shocks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 226
From: PA
shocks
More years ago than I like to remember, I did a full restore/mod on the rear suspension on my 80 L82. This included a composite spring and single adjustable QA1 shocks. I am finally getting to the front suspension. The question on the shocks is whether it is worth going with QA1's again or would a set of Bilstein 6 shocks.
I have found I almost never change the setting on the QA's for my style of driving except out of boredom. The extra $200 for a pair of the QA1's is not a big deal in the greater scheme of owning a vette. But if their is not a significant benefit I would prefer not to spend it.
I have found I almost never change the setting on the QA's for my style of driving except out of boredom. The extra $200 for a pair of the QA1's is not a big deal in the greater scheme of owning a vette. But if their is not a significant benefit I would prefer not to spend it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
Likes: 4,507
From: Virginia
I have the Bilstein HDs (6) in the front of my 80. I really wish I had sprung for the QA-1 double adjustable semi coil-overs at the time. I have the parts, and I'm hoping to fix that this summer.
But I have 550 springs. On stock springs, Bilsteins should be fine. They are mostly fine for me, too.
But I have 550 springs. On stock springs, Bilsteins should be fine. They are mostly fine for me, too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I have had Bilstein HD's in front for over 20 years now with 550lbs springs, 1/2 coil shorter, along with Poly upper and lower control arm bushings in stock arms, 1 1/8 OEM factory Sport sway bar with poly bushings, endlinks and mounting, and Bilstein Sports in the rear with a 360 composite monospring(since 1986) along with an OEM type 3/4 inch rear sway bar (in place of the factory 7/16 bar) with competition adjustable heim jointed strut rods.
Honestly, I have yet to find a C3 that rides as well as mine with the handling of the above components..it is that good.........
Honestly, I have yet to find a C3 that rides as well as mine with the handling of the above components..it is that good.........
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,046
Likes: 675
From: FL
Here is some good info from Van Steel.
https://www.vansteel.com/blogs/news/...-vs-oil-filled
Consideration include the ability to adjust front shocks due to coil spring interference. For the rears, once you get past 330-360# rear springs, adjustable shocks really shine to help match the higher spring rates.
https://www.vansteel.com/blogs/news/...-vs-oil-filled
Consideration include the ability to adjust front shocks due to coil spring interference. For the rears, once you get past 330-360# rear springs, adjustable shocks really shine to help match the higher spring rates.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 226
From: PA
Thank-you all for the information. As the rear spring on my car is a 360 lb, non adjustable in the front should be fine. And as noted by Steve, adjustable shocks in the front could be a non starter with stock coil springs. I did find that Van Steel has a QA1 non adjustable shock that is modified for a more sport ride than the standard. But I need to get with them to confirm that. Price is about $15 more than the stock QA1 non adjustable.