Bilstein shocks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
Bilstein shocks
I had a ride in a mid year once that had the whole full meal deal "VetteBrake" Fibre Glass Leaf spring system front and rear, with Bilstein shocks. I found the rear spring bouncy and I did not like it. I'm told that if you have the right shocks that should not be a problem. I feel that there is a possibility that I may install the Fibreglass leaf spring in my car in the future for weight savings so I would like to install the correct Bilstein shocks now. Does anyone know if I should use the Bilstien "H.D's" or the Bilstein "Sports"?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 115
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From: Epsom Victoria
I have a full vettebrakes front and rear and on my 66 roadster. I had a set of top end shocks on the car so used them with the new glass springs, it rode like a kangaroo. I called up the guys at vettebrakes and told them my problem, the first thing they asked me was what shocks are you running. I told them and they said great shocks for steel springs but not for glass. I purchased a set of bilstiens that VB has bilstien make to match their springs. The result was a complete transformation the car handles well and is a nice touring car even on the less than great roads we have out here. 
Last edited by Aussi-66; Oct 18, 2004 at 03:15 AM.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
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From: Clearwater FL
If you have the Gas-A-Just than you will need to replace your shocks and go with the KYB GR 2's or the Bilsteins. If you stick with the KYB's you have to get the GR 2's that are for the glass spring. They make 2 types of GR 2 shocks.
The bouncey spring could also have to do with the weight ratio of the spring. To soft of a spring will have you bouncing all over the place.
The bouncey spring could also have to do with the weight ratio of the spring. To soft of a spring will have you bouncing all over the place.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
Originally Posted by Van Steel
If you have the Gas-A-Just than you will need to replace your shocks and go with the KYB GR 2's or the Bilsteins. >>> O.K. Bisltien what? Special construction for glass spring?
The bouncey spring could also have to do with the weight ratio of the spring. To soft of a spring will have you bouncing all over the place. >>> I don't agree with that. The soft spring will give soft ride, a strong spring will give stiffer ride. A shock will contain the bouncing. That is the purpose of a shock absorber.
The bouncey spring could also have to do with the weight ratio of the spring. To soft of a spring will have you bouncing all over the place. >>> I don't agree with that. The soft spring will give soft ride, a strong spring will give stiffer ride. A shock will contain the bouncing. That is the purpose of a shock absorber.
If the fibreglass spring uses a special shock, why then does GM show the same rear shocks from '66 [steel spring] till '81 [glass spring] and the 81 is not bouncy.
