shock recommendation
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
shock recommendation
I am rebuilding the rear end of my 77 L48. I am told that the rear shocks should extend no more that 14.25 inches. With that in mind is there a better than oem shock that meets that requirement? Your input would be appreciated. Thank you, Jack
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
BILSTINE SPORT all the way....
Sorry, don't want to offend anyone but imho KYB are junk.... and yes I had them on my vett also before the upgrade,,,, although the KYB's are a lot cheeper.
Also if you EVER plan to go to a composite rear spring, you will hate the KYB's then. They do NOT control the bunny hop at all.
read this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...yb-sports.html
Sorry, don't want to offend anyone but imho KYB are junk.... and yes I had them on my vett also before the upgrade,,,, although the KYB's are a lot cheeper.
Also if you EVER plan to go to a composite rear spring, you will hate the KYB's then. They do NOT control the bunny hop at all.
read this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...yb-sports.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,077
Likes: 0
From: westmoreland N.H.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Even the AC Delco gas shocks are better than original hydraulic shocks. For just everyday driving, a common replacement shock will do O.K. If you want good handling and a firm ride, as well, one of the gas shocks would be better. Do you want to pay $25-30 per shock for decent "driver car" functional shocks, or $75-100 per shock for Bilstein heavy-duty shocks?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
BILSTINE SPORT all the way....
Sorry, don't want to offend anyone but imho KYB are junk.... and yes I had them on my vett also before the upgrade,,,, although the KYB's are a lot cheeper.
Also if you EVER plan to go to a composite rear spring, you will hate the KYB's then. They do NOT control the bunny hop at all.
read this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...yb-sports.html
Sorry, don't want to offend anyone but imho KYB are junk.... and yes I had them on my vett also before the upgrade,,,, although the KYB's are a lot cheeper.
Also if you EVER plan to go to a composite rear spring, you will hate the KYB's then. They do NOT control the bunny hop at all.
read this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...yb-sports.html
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Fort Myers, Fl / St. Paul, Mn
I agree the bilsteins are the BEST, but I don't understand everyones hatred for KYBs with Composite springs. I had KYBs on my C4 (factory composite spring) and never noticed this "bunny hop" everyone talks about. I've had C4s with Bilsteins too so it's not like I don't have a comparison. Are the C3 just that different? I'll be finding out once I put my 330lb VBP rear spring in with my KYBs.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
I agree the bilsteins are the BEST, but I don't understand everyones hatred for KYBs with Composite springs. I had KYBs on my C4 (factory composite spring) and never noticed this "bunny hop" everyone talks about. I've had C4s with Bilsteins too so it's not like I don't have a comparison. Are the C3 just that different? I'll be finding out once I put my 330lb VBP rear spring in with my KYBs.
my wife has a saying in Russian, greedy pays twice, and yes this is true. I purchased the KYB's to save a few$$$... Then I purchased the Bilsteins sports for good handling....I payed twice. money wastes on KYB.
now keep in mind, I am very big into performance right now for my C3 in every way, and if you want it to handle anywhere close to a C5 or 6, the shocks are the first start. and its a blast to blow away a C6Z06!!! but you have to have good suspension or you will be all over the place at those high speeds.
now if you are not looking for this, and you just want a cruiser... well.... hmmmm.... to tell you the truth, I still would go with Bilsteins... maybe the HD instead of the sport.... but never ever a KYB again...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
bilstien sports atwww.eshocks.com this is where i bought mine lowest price i've found.
Which would be better for "spirited" driving and nothing more?? I won't be Autocrossing anytime soon!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
KYB Gas A Just on my 78 with the steel F-41 spring were fine but gave a pogo effect with the 360 composite. By far the best shock, price no object, are the Bilsteins-THERE ARE 2 TYPES-Heavy Duties which I have had and Sports which I have also (30% stiffer than the HD's)-Both are great shocks-terrific ride and better control-excellent handling-Over 25 years I have had KYB Gas A Just, Koni oils, AC Delcos, and the Bilsteins-with shocks you get what you pay for-Bilsteins will never wear out and their suspension control is superb with a terrific ride!!
Last edited by jb78L-82; Dec 3, 2009 at 03:04 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
on my 69 427 I have had both bilstein HD and sport but still not happy and sincerely searching for a definitive solution.
7 leaf f41 spring 30 years old ( so not so stiff anymore)
too soft ride with HD , too stiff with Sports (tires tend to jump on road imperfections).
I still don't know if to go for an adjustable pro shock , to tailor the shock stiffness, or go for composite +Sport shocks
the problem seems to me the shocks behaviour. I would need a shock that is soft in the initial compression-rebound, so to have the tires "following" the road ruts and not jumping on them, but that become more and more stiff during hard acceleration, braking, turns.
the Bilstein sports seems to me that are stiff always.
If someone has a solution...
p.s. is QA1 the solution?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HAL-TC1574P/
7 leaf f41 spring 30 years old ( so not so stiff anymore)
too soft ride with HD , too stiff with Sports (tires tend to jump on road imperfections).
I still don't know if to go for an adjustable pro shock , to tailor the shock stiffness, or go for composite +Sport shocks
the problem seems to me the shocks behaviour. I would need a shock that is soft in the initial compression-rebound, so to have the tires "following" the road ruts and not jumping on them, but that become more and more stiff during hard acceleration, braking, turns.
the Bilstein sports seems to me that are stiff always.
If someone has a solution...
p.s. is QA1 the solution?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HAL-TC1574P/
Last edited by elle88; Dec 4, 2009 at 10:04 AM.