I want to replace the shocks on my 1988. Looking at the bilsteins. Currrently have KYB's, which were on the car when I purchased it. Looking more for ride than performance. I can't seem to determine what suspension I have. I have no labels on console door, door jam, springs, etc. I have 17" tires, but again, these were on the car when I bought it and don't know if they were stock. I believe it is a base coupe, but want to be sure before I take the plunge. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

your RPO code listed on the Service Parts Identification label will hold the answer.

It is a white label in the center armrest (underside) - open it up and see if you have Z51 or Z52 which would indicate for sure it came with Bilsteins.

Code FG3 was for Bilsteins, by themselves - I hope this helps

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...88/88prod.html << this link gives the 1988 codes & production for each

 

My sheet is under the console lid-surprised it's still there after so many years. As far as shocks go, I'll probably replace the Bilsteins with KYBs, I don't like the stiffness of the Bilsteins.

 

...there are of course, different Bilsteins you know, right??

 

Maybe so, but for the $$$$$$$$ I'll go with the KYBs, most guys using them like them, if you're doing cross country, then Bilsteins have the advantage-softer ride KYBs.

 

If youre looking for a more civilized shock try the Edelbrock IAS. THe KYB's are pretty stiff, trust me. One reason why I carry a screwdriver in the 89

 

As I said, my console must have been replaced and doesn't list the rpo codes. Am I screwed????? I will be looking into the edelbrocks though.....

 

88 base suspensions had the 16" wheels, base steering rack(2 & 1/3 turns lock to lock), 1 radiator fan, and no oil cooler.....

The Z-52 suspension had the 17" wheels, the second radiator fan, the engine oil cooler (spacer above the oil filter w/ cooling lines running from it) and the quick ratio steering (2 turns lock to lock)....In addition the front swaybar was 26MM....

The Z-51 suspension had all of Z-52 & upgraded the swaybar to 30MM and the front rotors to 13"...In addition Z-51 was only available w/ manual trans......

 

- besides having to cut the front shocks off, I thought the car rode like a brick with the Bilstiens. I have the Z52 suspension. I got a set of shocks from Auto Zone for $20ea, & the car rides great. I think they are Gabriel Gas Riders, if I remember right.

 

I've had both, and the Bilsteins are 100x better when it comes to high-speed cornering. If you want a soft ride, buy a Buick.

 

I have KYB's in the front and Bilsteins in the rear. Good combo for me.

 

The fx 3 in mine is way tight and rides hard......I don't care, but if I were planning on putting some real miles on it, about 2 or so hours is all I can stand, I've gotten soft in my old age

 

vetteboy88, don't you just love it when you post "I have no labels on console door, door jam, springs, etc." and the first reply you get says to look at the label under your console door?

If you go to the Corvette Museum web page https://store.corvettemuseum.com/ser...buildsheet.asp you can order a build sheet and original window sticker for your Vette using your VIN. With the build sheet you will have all RPO codes for your Vette as it was built at the factory. Both the build sheet and the window sticker have the RPO codes, but the build sheet has more GM internal plant info about your car.

I've had KYB, Koni Sport, and Bilstein Z51 on my Vette and I prefer the Bilsteins over the others by a wide margin. That is my personal choice however. You said you were "Looking more for ride than performance." Stick with the KYB then. Much softer and more "cushy" than the Bilsteins. Cheaper to replace too.

A lot of the ride quality is due to the tires. Ask around about the best riding tires currently available and look into improving your ride quality that way too. I replaced my GSCs with Firestone FireHawks and the ride and perfromance both improved. You don't have to give up ride quality for performance when it comes to tires.

 

FWIW, Besides the wheels, you can't really tell what suspension you have by the other components on your car.
My '85 has dual cooling fans, 3.07 rear end, oil cooler, etc... but it's not a Z51.

There is usually a build sheet attached to the gas tank, if you didn't check there.

In any case... I put KYB's on mine a while ago, and I like them. Much improved ride.

 

I can comment on the individual brands themselves, but I have had them on cars other than the Vettes. I had KYB's on my Z28.....way too stiff. I switched to Koni Reds...(adjustable), these worked well on the Z28. I had regular Gabriels on my 89 Coupe......too soft, especially up front. I went to Bilstiens...Excellent all around. Now, I have the AC Delco's on my 94 Vert....they suck. Too soft again. I will be getting another set of Bilstiens on it soon.

 

My 85 is an automatic equipped Z51 car. It has the code on the console door, the 3:07 gears and the auxilliary cooling fan. A Z51 car has quicker steering so turn your wheel lock to lock and count the turns. Two turns is a Z51, two and a half or more is the other suspension.