates, and what you buy may not suit your preference. Both Konis and Spax have adjustable rebound damping so you can adjust them "loose" for a nice ride at normal speeds or "tight" to have maximum control in nine-tenths driving.
You probably don't know what you want until you begin to make adjustments and determine your preferences. The nice thing about Spax is that the are adjustable ON THE CAR. Konis have to be removed and have fewer positions than the Spax, which I believe has 11.
Most guys give little thought to shocks, but as far as the suspension is concerned, they are the next most important thing to tires. By comparison, springs and bushings are rather unimportant!
Duke
You probably don't know what you want until you begin to make adjustments and determine your preferences. The nice thing about Spax is that the are adjustable ON THE CAR. Konis have to be removed and have fewer positions than the Spax, which I believe has 11.
Most guys give little thought to shocks, but as far as the suspension is concerned, they are the next most important thing to tires. By comparison, springs and bushings are rather unimportant!
Duke
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 442
From: Southwest MI
Re: shocks (markiemyster)
It's just for cruisin. I don't race............
I wouldn't think the average cruser would need, or ever use, that flexability.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Re: shocks (markiemyster)
I bought a set of Edelbrock IAS shocks for my 66, but had to return them - since they are designed to install as if the shock were upside down (cartridge attached to the top mount), and there is an interference fit with the frame.
I put in a pair of KGBs from PST, and found them stiff, better suited to high speed travel (which I do a lot of) but too stiff for potholes. My BB car has HD suspension, which doesn't help.
I put in a pair of KGBs from PST, and found them stiff, better suited to high speed travel (which I do a lot of) but too stiff for potholes. My BB car has HD suspension, which doesn't help.
