Shocks
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
I just replaced mine. I bought a set of Monroe OESPECTRUM shocks for my 85. They are for basic OE factory type applications. Seems to be a very good shock in my opinion. They aren't designed to replace the yellow Bilstein or Z51 suspension shocks though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,332
Likes: 1,141
From: Vermilion OH
I would recommend Bilstein shocks. They are firm and hold up extremely well over time. It will improve the handling and you will love the feel. If the car is an FX3, you really have no choice other than to get the Bilsteins.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
Another vote for the Bilstein shocks. I went with the Z51 shocks on a couple base suspension cars (a '94 and a '95) and love it. In addition, Bilstein shocks last a long long time, but they are expensive.
I also have a 96 with KYB shocks. This may be a less expensive option. I do not believe they are as good as Bilstein and probably won't last as long, but they are better than most other brands. They are a softer ride but still work ok.
Good luck with your choice.
I also have a 96 with KYB shocks. This may be a less expensive option. I do not believe they are as good as Bilstein and probably won't last as long, but they are better than most other brands. They are a softer ride but still work ok.
Good luck with your choice.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Apple Country WNY
Okay, you guys have sold me on the Bilsteins, but which model? I have a 1992 Convertible, no Z51 package, but I am leaning towards the B8. We don't do a lot of spirited driving, but I want it to be competent without being too harsh. The ' 92 is mostly a weekend cruiser for us, as the Warden is not a speed freak! I just have to do something the stock units are finished. i am tired at bottoming the suspension out on every bump!
Last edited by IowaClass65; Jul 21, 2020 at 04:49 PM.
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 53
Likes: 13
To my knowledge the Bilstein B8 ( aka z51) are now available again ( after a period of back order this spring)
Your choices below:
https://www.shockwarehouse.com/index...t&model_name=C
Your choices below:
https://www.shockwarehouse.com/index...t&model_name=C
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Apple Country WNY
Thanks, they are available again. AJ USA has them on sale for $329 shipped for front and rear for either B6 or B*. The question remains for me if the B8 are too still for normal road use, no track time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
I have tried both the sport and heavy duty Bilstein versions on my C3. I found that the heavy duty ones worked well with the original steel spring but were too bouncy with the composite spring I fitted. The sport versions worked well with the composite spring so that is what I would be inclined to use on my C4 if I was replacing the original Bilstein's.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,179
Likes: 1,668
From: Long Island
Just re[laced them on my worked / lowered 85, went with the OE shocks instead of the Bilstein = much better ride