Need new shocks...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,043
Likes: 3
From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
Need new shocks...
I went for an oil change today, and I was informed (and shown) that all 4 of my shocks on my '96 are garbage. I suppose I need to get these replaced. I have used the search feature, so don't start a flame war, but I just didn't seem to find the info I needed.
I bought the car in Dec., and I know absolutely zero about 'Vette shocks or any others, for that matter. Give me the lowdown on the best/worst out there. I don't have FX3, but I've always felt the car felt waaaay too soft - then again, that could be a function of the shocks being blown. At any rate, a stiffer ride isn't the end of the world...I'd welcome it...I just don't want a kidney transplant in 5 years. Know what I mean?
Also, is this something I should have done at a shop, or can I do it myself? I'm not an idiot, but I just haven't worked on cars alot. I have 2 ramps, a deep socket set, and some miscellaneous other tools. Can I get the job done with the above stuff, or am I totally kidding myself?
Thanks in advance for the help. As always, it's greatly appreciated! :cheers:
I bought the car in Dec., and I know absolutely zero about 'Vette shocks or any others, for that matter. Give me the lowdown on the best/worst out there. I don't have FX3, but I've always felt the car felt waaaay too soft - then again, that could be a function of the shocks being blown. At any rate, a stiffer ride isn't the end of the world...I'd welcome it...I just don't want a kidney transplant in 5 years. Know what I mean?
Also, is this something I should have done at a shop, or can I do it myself? I'm not an idiot, but I just haven't worked on cars alot. I have 2 ramps, a deep socket set, and some miscellaneous other tools. Can I get the job done with the above stuff, or am I totally kidding myself?
Thanks in advance for the help. As always, it's greatly appreciated! :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in Michigan, with a cold beer in my hand
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=797081
check out this link :thumbs:
69mako just changed his...maybe he can give you some pointers!
[Modified by fryguy84, 4:13 PM 4/14/2004]
check out this link :thumbs:
69mako just changed his...maybe he can give you some pointers!
[Modified by fryguy84, 4:13 PM 4/14/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
I am currently in the process of changing mine. I bought Bilsteins from corvette mall (ZIP products). I have the fronts on and will do the rears this week. Easy job, just do one at a time. I'm happy with the results so far (fronts). :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Washington
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
There's alot of difference in pricing for gas charged shocks. I think you could pick-up some KYB's and they should perform as well as any other shock. Plus, they are not suppose to fade under any condition. :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
Installed my fronts this last weekend... they handle great... easy on the straights, but they tighten up on the curves... Doing the backs next weekend...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 30
From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
The guy at the shop today suggested SensaTracs... Anybody have experience with these?
When I get the money I will replace all four with Bilstiens again and get new rubber all the way around.
:cheers:
[Modified by biggrizzly, 12:00 AM 4/15/2004]
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
Hey Aaron, I have en extra set of Bilsteins I took off my car. You can have them sent to Bilstein to haver them custom valved. That's what I did and they came out great! It wasn't expensive, less than buying new ones if I remember right...I'll see if I can find the receipts. Let me know if you're interested and I'll dig up the info! :seeya
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: Southington CT
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
shocks might be this best improvement you can make for relatively few dollars. If your shocks are worn, you will be amazed at what a high quality shock will do. I went with the adjustable koni and its phenomenal :auto:
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Matawan NJ
Re: Need new shocks... (KWP)
Put the KYB's on my 94 no complaints here, and it was not because of the price, a lot of guy said they were good, install is cake had to do my fronts twice, because the jerks in the warehouse sent defective ones the first time. Now when I change the shocks I feel like I am ready to work on a Pit Crew!
Good Luck with whatever you buy! :yesnod:
Good Luck with whatever you buy! :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
Likes: 3
From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
The guy at the shop today suggested SensaTracs... Anybody have experience with these?
I wouldn't go back there anymore....that mechanic is an idiot. Monroe shocks are the bottom of the barrel :rolleyes:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
Likes: 3
From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Re: Need new shocks... (merplastic91)
shocks might be this best improvement you can make for relatively few dollars. If your shocks are worn, you will be amazed at what a high quality shock will do. I went with the adjustable koni and its phenomenal :auto:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,833
Likes: 0
From: Orange County California
Re: Need new shocks... (Perfusion)
Get a second oppinion. I would never do anything to my car suggested from getting an oil change.
You also should let us know what you are looking for in a shock. Performance, value, smooth ride, etc...
You also should let us know what you are looking for in a shock. Performance, value, smooth ride, etc...
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: Need new shocks... (joecaver)
I am very pleased with the KYBs that I put on mine.
$28 each at Summit Racing. Can't beat the price! Work as well as the Bilsteins for a fraction of the price.
:cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Re: Need new shocks... (vinnies87)
These Edlebrock performer IAS shocks are the shocks that will be going on mine hopefully sooner then later. The instant response in road irregularities is superb and just look at how they stand out, beautiful shocks just to stare at :thumbs:
[Modified by stalkervette, 1:23 PM 4/15/2004]
[Modified by stalkervette, 1:23 PM 4/15/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 50
From: Pomfret, CT
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Re: Need new shocks... (stalkervette)
Helped Robertpel9 put KYB's on his 91 a few weeks back. Fairly straighforward and easy job! He loves them. It made a big improvement.
-Rick
-Rick