Hello guys I am very interested to hear which shocks you are running on your C3. Thanks for your participation.

Moss

:cheers:

 

I used to run KYB exclusively until I tried Bilseins on my old Pacecar. Night and day diff. If you can afford Bilsteins, buy them. You will not be disapointed.

 

This is "shocking" but I'm running the AC Delcos for now..... :crazy:

 

"Shocking" is the fact that the ORIGINAL shcoks are still on mine. :shocked:

 

I have a LT-1 that I street drive, Autocross (currently running in 1st place in our regional championship) and occasionally Drag race. I have run just about everything in my 16-20 years of Corvette ownership. Konis are good shocks if you don't stupidly "adjust" them, they are set up for the spring rates of the car and the "adjustments" are to compensate for wear over time, they can be "clicked" one or two steps firmer but any more than that will destroy your ride. Bilsteins are really good shocks and are about 85-90% effective in their valving but the rears could be better executed in dampening ratios. The best over the counter track shocks are Bilsteins, if you are track racing you need to get them re-valved by Bilstein and you should request: "Sears Point" valving specifications (re-valving actually costs more than the shocks to preform or, I think Guldstrand still sellls them valved with these specs.) All the above information is assuming you are running with a conventional steel multi leaf spring, fiberglass springs are not well controlled by any shock I have tried, Vette Brakes now even sells a "specially valved" shock for their springs, they may work, I just know for certain the regular valved shocks DON"T! I have run a combiantion Bilstein front/Koni rear and liked that combination but presently run a very old set of Gabriel Stryder shocks that were actually the #1 shock in a 1976 or so Car&Driver magazine Corvette shock comparison (the striders have a 50/50 valving where the Konis and Bilsteins compression/rebound rates are not 50/50. I do NOT like KYB shocks (no expirience with the softer GR2s.) I have hated KYB's since I Autocrossed my 69 Z/28 Camaro an continually fought a very intermittant oversteer condition and finally daignosed it down to my KYBs being anywhere from 1/2 to 3/4" longer than any other shock for that application and they bottomed out and caused the back end to go crazy! I used KYB's on a Vette once and again, they have a really high nitrogen gas charge that actually raised the car and softened the intial spring rate so they were removed and traded for Konis (neither the Bilsteins or Koni gas charged shocks seem to have this effect, only KYBs!) Carrera shocks work fairly well but, of late they seem to have had quality control problems and unlike Konis or Bilsteins they cannot be re-valved or serviced at a later date. Delcos are cheap replacement shocks and will do fine in the stock "crusier" style Corvette looking for a soft ride, don't try them on a open track session! Shock valving will have more of an effect on the Vette's ride and comfort levels than spring rates will, stiff shocks will ride bad! no matter what your spring rate is! Hal shocks offer a adjustable aluminum body shock but, their bodies are very long and the people out there with lowered cars may want to talk to a specialist and get some shorter body shocks from them (really nice design and engineering plus they can be re-valved for special applcations) Mid America has a "specal" on RCSI shocks and I am going to try a set in the comming months and see how they perform, they do not appear to have a gas cell in them but, I like the old hydraulic Konis better than the later units for autocrossing (for open track sessions go with the later gas charged shocks, they will stay more consistent during your lapping session.) The absolute best shocks ever made for a C2-3 Vette are the Koni Double "D" double adjustable shocks with independant compression/rebound adjustors but they are very hard to find, if anyone out there has a set I am VERY interesed in finding some, even if they need a rebuild. I have already given away too many of my speed secrets here, so there you have it!


[Modified by Solid LT1, 10:49 AM 4/23/2004]

 

Just put some Monroe's on my 81 and like them...
It is stock and I do not road race it just normal street driving and they are great for the price...
:steering:

 

I try to use low-pressure gas on stockers (street) and a high pressure on high
performance and off-road, had good luck with most "name" brands

 

KYB front, Monroe rear

 

Edelbrock IAS on ALL my cars.

 

Solid, that is one of the most compehensive reviews of C3 shocks I have ever read on the forum. Honestly, you need to archive that info, so every few weeks or so, when this question comes up, they can read this post and learn everything they need to know. :thumbs:
PS. I agree with you about the KYB's. I will never use them again.


[Modified by Double Aught, 8:37 AM 4/24/2004]

 

Thanks for the compliments! I did omit the newer Edelbrock IAS shocks they may be worth and investigation for C2-3 owners. Has anyone tried the Edelbrocks? Let us know you useage and opinion. Thanks, Eric

 

AC Delco

 

you mean to tell me there are THAT many people buying those expensive Bilstens?

I hear the KYBs have a relatively harsh ride and thats what i want. I don't see any reason to spend more money to get a softer shock. :confused:

 

Thanks once more, Solid.

I agree, this treasure trove of wisdom should be archived on the FAQ.

 

I just picked up a set of Bilstein Extreme shocks (not sure what the Extreme means, but I got a heck of a deal on them). I also have a set of low mileage Koni adjustable shocks I picked up but have not tried. I believe that they are DD's, but I'll have to check. I am going with the Vette Brakes Performance Plus suspension, which is why I decided to go with the Bilstiens (VBP recommends them)

Solid LT1, If I don't use the Koni's I'll let you know.


[Modified by Thumper76, 10:27 AM 4/26/2004]

 

I am running AC DELCO
see.............

 

I'm :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:


:jester

 

KYBs here. Not impressed with them. Wish I could tune them myelf!!

 

Thumper that is the exact reason I started this pole. I have the VP mac performance suspension installed with bilsitens and the ride is very hard. I would like to find an alternative that will soften it up a bit and still be valved for the fiberglass front and rear springs. Thoughts anyone ?

Moss

 

How do those konis adjust? witha **** and holes in the stem or do they only adjust for rebound by removing the bump stop and pressing them in + rotating? If they read classic on the side they are not the DDs...if they are DDs...Congrats to Sold LI1..he will have found what he was looking for.