New Shocks
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Nashville Tennessee
New Shocks
Hi. Just joined. Bought an 82 CE 2 weeks ago, and first thing I need to do is replace the power assist cylinder. I'm going to get the kit that includes the valve and hoses. I also want to replace the shocks. Docs that came with the vette do not show replacement of the shocks. Currently has 61.5 K original miles. Tennessee roads are not the best, so am looking for some info on the best shock to handle the bumps to make it easy on the rest of the suspension, as well as giving good support for corners. Ride comfort is secondary to not beating up the suspension, but it would be nice. I would like to keep it all original, but have done a small amount of research and keep getting referred to the Bilstein Sport Shock. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
Here is the top 3 shocks most here have/do use...
Monroe = Factory type shock. Soft ride and no adding to handling abilities.
KYB Gas-A-Just = Firmer than the factory and will help it handle better. Good mid level shock.
Bilstein Sports = Very firm and good to use if you have or will go to a mono leaf rear spring.
I think the KYB Gas-A-Just may fit what you want unless you plan on running a mono rear leaf spring. Firmer but still can do ok on pot holes and other road bumps.
Monroe = Factory type shock. Soft ride and no adding to handling abilities.
KYB Gas-A-Just = Firmer than the factory and will help it handle better. Good mid level shock.
Bilstein Sports = Very firm and good to use if you have or will go to a mono leaf rear spring.
I think the KYB Gas-A-Just may fit what you want unless you plan on running a mono rear leaf spring. Firmer but still can do ok on pot holes and other road bumps.
Last edited by Marlin; Jun 5, 2012 at 12:22 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Here is the top 3 shocks most here have/do use...
Monroe = Factory type shock. Soft ride and no adding to handling abilities.
KYB Gas-A-Just = Firmer than the factory and will help it handle better. Good mid level shock.
Bilstein Sport = Very firm and good to use if you have or will go to a mono leaf rear spring.
Monroe = Factory type shock. Soft ride and no adding to handling abilities.
KYB Gas-A-Just = Firmer than the factory and will help it handle better. Good mid level shock.
Bilstein Sport = Very firm and good to use if you have or will go to a mono leaf rear spring.
(IMHO the sports and the KYB's are really close)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 838
From: WI
Hey, I was just wondering if anyone ever put NOS style (older) non-gas shocks on their car that would mimic the ride that the car came with from the factory, then put gas shocks on to see what the difference would be? I remember years ago I used to install oil shocks on another 80's car I have, then one day I went to gas shocks and from that time on I could fee every darn tar strip and minor crack in the road. It was annoying. And they were direct replacement gas shocks. Anyone run original shocks or non-gas charged shocks?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 342
Likes: 29
From: vancouver washington
I had kyb gas adjust and with the 330lb new fiberglas vbp rear spring the car was just too bouncey in the rear. Went with bilsteins and fixed the problem. I still have a full set of kyb's with aprox 15000 miles on them, make someone a good deal
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Nashville Tennessee
What about OEM type shocks like the KYB? What about OEM Corvette? Does the gymkhana suspension of the CE make any difference in choice? And then there's the concours question. Does it affect value with aftermarket vs OEM?
Last edited by clandestinerendezvou; Jun 5, 2012 at 06:00 PM.