Which Bilsteins
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: MONTREAL QUEBEC
Which Bilsteins
1971 350/270 Stock original suspension.
After reading your various posts I have decide to put Bilstein shocks on my vette. I use it as a daily driver and can't determine if the sport or heavy duty is best suited for my application?
After reading your various posts I have decide to put Bilstein shocks on my vette. I use it as a daily driver and can't determine if the sport or heavy duty is best suited for my application?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: MONTREAL QUEBEC
Ok it's unanimous Sport Bilsteins are ordered and I'll have them next week.
I know for sure that they'll be a major improvement over my antique shocks that are on right now. Drives like a see saw when I go over a bump!
Thanks to all.
I know for sure that they'll be a major improvement over my antique shocks that are on right now. Drives like a see saw when I go over a bump!
Thanks to all.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
I was told by the people who sell Bilstein that the Sports shocks should only be used in cars with fiberglass springs and upgraded suspension otherwise use H/D bilsteins. The other recommendation was KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. The KYB and H/D were for stock cars. Anyone familiar with KYB. Bilstein also offers a comfort stock C for stock use.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
I had KYB shocks on my car and they would not control the action of the fiberglass springs. The car was all over the road in turns and it bottomed over bumps. I had the regular KYBs not the GR models. The Bilstein Sports were a tenfold improvement over the KYBs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
I was told by the people who sell Bilstein that the Sports shocks should only be used in cars with fiberglass springs and upgraded suspension otherwise use H/D bilsteins. The other recommendation was KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. The KYB and H/D were for stock cars. Anyone familiar with KYB. Bilstein also offers a comfort stock C for stock use.
I have Sports on an otherwise completely stock 69 suspension and it was like I got a new car! They perform wonderfully.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,502
From: Little Rock AR
I was told by the people who sell Bilstein that the Sports shocks should only be used in cars with fiberglass springs and upgraded suspension otherwise use H/D bilsteins. The other recommendation was KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. The KYB and H/D were for stock cars. Anyone familiar with KYB. Bilstein also offers a comfort stock C for stock use.
The KYB's were aweful on my Camaro with stock springs and poly bushings. They were way too stiff and did not improve anything. I know they advertise a lot but I can honestly say they are not an improvement for any application as far as I can tell. I ripped them off and bought the Bilstein HD's and those were a TON better. Much smoother ride and better cornering. The difference was huge.
The Bilstien Sports were put on the Vette few years after I installed the fiberglass rear spring. The stock shocks were fine with the steel spring but with the 355# fiberglass spring and the stock shocks the rear end felt too soft as compared to the stock front suspension. Kind of a droopy butt syndrome over any kind of bumps in the road. The Bilstein Sports were like night and day better. The suspension feels much more solid and comfortable. The handling is much better too. Now it feels balanced front to rear. They cost a lot but there IS a reason.
No sales pitch - just a testimonial from a very happy Bilstein owner.
-Mark.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Shocks should be compatible with your spring rates for a balanced suspension...The purpose of the shock is actually to dampen the oscillation of the springs.....
Last edited by rihwoods; Oct 10, 2007 at 02:22 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 34
From: Working on the car NY
I have the KYB Gas-A-Just on my '69 which has the stock springs both F&R but it's an A/C car so the front springs are HD. I find them suitable and a VG shock for the money. I always thought (heard) the the Blisteins were wayyy stiff? and when I say that, I think the Gas-A-Just's are pretty stiff. They replaced the Delco HD's I had in there from the late 70's which the guy told me were a "bus spring" - whatever that meant!
Last edited by TWINRAY; Oct 10, 2007 at 03:16 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Memphis TN
I also debated about which shocks to go with. I wanted better handling for my 74 BB coupe but did not want a stiff ride. At the advice of VBP I purchased their adjustable front and rear fiberglass springs, sway bars, and Bilstein Sport shocks kit. I could not be happier with it and the best part is that the RIDE is also much improved. Do not hesitate to get the Bilstein Sports. You'll wish you had done it a long time ago.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: MONTREAL QUEBEC
Remarkable difference between 30 year old antique shocks and these new Bilstein Sports.
I was concerned that they would be too firm but it's like magic; firm on the corners, forgiving on the bumps. I'm very pleased. They should call them Bilsteins Magical Sport Shocks.
Thanks to all
I was concerned that they would be too firm but it's like magic; firm on the corners, forgiving on the bumps. I'm very pleased. They should call them Bilsteins Magical Sport Shocks.
Thanks to all