jgonzo

Hi All, looking to replace stock rear shocks on '82 Corvette. Looking at Bilsteins HD or Sport?? Stock suspension - no Gymkhana. Suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you = Jeff

gbvette62

If your looking for a performance upgrade, it's hard to beat the QA1 adjustables, but if all you need is a stock replacement, I prefer the OEM Delco shocks, part number 530-4.

resdoggie

I have the QA-1 non-adjustable which work great for me and are cheaper than the adjustable type.

Lakeside49

I posted the same question a few months ago and have tracked similar. You'll hear that KYB shocks are good, followed by the Delcos. But, hands down the Bilsteins HD's (some complain of harshness with the Sports) are always the most recommended. So, I ordered a full set before the holidays, painted them black soas to maintain a stock appearance, and will install them when my '82 comes out of hibernation.
That said, the jury is still out. There were/are very few '81-82 owner respondents. Many have tuned their suspensions and most have the steel springs which are harsher than the fiberglass springs. There was one gent with an '81 or 82 who reported high satisfaction with the HD's so I'm going for it with fingers crossed.

JohnRogers

Are 1982 shocks different than other years?

Lakeside49

John, that is a very good question. But, a follow up is, have the aftermarket parts suppliers - and, after 35 years probably Delco - consolidated applications, especially on low volume runs like the `82? Happens daily. I'm in the OE parts & service business.
Your question is very valid

Dave

Bikespace

The Delco parts lookup would know if there is a stock shock difference.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-in-my-c3.html

A non-Gymkhana 1981 or 1982 Corvette would have a composite monospring stock (vs. a multi-leaf steel spring). If the commentary on this forum is any indication, the feel of that spring vs. the steel spring is very different, so perhaps a different shock is called for. I'm looking forward to finding out shortly.

gbvette62

Other than maybe some variations in valving, the same basic shocks were used from 1963 through 1982. There were optional heavy duty shocks offered in some years, as both a stand alone option and as part of the F41 and FE3 suspension packages, but the shocks supplied with the base suspension, were pretty much the same from 63 to 82.

SciVette

I have the same, and have felt them to be a quality upgrade to stock.

rmm82

Put Bilsteins HDs on my 82, loved them. Install a complete set.

Street Rat

Adjustable Koni's here. Wow. What a difference? I love 'em.

golfboy

I have a 1978 Indy Pace Car with the stock rear steel spring. I put Bilstein HD shocks on the car on all four corners and cannot be happier with the result. They improved the ride greatly without being to harsh. I highly recommend them!

Wrecked82

You notice everybody likes the shocks they bought. Is anyone really going to say they did not like the shocks they bought. Unless you test all the shock on your car and can remember the niceties of each, how do you know.

I went with the KYB's, a combo of models recommended by VB&P, if I remember correctly. Did not want to break for the Bilstein's. Satisfied. That is the best answer anyone can give.

Lakeside49

Larry, here you go, forum friend! I don't really like my Delcos. They do work adequatey and have their advantages - and, I go to unnatural acts to keep my car original because I work alongside OE engineers and know that they have the resources to test and fine tune to the extreme - so they are usually spot on with the 360-degree testing, and data to back it up. Period. But, "fine" on an exceptionally amazing car like the C3 isn't going to make the team. That said, I painted them Delco black because I don't want to advertise that I bailed on the OE recommended shocks. And, since that Bilstien color scheme is polarizing I painted them black. I didn't say "offensive" because it is not my intention to offend anyone else's taste in colors located in a prominently visible location - but, seriously in most industries that shade of bright yellow mean's "caution-hazardous", and what's up with baby blue - and, throw in some grey, black and holographic stickers along with it? Just sayin'. :leaving