What shocks do you recommend?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Tatum Texas
What shocks do you recommend?
I would like to buy a set of shock for my weekend driver. It is a 82 with a 350 crate motor and TH350 trans and most everything else is stock. What would be a good set to buy and how much should I pay?
Charles
Charles
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Any gas shocks will be suitable for normal street driving. Monroe and Delco sell some for C3's. Better shocks will cost more: Koni, KYG, etc. Billsten's are very good, but cost significantly more ($80-90 each). Then there are racing shocks which cost much more. Your best prices will be found over the internet, but you will have shipping costs to pay, as well. Some sites may have some "Free Shipping" sales.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Lincolnton NC
I bought Bilsteins because they are supposed to last forever. Let me save you time and money that I wish someone would have helped me with:
They have 2 types, standard and heavy duty. One site that sold them only recommended HD if you were racing. So I bought the std, and they are as soft as a marshmello. I regret not knowing enough to get the HD's, which would have been perfect for my driving style. (they are apparently only 30% stiffer that the marshmellos that I am driving on.
They have 2 types, standard and heavy duty. One site that sold them only recommended HD if you were racing. So I bought the std, and they are as soft as a marshmello. I regret not knowing enough to get the HD's, which would have been perfect for my driving style. (they are apparently only 30% stiffer that the marshmellos that I am driving on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
For just cruising get Delco or Monroe...excellent quality and reasonable cost. For more spirited driving get Edelbrock IAS shocks...a bit pricey but you won't find better for the purpose.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Bilstein sells 2 types: Heavy Duties and Sports for the C3. The Sports are 30% stiffer as mentioned above and I have had both on my 78 which has the sport suspension, F41/gymkhana. Your ride will depend on what type of springs you have front and rear, the spring ratings and whether you have a steel or composite rear spring. All 82's had a composite rear spring but they were very soft, about 200lbs per square inch, I believe. My 78 has a 360 monospring in the back with 550 springs in front and the Bilstein HD's gave a great ride, not mushy, but I switched to Sports in the rear since I wanted a stiffer ride but it still rides real nice with the Sports in the rear only. Bilsteins are a terrific shock and head and shoulders above others I have had including OEM Delcos, Koni oils not gas, and KYB Gas A Justs. I have Bilstein HD's as well on a 1994 Mustang GT Convertible and they transformed the ride while improving the handling as well!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 719
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Bilsteins for me
I put the std Bilsteins on the 76 which is a weekend cruiser for us.
Ride is very good and unfortunately I have got to say smoother than the 93 C4 I had. I would have never guessed that by the way.
I paid around $250 for them over the internet I think.
Ride is very good and unfortunately I have got to say smoother than the 93 C4 I had. I would have never guessed that by the way.
I paid around $250 for them over the internet I think.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
Same choice for me. Bilstein Sport & composite monospring is a great combo.
With the stock steel leaf spring, Bilstein HD is a good choice too.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
From: Muskegon MI
I agree, most any gas shock will do. Also, in agreement with those above, the Bielsteins are a good choice to match a composite spring. We have offered the plain jane Monroe gas shocks for $60 per car set for a long time, and the are a quality shock at a great price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I agree, most any gas shock will do. Also, in agreement with those above, the Bielsteins are a good choice to match a composite spring. We have offered the plain jane Monroe gas shocks for $60 per car set for a long time, and the are a quality shock at a great price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
His 82 most likely came with a 200# rear fiberglass spring. A Delco shock will work fine for a weekend cruiser.
MattP51
There is a 10% difference between the HD's and Sports.
MattP51
There is a 10% difference between the HD's and Sports.
Last edited by Van Steel; Nov 17, 2009 at 05:19 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 683
Likes: 114
From: Hamilton Ohio
I put 4 HD Bilsteins on my 81 this past winter as my original equipment shocks were toast. Rides nice and smooth with just enough firmness. Bought them on ebay from thepartsladie for $275.00 delivered.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Whichever shock you decide to go with, make sure you choose one that has a lifetime warranty. I bought my '72 in 1973, and almost every replacement part I've used has a lifetime warranty. You should see the look on the dealer's face when I go for a replacement. Of course, this only makes sense if you plan on keeping your car for a while because the upfront cost is a little more.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 175
Likes: 11
From: Omaha ne
would go with KYB's, or bilsteins. Monroes and I have not had good experiences. If your on a budget,
A better choice IMO for a low budget shock is Gabriels available at Autozone
A better choice IMO for a low budget shock is Gabriels available at Autozone
Last edited by TJP440; Nov 17, 2009 at 09:39 PM.
