I'm fixing to buy a set of blistens for my vette. My question is sport or hd and why? Thanks in advance.
Blue.

 

If you have, or ever plan to have a VB&P composite rear spring, they recommend a specific set of Bilsteins that's designed to work with the characteristics of their spring. Aside from that, Bilstein or one of their retail suppliers should be able to help you decide what's best for how you plan to use your Vette.

 

If you like tweaking things, the Koni adjustable shocks are just a little bit more but you can set the rebound to your liking.

 

thanks for the replys. yes I have a composite spring, so I'll take a look at vette brakes web site.

 

The computer designed shock for their composite spring is a KYB GR-2 (VBP218). They work very well. I do not have experience with Bilsteins.

 

I just put on a set of the HD's and what a difference.
I guess the Sports are supposed to be 30% stiffer than the HD's.

 

I have a 360 VBP monospring on my 78 since 1986 replacing the gymkhana/F-41 7 leaf steel spring that came with the car. I have had KYB Gas A Just and Bilsteins in the rear over that time (both HD's and Sports-30% Stiffer than the HD's). Both the Bilsteins (HD/Sports) will be a BIG improvement over most shocks including the KYB's GR-2's which IMHO are a mass market shock that are just too soft for a C3. The Bilsteins are GREAT but the HD's with my 360 spring were a tad too bouncy for me with my 360 spring so I bought a set of rear Bilstein Sports and installed them in the rear only and have HD's in front with my 550 springs-Perfection!. The ride is still great but slightly stiffer in the rear. The car handles great and feels really planted on the road. If it was me, the choice is easy: If you like a slightly softer ride go with the HD's (they are still stiff) but if you are looking for the ultimate sport ride that you can get in a C3, go for the sports.

Although I never had the GR-2's on the vette, I did have a full set on my 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix and hated them-way too soft, softer than the AC Delcos. I recently replaced all 4 struts with 2001 Impala POLICE struts and springs. Tranformed the ride (good) and handling. You can figure my preference from that example.

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks jb!

 

My SB '71 coupe has a composition spring in back and I installed Bilstein HD's all-around. Having done so, I think it would have been better to put HD's on the front and Sports on the back. As is, the rear is a little spongy when going over some 'significant' bumps.

 

Awesome thanks for the info.

 

I have VBP adjustable composite springs front and rear with Bilstein Sports. I have Bilstein HDs on my SUV.

 

SPORTS on all 4

 

How do you like the ride?

 

love it.... i hate a spongy ride,,, but its soft enough not to bust my teeth out...

 

Cool thanks Paul.

 

funny you should ask, I just got a vbp 360 spring and the bilstiens are on back order so they gave me a deal on the qa1 shocks. you can tell they are high quality when you take them out of the box , they are going in this week

 

Nice! I'm ordering blisten sports. You should post back with a review on your suppension set up.

 

I have that combo on my '69. Overall, it's just about what I want for my Vette. I had QA1s before I put the VB&P 360 spring on. That spring replaced the F41 spring that I had run for 20+ years. The 360 is a firm spring but it absorbs smaller bumps and ruts a good bit better than the F41 did. I have the QA1s set a couple of clicks softer than the medium setting. There's more to go but I'm happy with it as is. Firmer would be good for canyon carving on a smooth road.

 

if someone doesn't have the bilstiens in stock they won't get them, they have been saying next month for a few now.

 

I was planning to call summit in the morning, I guess well see.