Shocking decision. Billstein or KONI
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 553
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From: Northern VA
Shocking decision. Billstein or KONI
Hi All,
I have a 1986 convertible vette with KYB shocks on it. They've been OK but It's time to change them and I don't know whther or not to go with the KONI adjustable shocks or the Billstein Heavy duty shocks. I guess either one will be an upgrade but if anyone definitevly knows the answer PLEASE let me know. Thanks -Lee labib@labib.com
I have a 1986 convertible vette with KYB shocks on it. They've been OK but It's time to change them and I don't know whther or not to go with the KONI adjustable shocks or the Billstein Heavy duty shocks. I guess either one will be an upgrade but if anyone definitevly knows the answer PLEASE let me know. Thanks -Lee labib@labib.com
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
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From: sw Ohio
I have KYB shocks and I hate them, but they came with the car when I bought it. I dont know anything about the KONI shocks, but Bilsteins are pretty good. You also might want to look at Edelbrock's adjustable gas shocks. They're expensive from most places but i've seen them at Jegs for $75 a piece.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Thank-you Lord!!!! There is hope!!!! 
All Konis are adjustable. The Standards (red) have an internal adjustment. The Sports (yellow) are externally adjustable. Unless your going to be on and off the track or driving agressively, the Standards are a good compromise between price and performance. Autocrossers and others like to have the ability to tune the suspension for the road. Here is where the Sports are a good buy.
I have Standards on my 86 and love'em.
All Konis are adjustable. The Standards (red) have an internal adjustment. The Sports (yellow) are externally adjustable. Unless your going to be on and off the track or driving agressively, the Standards are a good compromise between price and performance. Autocrossers and others like to have the ability to tune the suspension for the road. Here is where the Sports are a good buy.
I have Standards on my 86 and love'em.
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
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From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
I've had KYBs, Koni Yellow Sports, and Bilsteins, on my 88 and I prefer the Bilsteins. The KYBs were fine for town, but a bit mushy in the turns. The Koni Yellow Sports were great in the twisties, but just too stiff for use in town even at the softest setting. The Bilsteins are just right in between.
I'm not surprised that JrRifleCoach likes the regular Koni shocks. I looked into the Koni regular red shocks and they appeared to be an excellent choice in the same league as the Bilsteins. The difference in rebound and damping rate of the regular Koni versus the Sport version was significant with a definate edge in favor of the regular version for non-track use. I would have tried them, but they weren't readily available for my 88 Z51 when I wanted to switch. I'd definately go with the regular Koni or the Bilsteins.
I'm not surprised that JrRifleCoach likes the regular Koni shocks. I looked into the Koni regular red shocks and they appeared to be an excellent choice in the same league as the Bilsteins. The difference in rebound and damping rate of the regular Koni versus the Sport version was significant with a definate edge in favor of the regular version for non-track use. I would have tried them, but they weren't readily available for my 88 Z51 when I wanted to switch. I'd definately go with the regular Koni or the Bilsteins.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
I've had the Bilsteins, Edelbrocks, and (currently) Koni Sports.
Bilsteins are not directly comparable to the Koni, either in performance or price.
If you can afford the Koni's ($600set) get them. If you are on a budget, get the Bilsteins ($300).
The Edelbrocks gave me the performance of Monroes at the price of Bilsteins.
They are a pretty shock, though. 
Try these guys: http://www.shox.com/appguide/shoxsho...ctsdisplay.php
Larry
code5coupe
Bilsteins are not directly comparable to the Koni, either in performance or price.
If you can afford the Koni's ($600set) get them. If you are on a budget, get the Bilsteins ($300).
The Edelbrocks gave me the performance of Monroes at the price of Bilsteins.
They are a pretty shock, though. Try these guys: http://www.shox.com/appguide/shoxsho...ctsdisplay.php
Larry
code5coupe
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by Gorilla
Rocco16, I take it you don't think much of Monroe's?
It's all in the application.
I have Monroe's on my truck.
I have Koni's on my Vette.
I ask a lot more of my Vette than I do my truck.
In shocks, as in so much of life, you get what you pay for.
I am of the firm belief that shocks are the single most important component in a car's handling, equalled (and possibly exceeded) only by tires. If I'm going to scrimp, it won't be on my Corvette's shocks.
On my own shoes maybe, but not on my Corvette's shocks. They are too important.
Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Mar 23, 2006 at 05:31 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
The decision may have gotten easier. Per Tirerack site (I'm taking their pics at face value) for your '86, the "red" fronts are available for $100 each, and the "yellow" rear shocks are available for $100 each. That comes to $400 for the set for your car. Not bad at all.
[Koni.na site says the shocks for your car are:p/n 8040 1015 and 8040 1016, frt, and rear. and each is $213.00 per pair.]
[Koni.na site says the shocks for your car are:p/n 8040 1015 and 8040 1016, frt, and rear. and each is $213.00 per pair.]
