Does anybody have any opinions to offer on these? Better yet, if you've run them, would you do it again?

 

I have them on my 96, I won't do it again... Stick with the Bilsteins, you'll be more satisfied...

It's hard to explain, but they just don't feel right... I actually thought the car rode better with the 65K mile OEM shocks on it than brand new Sensa-Tracs... It almost feels like the compression is more harsh when I hit bumps with the Monroes... I've used the Sensa=Tracs in the past on other cars and always been satisfied up until this time...

 

Mine has the regular soft ride suspension, and I like the ride it has now. Since I don't take it to the track(at least not yet), and it's getting new tires, alignment, exhaust, etc..., I thought I'd give her new shocks, too(60,000 miles).

Most of my driving is country/highway, so ride comfort is top on the list.

 

I tried them based on a recommendation for a smoother (softer) ride. I found that they caused the car to "bounce" too much for me.

Good luck,
Dino

 

OE shocks ARE Bilsteins. ...and they will be the best bang for the buck in my opinion.

One thing we all need to keep in mind is that shock compression (jounce) and rebound rates need to be tuned to the spring rate on that corner of the car.
A shock that is fine for a '69 DeVille will not be very good for an '84 C4.
I'm not sure that the inexpensive shocks like Monroe or Gabriel have individual valving setups for each individual car/suspension option. I have a feeling that if the shock physically fits the mounts and travel requirements, then that is what shows up on the Pep Boys computer screen. I could be wrong!!

That's why OEM shocks are fool-proof, if expensive; you know they are valved for YOUR car. It's also why adjustable shocks (Koni, QA's) are desireable; you can adjust them to do what you want, then continue to adjust them as they wear (as all shocks will do).

Someone said that Edelbrock's are "adjustable gas shocks". Just to set the record straight, they are not adjustable in the classic sense, i.e. you cannot change the valving. They do claim to be "automatically adjusting" which is a catchy way of saying they have a pressure relief valve built into the valving that gives the shock two circuits; soft and firm, as they say. I say it's soft and softer.
Shocks: one of my pet subjects.

Larry
code5coupe

 

Thanks, Larry.


I knew that. Actually printed out the suspension spec's months ago.
(courtesy of Hib Halverson, on Corvette Action Center) That's what happens when I type before I think. Got carried away there for a minute. Thanks for setting me straight.

 

I have had the sensa-tracs on for 5000 miles, and will be going back to the bilsteins very soon. Like posted above, the sensa-tracs just don't feel right.

 

I just put new sensi tracs on my 84,and I like them! They give a nicer ride than those "stage coach" shocks,I don't do the "daytona 500" ,or the drag strip burning,or race at all for that matter.I find they give good control for a person who drives like I do. That's just my opinion

 

JUNK! Sorry to say it but true! I have Edelbrock now but Bilstein is factory and what some seem to be happy with . There are others like KYB that would be better than sensa junk!

 

I have the Monroe struts on my Buick Lesabre(all 4 are struts, no shocks) and they have a very cushy ride. I'm sure its probably different for a sports car though. And yes those 4 struts were not cheap, like $600 in parts.