Shocks recommendations
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 465
From: Henderson, NV
St. Jude Donor '19-'20-'21-'22
I've been looking at shocks myself for my 72. For my purpose, I will probably go with a simple AC Delco OEM style replacement.
Most vendors sell them as a matched set of 4 for around $160
Most vendors sell them as a matched set of 4 for around $160
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,442
Likes: 967
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I have had AC Delco, Koni Oil, KYB, and currently Bilsteins on my 78 C3 over 40 years and by far, the biggest improvement in ride and handling that was very noticeable are with the Bilsteins..hands down. Bilsteins are quite reasonable in price, come with a lifetime warranty (they used to), and in all the cars that I have used Bilsteins over many years, I have never had one wear out or fail..German quality.
I also use Bilsteins on my 1994 Mustang GT and 2008 Chrysler 300, both applications the Bilsteins transformed the ride and handling. They are simply the best shock/strut you can by at their rpice point..period....
I also use Bilsteins on my 1994 Mustang GT and 2008 Chrysler 300, both applications the Bilsteins transformed the ride and handling. They are simply the best shock/strut you can by at their rpice point..period....
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: Guelph, Ontario
On my 71 base coupe I've used Delco gas shocks, front and rear. work well, not stupid expensive. However they don't last forever. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,442
Likes: 967
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I have rarely had most shocks or struts wear out over 40 years of driving (never with high performance units) but just recently, on my daughter's 01 Grand prix that I replaced OEM struts with Monroe Police/Taxi struts (the only thing I could find with any performance), I had a front strut leak after 20-25,000 miles....Life time warranty BUT replacing the pair is a hassle.......not worth the lifetime warranty for carp parts...
Last edited by jb78L-82; Mar 17, 2019 at 07:34 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,907
Likes: 4,479
From: Virginia
Bilsteins only cost a bit more than cheap shocks. For a stock-ish car, Bilstein HDs. For a stiffer slung car, Bilstein Sports. If you have an unlimited budget, then QA-1 double-adjustables, and the shocks won't be the only thing you change.
Are you sure about that tire size? 255/60R15 is stock for your car.
Are you sure about that tire size? 255/60R15 is stock for your car.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 362
Likes: 11
From: MARSHALLVILLE OHIO
Depends on what your going to do. The Bilsteins are good for racing and autocross. I put KYB on my 79 for street driving and I did do autocross and they performed well enough for me. The biggest help I found was to put a strut brace in as well.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 529
Likes: 113
From: Texas
AC/DELCO
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...041185&jsn=470
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...041185&jsn=469
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...041185&jsn=470
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...041185&jsn=469
Last edited by Gunfighter13; Mar 17, 2019 at 09:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 1,366
Wow. I am amazed that 255/70R15's fit. The biggest on can put on the front of my 68 is 235/60R15....I used to have 245s but they rubbed (barely, but they did).
Here is a size comparison website. That 255/70r15 is quite tall.
https://tiresize.com/comparison/
Here is a size comparison website. That 255/70r15 is quite tall.
https://tiresize.com/comparison/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I too find it hard to believe you can clear 255/70's, especially up front. I'm running 255/60-15's all the way around on my '73 and the left front just touches the frame on full lock turns. Unless your shocks are totally shot, changing to a 225/70 or 255/60 will make more of an improvement in how your car rides than almost any shock you put on it currently.
I do like and use Bilsteins on all of my vehicles and have Bilstein Sports on my '73 convertible currently.
Good luck and do let us know how it works out... GUSTO
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,147
Likes: 1,667
From: Long Island
If you are just cruising, these are the best.
But:
If tracking / sport driving the Bilstein are good.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 1,185
From: Arizona - If you don’t know CFI, STOP proliferating the myths around it...
My 82 has the Gymkhana suspension and I have 255x60x15 all the way around which was stock for mine. I run Bilstein and have run them for over 18 years with no issues. I have these, Bilstein's old part numbers on these shocks was F4-B36-0946-H0 on the front and F4-B46-0956-H0 on the rear. New one is the B6 HD which is for stock spring height cars, the sports are for lowered cars and work the best for that and a stiffer ride. The HDs will not change the ride height of your car and a bit better ride without changing the handling. There were only two stock tires offerd for 82, 225x70x15 and the optional 255x60x15.
Last edited by Buccaneer; Mar 20, 2019 at 12:01 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
I also run Bilsteins and I think they ride much better than AC/Delco or Monroe. My 75 Vert had HD's with a glass spring on the back when I bought it and it was too bouncy for me. No bounce at all with my Sports and the ride is still good. I would go Hd front and Sport rear with the glass spring for cruising.
Mike
Mike