Shock Recommendations

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Mar 20, 2019 | 10:00 AM

DaGuvner

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Joined: Apr 2018

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From: North Central IL.

Shock Recommendations

Hey guys. When I rebuilt the suspension on my 76 I went with urethane bushings all around. Cut one coil off front for a nicer rake and went with a VB&P 330 # in rear. KYB shocks all around. The top of the front tires are 1/2 inch below fender arch and rear sits 1-1/4 inches higher than front. Just about right.
The rear composite takes approx 60 - 70 pounds off the rear weight and no spare either. My stroker up front with alum heads, water pump, air gap intake and headers shed close to 100 # of cast iron weight. The rear can get a little bouncy with certain road conditions.

Now, I've heard so much about Bilsteins that I am considering a switch to them. First will it noticeably improve the ride?? What combination would be best, front & rear.

Thanks for opinions.

Mar 20, 2019 | 11:18 AM

MelWff

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It will improve the ride compared to KYB but there are two types of Bilsteins, HD and Sport. Sport is the stiffer shock. Read the link below.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...endations.html

Last edited by MelWff; Mar 20, 2019 at 11:22 AM.

Mar 21, 2019 | 07:21 AM

Rotonda

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Rotonda FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaGuvner

Also, please note that there are 2 different KYP shocks. I originally had the high pressure KYB's (white body) on with a composite rear spring. The rear end was very bouncy and uncontrolled. KYB also makes a low pressure shock that has the option of 2 different valves. One of these is intended for composite springs (with their much lower internal friction damping ) and they work very well at controlling the rear end. They used to be sold by VB&P (no longer in business), but I've seen them lately in other vendor's catalogues.

Mar 21, 2019 | 08:24 AM

resdoggie

Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp

Joined: Mar 2011

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From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DaGuvner

I have almost the exact mods you have stated. I went with QA1's non-adjustable shocks. I don't track my car so the QA1's work great for the street.

Mar 21, 2019 | 08:56 AM

DaGuvner

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From: North Central IL.

Thanks to all for chiming in with your comments. So as far as Bilsteins it sounds like I should consider HD's up front and Sports for the rear. Can someone confirm this for me??

Thanks again.

Mar 21, 2019 | 09:03 AM

pws69

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2001

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From: Eastern US XX

Sports all around for my '69 with otherwise stock suspension. Had them for years and still love them.

Mar 21, 2019 | 09:23 AM

stingr69

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Little Rock AR

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaGuvner

Thanks to all for chiming in with your comments. So as far as Bilsteins it sounds like I should consider HD's up front and Sports for the rear. Can someone confirm this for me??

Thanks again.

yes.

Mar 21, 2019 | 10:32 AM

Bikespace

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Joined: Mar 2017

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From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaGuvner

Thanks to all for chiming in with your comments. So as far as Bilsteins it sounds like I should consider HD's up front and Sports for the rear. Can someone confirm this for me??

Thanks again.

I'm a few garage sessions away from confirming, but yes, that is what I have. 550 lb fronts, Bilstein HD equivalents; 385 lb composite rear, Bilstein Sports. If it turns out I need sports in the front, too, I'll go with QA1 double adjustable, semi-coilover. The rear is just about right, though.

For your lowered front end, though, there may be an advantage to using Sports.

Last edited by Bikespace; Mar 21, 2019 at 10:40 AM.

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Mar 22, 2019 | 06:31 PM

jb78L-82

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Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 7,444

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From: Tennessee/Rhode Island

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaGuvner

Thanks to all for chiming in with your comments. So as far as Bilsteins it sounds like I should consider HD's up front and Sports for the rear. Can someone confirm this for me??

Thanks again.

Yes..HD's in front with my 550 gymkhana springs and Sports in the rear with the 360 composite spring.

I would stay away from any mass market shock such as KYB's, AC Delcos, Monroes, gabriel...all junk which will give you a soft or mushy ride and will wear out prematurely since they are made to be replaced. I have never had a Bilstein wear out on any of my cars in 30 years......Bilsteins are the best value shock for the money out there...

Last edited by jb78L-82; Mar 22, 2019 at 06:32 PM.

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