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Which Shocks for my C3?

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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 02:06 PM
  #21  
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you wont be dissapointed in them.
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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 02:22 PM
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That is what I hear... I cannot wait!!!
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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 05:37 PM
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Just to follow up. I went with the ***** to the wall, expensive, top of the line Bilsteins. I installed them before I took my Route 66 Trip in September of this year. Wow! What a difference. The car seems to sit higher, but overall the handling, ride and comfort is out of this world.

I plan on moving to a fiberglass mono spring and new struts over the winter. This, between the front end I already redid over the spring, and the rear, the shocks, basically the entire suspension, I think I'm going to have the perfect ride.

Cornering and handling was well worth the $400-$500 I spent on Bilsteins. I'm so glad I did, and very happy that everyone here gave input and advice.

Thanks again!!!

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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Mia
Just to follow up. I went with the ***** to the wall, expensive, top of the line Bilsteins. I installed them before I took my Route 66 Trip in September of this year. Wow! What a difference. The car seems to sit higher, but overall the handling, ride and comfort is out of this world.

I plan on moving to a fiberglass mono spring and new struts over the winter. This, between the front end I already redid over the spring, and the rear, the shocks, basically the entire suspension, I think I'm going to have the perfect ride.

Cornering and handling was well worth the $400-$500 I spent on Bilsteins. I'm so glad I did, and very happy that everyone here gave input and advice.

Thanks again!!!
Wow... I just bought a set of Bilstein Sports from Van Steel for $300 for a '63 I'm restoring.

Years back I bought a suspension package from one of the vendors here for my '73 and it came with the KYB's. I was familiar with them so I didn't think I would be disappointed. I autocrossed the car and it performed well for at least three years and about 10k miles. I then decided I really wanted to try Bilsteins so I bought a set and figured I would just donate the KYB's to someone needing a new set of lightly used gas shocks. When I removed the KYB's I discovered that they had lost their gas. They still functioned and were not leaking, and I probably wouldn't have discovered the problem unless I removed them. I just tossed them instead of passing them on.

I have Bilsteins on all of my Corvettes and even put a set on my son's Tacoma. I don't think I've yet had to pay more than $300 for a set, but may have just been lucky. Having said all of that, I don't think you'll be disappointed. There are definitely better shocks available... but none that compare to the value in the Bilsteins.

Oh and a while back someone posted on here that Bilsteins were made in Japan... everyone I have says it is made in Germany...

Good luck... GUSTO
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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Mia
Just to follow up. I went with the ***** to the wall, expensive, top of the line Bilsteins. I installed them before I took my Route 66 Trip in September of this year. Wow! What a difference. The car seems to sit higher, but overall the handling, ride and comfort is out of this world.

I plan on moving to a fiberglass mono spring and new struts over the winter. This, between the front end I already redid over the spring, and the rear, the shocks, basically the entire suspension, I think I'm going to have the perfect ride.

Cornering and handling was well worth the $400-$500 I spent on Bilsteins. I'm so glad I did, and very happy that everyone here gave input and advice.



Thanks again!!!

You can now spend the 10-18k on the paint job!
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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 09:14 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Oldguard 7
You can now spend the 10-18k on the paint job!
Funny. For that money, I could start over again.

BTW, the shocks were $300 ish. I bought some other goodies at the time and the total bill from Mid America was like $400/$500

Sorry for the confusion. In any event, well worth the money. If I recall the rears were easy cheesy, but the fronts required a buddy. One hand to push like hell, and another on top to get the nut on. PITA. Figure the entire job was completed in an hour or two.

And yes, as far as I know, they were made in Germany.
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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 09:25 PM
  #27  
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Bilsteins are by far the best for the money, you are lucky you decided to go with them
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 01:31 PM
  #28  
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Bilsteins, either heavy duties or sports (30% stiffer than HD's), are by far away superior to the others mentioned in longevity, ride, and control. You get what you pay for! I was absolutely astounded on the ride improvement with increased control in my 1994 Mustang GT which rode like a truck before the Bilstein HD's. It went from the worst riding car I have to one of the best for $500 for 6 shocks/struts. Bisteins will transform any C3, just need to decide if you want sports or heavy duties. I have both now with HD's in the front and sports in the rear with the 360 monospring. Awesome ride and handling. I have had GYB Gas A Just in the past and these shocks are a good value for the money but definitely not Bilsteins!!!
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by DVNTST8
I have the KYB Gas-A-Justs and a 330# monospring, also in a 79 L48. I like it.
I've got the KYB Gas-A-Justs on my 92 and just bought a set for my '72 coupe. Nice handling but just a little more forgiving than the bilsteins. I'll be getting a 330# monospring here before the end of the week.
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