I will be purchasing new shocks for my 77. No drag or racing...street car. Can anyone make any suggestions/recommendations? Thanks.
Todd

 

I think Bilstein ad KYB are your only real choices. I've been very happy with my Bilsteins.

 

Went with Bilstein Sports by the way. Plenty of debate on here regarding the differences between Sport and HD, but mine handles very well and isn't too harsh for my taste.

 

If you have or ever want the composite fiberglass rear spring Bilstein is a good choice.

 

I will install Bilstein Sport next week. Always get the best shocks you can afford.

 

Just recently switched from KYB's to Bilsteins only because I got them for free from a club member.....I still have the KYB's and will sell them if you are interested...They only have about 1,400 miles on them...

mk's78
Mike

 

I'd be curious what you thought about the change in ride and handling characteristics after that switch.

 

Regular shocks would work for you. Delco or Monroe. KYB would be a step up.

 

I don't see a whole lot of change...At my age (70) and my 78 not being a daily driver....I only took the B's because they were free

mk's78

Mike

 

Recently did front & rear end suspension overhauls...I mean EVERYTHING
redone!
Used Bilstein HD in front (got new coil springs same time) & Bilstein Sport in
rear suspension (went w/ composite rear spring).....car had stock Gymkhana
suspension, so I chose these components to maintain as close to original
suspension as the Gymkhana was....rides real nice...not harsh at all...a whole
different ballgame w/ the rear & front totally rebuilt!!

 

Todd, If your looking for a shock to fit in the OEM location, here at Ridetech, we offer our Smooth Body line of shocks. The HQ Series Smooth Bodies are Single Adjustable Monotube Shocks with a 1,000,001 mile warranty. The single adjustable units will allow you to dial in the ride to your liking. If you want to do some 'spirited" driving, add a few more clicks and go.

A Monotube has a larger piston than a standard twin tube, this provides better control of your suspension. Just like an engine, the bigger the piston, the bigger the power. A shock is no different, the bigger the piston, the better the suspension control. A Monotube moves the piston through the oil. The piston has a shim stack on each side of it that is used to tune the shock to a specific shock curve. A twin tube has a base valve that it moves the oil through. It has to compress the oil before it starts moving, this creates impact harness. Also, moving the oil through the shock creates more heat, as the oil heats up it causes shock fade. Shock are the "brains" of your suspension. The spring holds the car up, but the shock controls the spring. The better you control the spring, the better the car will ride and perform.
We have done a lot of testing to establish the valving in these shocks and I am confident that they will perform to your liking on the street. The adjustment will allow you to dial them in to your liking. Everyone's interpretation of ride quality is different, what one person likes another might not. I attached a link to our C3 Smooth Bodies so you can check them out.
http://www.ridetech.com/store/1963-1...m-level-1.html
Rodney

 

Same here many years ago - stunning improvement and great ride.

 

Bilstein's

 

For myself it came to what I wanted to spend, I went with KYB gas adjust shocks which replaced the 36 year old original shocks. Added a spreader bar, rides and handles well enough to suit me.

 

I have had KYB's on my '79 for years and they have been great. And you can't beat the price.

 

QA-1 stocker star non-adjustable.

 

If you plan on keeping the car for many years, go with Bilstein Heavy-Duty shocks all-around. If you may sell the car in a few years, purchase and good brand of gas-shocks for your car. Hydraulic (only) shocks are outdated.