Shocks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 316
Likes: 10
From: Beavercreek Oh
The car currently has Gabriel shocks from Pepboys. They are about 20 years old. I believe they used Bilstiens on the later model vettes. I used to own a GMC Syclone... It had Bilstiens and rode great!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,028
From: eastern NC
Good luck... GUSTO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 949
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Go with Bilsteins as others have stated and don't waste your money or time on cheap mass market shocks.
I have Bilsteins on my 78 C3, Specially valved Doug Rippie Motorsports Bilstein Sports on my 10 C6Z06, my 08 Chrysler 300, and my 94 Mustang GT 5.0 V8....My Wife's 2016 Audi Q has Bilsteins from the factory.
I would get them for my 12 Lexus IS350 F sport but they are not needed yet with so low mileage on the OEM struts.......The F Sport shocks from TRD are you guessed it, specially valved Bilstein Sport shocks/struts........
I have Bilsteins on my 78 C3, Specially valved Doug Rippie Motorsports Bilstein Sports on my 10 C6Z06, my 08 Chrysler 300, and my 94 Mustang GT 5.0 V8....My Wife's 2016 Audi Q has Bilsteins from the factory.
I would get them for my 12 Lexus IS350 F sport but they are not needed yet with so low mileage on the OEM struts.......The F Sport shocks from TRD are you guessed it, specially valved Bilstein Sport shocks/struts........
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jun 17, 2018 at 07:38 PM.
Pro Mechanic
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,905
Likes: 1,440
From: South-Central Coast California
I have a VB composite spring on my 71 and I have Bilsteins on the car.
Keep in mind that when you go to a plastic rear spring, because you loose the damping inherent with a leaf spring, you have to use a more aggressive than stock rear shock.
If you go with Bilsteins use the "standard" ones not the ones with "Sport" valving.
Keep in mind that when you go to a plastic rear spring, because you loose the damping inherent with a leaf spring, you have to use a more aggressive than stock rear shock.
If you go with Bilsteins use the "standard" ones not the ones with "Sport" valving.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Bilstein!
I know you got plenty of info on this and probably made up your mind, but on my way home today from a car show I actually paid attention to the Ride on a very uneven road and for once was very satisfied I took the Bilstein HD route!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
I like the Bilsteins too, but I like the Sport better than the HD. The HD were too bouncy for me on the back with a fiberglass spring. You could go Sport on the back and HD on the front. That would give you a good ride and control the bounce from the glass spring.
Mike
Mike
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 119
Likes: 5
From: Spain
I regret a bit not getting QA1 adjustables so I can fiddle with them if I'm not satisfied...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 316
Likes: 10
From: Beavercreek Oh
What rear spring are you running?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,423
Likes: 1,458
From: Little Rock AR
The sport shocks are a better match to the higher spring rate fiberglass springs. If you have the 360 LB spring, the Bilstein Sport shocks are excellent. The softer rate fiberglass springs can use the Bilstein HD shocks. HD's shocks on the front with the standard factory coil springs.
Do not fear the high rate fiberglass rear springs with the right shocks. They do not ride as rough as you would expect. It is very smooth.
Do not fear the high rate fiberglass rear springs with the right shocks. They do not ride as rough as you would expect. It is very smooth.
Last edited by stingr69; Jun 19, 2018 at 12:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 316
Likes: 10
From: Beavercreek Oh
I am running the stock front coil springs. Sounds like I will see much improvement with the HD’s on all four corners. I like the way my car currently sits also, don’t want to start readjusting things. I’m running 17” wheels in front and 18”s in rear. No rubbing and it drives straight as an arrow.