Shock advice, please
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
Shock advice, please
Just changed out my rear 300 lb (VB&P) composite rear spring to a Hyperco 200 lb composite spring, to improve the ride and adhesion. I'm not 22 any more. Heck, I'm not even 52 any more.
At any rate, while I had everything apart, I discovered that my tried and true (maybe 20 years old!) Delco Gas Cushioned Performer shocks were leaking.
I went to the parts counter, and they don't make that particular shock any more. The replacement available today is not the same.
Somebody told me try the Bilstein Sport, but they are a bit pricey.
What's the good shock today, for this spring?
At any rate, while I had everything apart, I discovered that my tried and true (maybe 20 years old!) Delco Gas Cushioned Performer shocks were leaking.
I went to the parts counter, and they don't make that particular shock any more. The replacement available today is not the same.
Somebody told me try the Bilstein Sport, but they are a bit pricey.
What's the good shock today, for this spring?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,333
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Using the KYB shocks myself. Changed fronts last year, doing the rears this winter.
VB&P have a "special" KYB made for mono-leaf springs (I actually just bought a set from a forum member) that are supposed to be matched for the composite spring.... I'm not sure how much that matters on the street but that's what I ended up with.
Mooser
VB&P have a "special" KYB made for mono-leaf springs (I actually just bought a set from a forum member) that are supposed to be matched for the composite spring.... I'm not sure how much that matters on the street but that's what I ended up with.
Mooser
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
I installed Koni's all around. But I figured I'd probably live long enough to be able to utilize their 'adjustable for wear' feature. Their tech line is open every week day. I'm sure they could answer your questions.
KONI North America
1961 A International Way
Hebron, KY 41048
Phone: 859-586-4100
KONI North America
1961 A International Way
Hebron, KY 41048
Phone: 859-586-4100
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
don't get the KYB's with a composite spring... I had the "special" KYB's also, they absolutely do NOT have the ability to properly control the rebound in that spring. Been there one that... if you don't like the ride of the Sports, get the Bilstien HD's...but never KYB's...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
No reason to put stiffly valved shocks on such a softly sprung car, so if you go with the Bilstein, I'd opt for HD's rather than the Sports. FYI, ride comfort and high-performance handling tend to reside on opposite ends of the bar/spring/shock spectrum.
TSW
TSW
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
I got Bilsteins Sports with what I believe is a 355 TRW spring and the ride is good but I was thinking of going for something a bit less stiff. I didn't know there was a 200# spring avail. Got a link??? Or where did you get them?
For a 200 spring I would think any good quality gas shock would do.
For a 200 spring I would think any good quality gas shock would do.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
I just purchased bilsteins from Van Steel and he said the HD's are discontinued. He also said the rebound rate was only about 10% difference between hd's and sport.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
I got Bilsteins Sports with what I believe is a 355 TRW spring and the ride is good but I was thinking of going for something a bit less stiff. I didn't know there was a 200# spring avail. Got a link??? Or where did you get them?
For a 200 spring I would think any good quality gas shock would do.
For a 200 spring I would think any good quality gas shock would do.
The stock multileaf steel spring has so much interleaf friction that it is, to a large degree, self damping. So the shock designed to work with that steel spring has a bit of an "easier time" of controlling it. The composite spring can be quite bouncy with the wrong shock- you need to find a shock with a lot of rebound resistance.
The next step up in stiffnes for the composite springs are the Vette Brake's 300#. Hypercoil also makes a 315# and a 330#, if I recall correctly. Changing the spring rate on only one end of the car will also change the understeer/oversteer balance, as well as effecting the ride and adhesion.... .
You can wind up chasing your own tail, if you are not careful and thoughtful.
Last edited by gcusmano74; Nov 25, 2011 at 09:42 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Only 10%? Wouldn't have thought they'd be that close. Still, I can't see putting stiffer shocks on a car where soft ride is the primary goal. If they're no longer available I guess the old HD's I have stashed away might become worth having saved afterall.
