shocks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,930
Likes: 843
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
years ago monroe made a shock called the super 500. basically a street version of there grand national shock. i had a set on my 68 L-88 and it was a great shock, but it sure didn't give a smooth ride.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 11,234
Likes: 2,061
From: Grapevine Tx
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
2016 C3 of the Year Finalist
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I have had Monroes on a 73 Nova SS (rode/handled like a 70's Caddy), AC Delcos/KYB/Bilsteins on the 78 C3, and Monroe Police Struts/Springs (from the 01 Impala's) on my 2001 Pontiac Gand Prix. The Bilsteins are currently on a Mustang GT and Chrysler 300 and they are the only shock, regardless of make of car they are used on, that transformed the ride/handling of the car. Shocks/Struts are like Tires, you generally get what you pay for-there is a reason that KYB GR-2's are $21 and Bilstein's are $75-80 each for a C3. The police Monroe's for my Grand prix were about $100 each-strut/spring assembly- and those Monroes, not a mass market product-are outstanding-great ride-firm but not harsh-oustanding handling-zero wallowing, incredible over crap roads BUT pricey!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Thanks alot all you guys for all your input,It's really nice to know a guy can ask a guestion and get good intelligent answers and not a bunch of smart a$%es like another forum I was on...thanks again...I'll be back
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
I have had Monroes on a 73 Nova SS (rode/handled like a 70's Caddy), AC Delcos/KYB/Bilsteins on the 78 C3, and Monroe Police Struts/Springs (from the 01 Impala's) on my 2001 Pontiac Gand Prix. The Bilsteins are currently on a Mustang GT and Chrysler 300 and they are the only shock, regardless of make of car they are used on, that transformed the ride/handling of the car. Shocks/Struts are like Tires, you generally get what you pay for-there is a reason that KYB GR-2's are $21 and Bilstein's are $75-80 each for a C3. The police Monroe's for my Grand prix were about $100 each-strut/spring assembly- and those Monroes, not a mass market product-are outstanding-great ride-firm but not harsh-oustanding handling-zero wallowing, incredible over crap roads BUT pricey!
If someone has a stock car, and isn't the type of person who likes to 'drive their car hard', then I really don't believe they will see the difference between gas-a-just's and Bilstein's driving their car around town. Both will not need to replace either for a very long time - if ever - so what is the point in paying nearly double, for something they don't really need.
Now, if someone has upgraded their suspension, or likes to push their car hard, then by all means, go with the Bilstein's.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 362
Likes: 11
From: MARSHALLVILLE OHIO
I agree with what you say, but people seem to forget about the KYB gas-a-just shocks. The are around half the price of Bilstein's, will last as long as you have the car, and if the car still has the stock suspension, and is 'normally' driven, offer equivalent performance.
If someone has a stock car, and isn't the type of person who likes to 'drive their car hard', then I really don't believe they will see the difference between gas-a-just's and Bilstein's driving their car around town. Both will not need to replace either for a very long time - if ever - so what is the point in paying nearly double, for something they don't really need.
Now, if someone has upgraded their suspension, or likes to push their car hard, then by all means, go with the Bilstein's.
If someone has a stock car, and isn't the type of person who likes to 'drive their car hard', then I really don't believe they will see the difference between gas-a-just's and Bilstein's driving their car around town. Both will not need to replace either for a very long time - if ever - so what is the point in paying nearly double, for something they don't really need.
Now, if someone has upgraded their suspension, or likes to push their car hard, then by all means, go with the Bilstein's.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
The only caveat about KYB Gas A Just which I have owned with my 78 with a 360 mono spring is that the Gas A just will NOT adequately damper a composite spring. I know from experience and from others who have experienced the constant bouncy in the rear with this shock and composites. I even tried another set of KYB Gas A Just to eliminate the pogoing of the spring to no avail. The Gas A just is ok with steel rear springs and the GR-2's are for the composite. Just for clarification.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 6
From: Jamestown Ohio
I just put on some KYB on mine, with a composite spring out back, it may be awhile till I see how they ride because of the dang snow, there was a set of Bilsteins out back but they have been on there for about 20 years and just sitting in the garage, they have a lot of pressure on compressing them but it takes about 5 min for them to extend fully.