New shocks
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Va
New shocks
I am looking around to buy shocks to replace the bilsteins on my 94.
I have decided to go with either the Monroe SENSA-TRAC or the KYB Gas -A-Just. Anyone having an opinion or suggestion please reply
Thanks
I have decided to go with either the Monroe SENSA-TRAC or the KYB Gas -A-Just. Anyone having an opinion or suggestion please reply
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Can't speak to the SENSA TRAC, but I put a set of the KYB's on my 91 to replace the 89,000 mile Bilsteins (thanks again Howdo) and have been impressed so far. Seems to be a good all around shock for the money. A little stiff for some tastes, but I like feel.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I have a year old set of KYBs sitting in a set of Bilstein boxes in the garage. When I replaced mine a couple years ago I replaced an aged set of Monroe's (yuk) with the KYBs. At the time it was a money factor, but a year later I popped for a new set of Bilsteins. The KYBs were good, but I definitely like the Bilsteins better. I think they have a slight performance edge and I've also noticed with the top out much less twisting of the body.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Jet Jocky said it very well. Monroer arn't all that hot. KYBs are excellent and give you most bang for your buck. Top of the liners are great if you race or drive like you stold it. I am super happy with my KYBs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 14
From: POINT PLEASANT NEW JERSEY
I replaced the Bilsteins on my 87 (they were the originals!!!) with the
AC/Delco Gas Charged shocks. The Bilsteins are a little rough ... wanted to soften up the ride just a Tad without sacrificing the sports car ride. Besides ....she's & I are older now....joints are achin' a little....Also The Delco's are cheaper in price and a a good recommended alternative for My 87.
AC/Delco Gas Charged shocks. The Bilsteins are a little rough ... wanted to soften up the ride just a Tad without sacrificing the sports car ride. Besides ....she's & I are older now....joints are achin' a little....Also The Delco's are cheaper in price and a a good recommended alternative for My 87.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Stockton CA
Just put in some KYBs on Thursday - big improvement over the 19 year old shocks that were in there. I got all 4 for about 120 dollars from Summit. From what I've heard, it's the most bang for your buck. I haven't tried any other shocks, but I'm happy with what I got. 
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington NC
KYBs are definitely the best buy in shocks and I am very happy with them. The longer I left the Bilsteins on my 94 the more I hated them, just too rough. That's after 2 sets of bilsteins too, the originals were on for 6 years, the next set for 3.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I like my KYBs too but I have seen someone post here before that they liked the Sensa-Tracs too. I just cannot remember if it was for ride, handling or both. Incidentally, I removed my front ones today to bolt on a set of drag shocks to do some testing for some upcoming strip time. They've been on for about 20K miles and are still very stout. Nothing on my car gets babied either!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 33
From: Cohasset MN
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
If you get KYB shocks, Summit is the place to buy them, as eboler has stated. I bought mine from Mid America and they were $30 higher. I need to compare prices more.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44,773
Likes: 1
From: 63.8% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Another vote for KYB. If most of your driving is around town and highway type "normal" driving than KYB should do the trick. If you autocross or race than you will need something more. I've had the KYBs on mine for about 3 years and have been very happy with them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Shelby Township Michigan
I replaced the stock Bilstein with the Monroe Sensa-trac shocks based on a recommendation from a fellow vette owner who works in our shop. My complaint was that the ride was so stiff, that I felt like my teeth were going to rattle out of my head. He suggested a softer shock. I had no problem replacing them with new Bilsteins, but he had done the same and said they were fine for the first few months then seemed to be just as stiff. I love the handling portion, but the roads here in Michigan leave a lot to be desired and I have actually had the car jar sideways on me before.
Now, the Monroes are not the best shock in the world. They were an inexpensive experiment. I have only had them on for about 9 months and my car has sat in a garage for the last 3. I will continue to evaluate them for this spring. I do not like the extra little bounce that give. I need a shock that holds the car tight, yet smooths out the ride.
Is there such a thing??
Dino
Now, the Monroes are not the best shock in the world. They were an inexpensive experiment. I have only had them on for about 9 months and my car has sat in a garage for the last 3. I will continue to evaluate them for this spring. I do not like the extra little bounce that give. I need a shock that holds the car tight, yet smooths out the ride.
Is there such a thing??
Dino
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by dino89vette
I do not like the extra little bounce that give. I need a shock that holds the car tight, yet smooths out the ride.
Is there such a thing??
Dino
Is there such a thing??
Dino
Probably not. A shock would have to exhibit two opposite traits at the same time; hard AND soft simultaneously.
Life is a compromise.
Besides, I was taught, and believe, that the ride qualities of a car are primarily dependant upon the spring rates, not the damper rates.
(and don't let someone tell you that the Edelbrock AIS units are your answer. They aren't. ..at least they weren't for me.)
Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Feb 22, 2005 at 10:00 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
Likes: 237
From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by dino89vette
I do not like the extra little bounce that they give. I need a shock that holds the car tight, yet smooths out the ride.
Is there such a thing?
Is there such a thing?
