1982 Vette - replace rear shocks
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 63
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From: Montgomery County PA
1982 Vette - replace rear shocks
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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
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.
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
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
Your question is very valid
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 4,495
From: Virginia
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.
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.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,652
Likes: 3,110
From: Shamong, NJ
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.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 195
Likes: 22
From: Ellenton, Florida
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!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
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.
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
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.
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.
Last edited by Lakeside49; Mar 18, 2018 at 10:08 PM.