Shocks
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: toronto ON
Shocks
****Newbie Alert****Newbie Alert****
Ya I'm trying to take on a new hobby, but at least I'm not driving a civic and annoying the **** out of everyone.
I used to have a '99 Z-28 and had to sell when I got my family started. Now I have affordably bought myself some of my freedom and independence back. (too bad the muscle is a little weaker than what I had before). Hopefully that will change in the near future.
I'm planning on keeping the '77 vette I recently got for a long time.
With that being said I am planning on doing things right the first time. I need shocks for the front and back. Can anyone recommend something or should I just go with some Monroes?
Also, how much should I be paying someone to install them?
I managed to replace my sway bar links because they were in worse shape than my ex-girlfriend.
I appreciate any help from you guys.
Thanks,
Strixx
Ya I'm trying to take on a new hobby, but at least I'm not driving a civic and annoying the **** out of everyone.
I used to have a '99 Z-28 and had to sell when I got my family started. Now I have affordably bought myself some of my freedom and independence back. (too bad the muscle is a little weaker than what I had before). Hopefully that will change in the near future.
I'm planning on keeping the '77 vette I recently got for a long time.
With that being said I am planning on doing things right the first time. I need shocks for the front and back. Can anyone recommend something or should I just go with some Monroes?
Also, how much should I be paying someone to install them?
I managed to replace my sway bar links because they were in worse shape than my ex-girlfriend.
I appreciate any help from you guys.
Thanks,
Strixx
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
If money's tight and you don't plan on a 'glass rear spring go with KYB GR-2s. If money's tight and you will improve your ride, KYB Gas-A-Justs. If you want to buy the last set of shocks you'll ever want go with Bilsteins. Monroes and the like are fine for a 1988 Plymouth Voyager soccer-mom van... not a true GT. 10 bolts out, 10 in... install them yourself and impress the neighbors!
Last edited by markids77; Jul 27, 2009 at 09:58 PM. Reason: Can't count bolts after happy hour!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
If money's tight and you don't plan on a 'glass rear spring go with KYB GR-2s. If money's tight and you will improve your ride, KYB Gas-A-Justs. If you want to buy the last set of shocks you'll ever want go with Bilsteins. Monroes and the like are fine for a 1988 Plymouth Voyager soccer-mom van... not a true GT. 10 bolts out, 10 in... install them yourself and impress the neighbors!
I agree. For the money KYB's are the best value. I installed Gas Adjusts two years ago and they ride very nice but with a firm feel and they don't collapse in the corners.
For labor you might go 2 hours at the local rate. I agree if you have basic tools, jack, jackstands etc..then doing it yourself is rewarding and educational.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Monroe Gas-Matic shocks are a fine choice for normal driving. Less than $100.00 for the four. Don't succumb to that "performance" hype. How often do you take a 2G corner. About one hour to install if you have a jack and stands.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
Well, in my opinion, the very best shock you can put on your Corvette is Koni. They are pricey to be sure, but they offer a lifetime warranty and they are adjustable, so as they wear over the years you can stiffen them up to compensate for any wear. You'll probably never have to resort to that as they are made to very high standards.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 14
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
I got the KYB- GR2. I got the slightly different GR2 for the rear that are suppose to be designed for Vettes with the Composite/fiberglass rear spring which I have. I got them from VB and P. They are a soft but stiffer ride than the OEM's that it came with.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Salem MA
Bilstein or Koni are definately the 'right the first time' shocks. Both brands are both 1. awesome and 2. a legitimate upgrade.
anything else works and will feel better much better than old, dead shocks.
I dont think of cost as an issue when it comes to suspension considering how ill-tempered a C3 corvette can be. Any amount of money paid on shocks, bushings, tires, and brakes is money well spent and cheap insurance if you ever drive with spirit.
I use Bilstein heavy duty or sports in every vehicle i own regardless of make or model...
anything else works and will feel better much better than old, dead shocks.
I dont think of cost as an issue when it comes to suspension considering how ill-tempered a C3 corvette can be. Any amount of money paid on shocks, bushings, tires, and brakes is money well spent and cheap insurance if you ever drive with spirit.
I use Bilstein heavy duty or sports in every vehicle i own regardless of make or model...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
I bought Bilstein sports a few weeks ago ( front and rear ) and a composite rear monospring : It makes a huge difference
( I had Delco before )
Pictures here :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...nd-lm-2-a.html
( I had Delco before )
Pictures here :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...nd-lm-2-a.html
Last edited by 73StreetRace; Jul 29, 2009 at 10:26 AM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 683
Likes: 114
From: Hamilton Ohio
I put Bilsteins HD's on mine over the winter to replace the worn out original AC Delcos. Major improvement all the way around.
Firmed up the ride, yet still very comfortable. These, or any of the other shocks being mentioned, would be an upgrade. 
Firmed up the ride, yet still very comfortable. These, or any of the other shocks being mentioned, would be an upgrade.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: WNY
I just installed KYB gr2's all around - they ran 119 for all four from VB&P with the forum discount. They really improved my ride/handling over the horrible worn out set I had before. Its a very easy swap to do with just some basic tools, no reason to pay for it.
If you have to pay for something as simple as having your shocks replaced on one of these cars you should really evaluate taking some time to learn basic mechanic skills.. get a book, tools if you dont have any, and start tinkering. As often as things break on these cars it would cost a small fortune to have a mechanic fix all the little issues.
If you have to pay for something as simple as having your shocks replaced on one of these cars you should really evaluate taking some time to learn basic mechanic skills.. get a book, tools if you dont have any, and start tinkering. As often as things break on these cars it would cost a small fortune to have a mechanic fix all the little issues.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: WA
I just installed KYB gr2's all around - they ran 119 for all four from VB&P with the forum discount. They really improved my ride/handling over the horrible worn out set I had before. Its a very easy swap to do with just some basic tools, no reason to pay for it.
If you have to pay for something as simple as having your shocks replaced on one of these cars you should really evaluate taking some time to learn basic mechanic skills.. get a book, tools if you dont have any, and start tinkering. As often as things break on these cars it would cost a small fortune to have a mechanic fix all the little issues.
If you have to pay for something as simple as having your shocks replaced on one of these cars you should really evaluate taking some time to learn basic mechanic skills.. get a book, tools if you dont have any, and start tinkering. As often as things break on these cars it would cost a small fortune to have a mechanic fix all the little issues.
I was thinking the same thing. If you cannot replace shocks by yourself, you have no business owning an older vette unless you like to throw away money. Shocks are childs play compared to... can anyone say Trailing Arms / Rear Bearings?
Last edited by 71_S-Ray; Jul 30, 2009 at 03:48 PM.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: toronto ON
I should have mentioned that I have to install the new springs as well. I can't do that without the spring compressor-- can I?
Ordered the Bilstein Sport shocks all around. Should I just go with a fiberglass leaf spring or can someone recommend something else?
I really appreciate all of your responses. Remember I admit I am a newbie / rookie but I have no problem learning and getting dirty.
Thanks again,
ST
Ordered the Bilstein Sport shocks all around. Should I just go with a fiberglass leaf spring or can someone recommend something else?
I really appreciate all of your responses. Remember I admit I am a newbie / rookie but I have no problem learning and getting dirty.
Thanks again,
ST