Bilstein or Koni
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 87
From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Bilstein or Koni
I've had Bilsteins on numeous other (german) cars but Koni's were historically popular on these cars.
I'd like to hear some opinions.
Setup:
1972 BB stock front springs, fiberglass rear. KYB right now but a bit too soft for me
Thanks!
I'd like to hear some opinions.
Setup:
1972 BB stock front springs, fiberglass rear. KYB right now but a bit too soft for me
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
I, just recently, installed a set of Koni at all 4 corners. They ride a little softer and smoother than the Bilstiens I had on. So far, I have been well pleased.
Last edited by vetteguy75; Sep 9, 2005 at 10:22 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Bilsteins are lower priced but, come in 2 versions HD and "Sport". Konis ride well if you leave them at the default settings and don't screw them in as the adjustments are rather drastic and meant to allow for long term useage (need adjustment every 80-100K miles.) Many people who complain about Koni harshness have turned their dampnening rates sky high through ignorance of the Koni adjustment system. Haven't heard much feedback on Edelbrock shocks but, I like my RCSI shocks from Mid America and the can be tuned to ride really well and dampnening turned up for the track. I HATE! KYB shocks and won't run them on any Vette I work on, my humble opnion.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 1
From: Edinburgh
Originally Posted by flynhi
What shocks do you guys recommend for front and rear composite/fiberglass springs?
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Originally Posted by art-corvette
dunno about the bilstein.. but i was thinking about the koni and was told the vendor (VBP) of my monospring gives the advice to use the ACDelco shocks.
art-corvette
art-corvette
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
At the suggestion of VB, I'm currently using KYB-GR2s which are fine for my composite springs at speed on smooth roads but way too stiff on irregular city streets.
Are you recommending the red Konis that adjust by rotating the steel center shaft or the Koni with the adjusting **** on the side?
Are you recommending the Bilstein HD or Sport?
Thanks.
Are you recommending the red Konis that adjust by rotating the steel center shaft or the Koni with the adjusting **** on the side?
Are you recommending the Bilstein HD or Sport?
Thanks.
Last edited by flynhi; Sep 9, 2005 at 09:27 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
If you OR anyone else is interested I have (for sale) a set of (almost) brand new single adjustable Koni`s they appear new but have about 50 miles on them, I got them from C/F member Twin Turbo, these are made in Holland by Koni opposed to the ones you can buy here made by ITT. I paid him $300 and want $300....interested parties SHOULD e-mail me direct!! redvetracr@msn.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
The KYB shocks are inexpensive and "sufficient" for a "normal" driven car...
I recently sold my KYBs because they were too soft for my taste, I installed the 550lbs VBP springs and four Bilstein HDs - a huge improvement (now I need a stiffer rear spring
)
Unless you want to race the car and fine-tune the suspension I don't think it's necessary to spend the extra $$ for the Konis.
I recently sold my KYBs because they were too soft for my taste, I installed the 550lbs VBP springs and four Bilstein HDs - a huge improvement (now I need a stiffer rear spring
)Unless you want to race the car and fine-tune the suspension I don't think it's necessary to spend the extra $$ for the Konis.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,737
Likes: 837
From: Gulf of America
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
I originally had KYB's on my '72. I took them off after 1,000 miles because I found them to be too soft. I installed the Koni's and have been very happy with them. I like the fact that they are adjustable allowing you to fine tune them to your suspension. However they have to be removed to adjust them (easier). There are other brand shocks now avilable that can be adjusted on car.
