C3 Shocks
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C3 Shocks
I'm planning to replace the stock shocks on my 1980 Corvette. I've been looking at both Koni and Bilstien. I want to improve the ride but don't want it overly stiff. Does anyone have any recommedations? Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by tpbriggs
I'm planning to replace the stock shocks on my 1980 Corvette. I've been looking at both Koni and Bilstien. I want to improve the ride but don't want it overly stiff. Does anyone have any recommedations? Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
I've used both brands and both Bilsteins. My experience from softest to stiffest:
Koni
Bilstein HD
Bilstein Sports.
For steel springs, for mostly street driving, with adjustability - it's Koni.
For more aggressive driving - HD
For autocross - Sports
Other components such as bushings, spring rates and sway bar sizing should be matched to driving style.
Koni
Bilstein HD
Bilstein Sports.
For steel springs, for mostly street driving, with adjustability - it's Koni.
For more aggressive driving - HD
For autocross - Sports
Other components such as bushings, spring rates and sway bar sizing should be matched to driving style.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Originally Posted by Solid LT1
RCSI shocks from Mid America ride well and are adjustable ($200 for a set.)
Thanks,
Mike
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Originally Posted by flynhi
I've used both brands and both Bilsteins. My experience from softest to stiffest:
Koni
Bilstein HD
Bilstein Sports.
For steel springs, for mostly street driving, with adjustability - it's Koni.
For more aggressive driving - HD
For autocross - Sports
Other components such as bushings, spring rates and sway bar sizing should be matched to driving style.
Koni
Bilstein HD
Bilstein Sports.
For steel springs, for mostly street driving, with adjustability - it's Koni.
For more aggressive driving - HD
For autocross - Sports
Other components such as bushings, spring rates and sway bar sizing should be matched to driving style.
The bilsteins for a similar valving will be a bit stiffer than another shock because of the nitrogen filled chamber to resist foaming.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 9,996
Likes: 0
From: if you have a ? on my avatar, please contact me directly, you spineless twit
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by nastee383
I have KYB's. Been on all 4 corners for years. Not soft but not overly stiff either.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by MN-Brent
KYB Gas-Adjusts -they work great without breaking the bank. I have these on my 82 with FE7 Gymkhana suspension set-up and its a great combo.
Brent...
Brent...
but on my 75 Vert!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
I've been amazed by this before and will say it again, you guys all will spend hundreds on engine parts, interior stuff and what not...but a good set of shocks is considered expensive. These things make or break your car's handing and therefore the joy in driving. I would never install a set of 40$ shocks on any of my cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
I've been amazed by this before and will say it again, you guys all will spend hundreds on engine parts, interior stuff and what not...but a good set of shocks is considered expensive. These things make or break your car's handing and therefore the joy in driving. I would never install a set of 40$ shocks on any of my cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
Originally Posted by Vette-4-Life
i went with the Edelbrock IAS shocks.
I use too have Biltstein Sports but they were too stiff for the roads around here, and I switched to KYB2's. Which ride ALOT better, and still seam to handle fairly good. I'm still trying to find a good compromise between ride and handling, and didn't know if the IAS were good shocks or mostly just "hipe".
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: eaton rapids mi
I have the gymkana suspension with steel spring so i am used to a stiff ride. They are fairly stout shocks but are not unbearable, have no plans to replace them.
Hard to compare them against others mentioned here since i have not experienced them.
Hard to compare them against others mentioned here since i have not experienced them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
I've been amazed by this before and will say it again, you guys all will spend hundreds on engine parts, interior stuff and what not...but a good set of shocks is considered expensive. These things make or break your car's handing and therefore the joy in driving. I would never install a set of 40$ shocks on any of my cars.