Well, lesson learned. About a year ago when I put a set of new Bridgestone RE730 Potenzas on my '89 Coupe, I also had them install a set of GTShocks "variable force" shocks (purchased from Eckler's, who no longer sells them, hmmmmm. . .) at all four corners. I thought it would "improve the ride" without sacrificing cornering power. In short, it improved the ride over rough city streets slightly, but at a noticeable cost in loss of cornering confidence. I actually experienced body roll in hard corners!

So, the OE Bilsteins are now back in the car.

After speaking with a Bilstein representative directly, he convinced me there was no need to send my shocks back in for rebuilding with only 36,000 miles on them, unless they were heavily leaking oil or something, which they're not. Before I had them put back in, I cleaned quite a bit of black oily "mist" off of them, but the Bilstein rep said some weeping was normal.

My question: What is the lifespan of the OE Delco/Bilsteins? The Bilstein rep said I should be able to get around 80,000 or more on them, but I'm wondering what is their lifespan for "top" performance? The removal/installation of the shocks is a job beyond my capabilities, so every time I want them changed I'm out at least $88.00 in labor.

As an aside, the Bridgestone RE730's have been GREAT thus far; much quieter than Gatorbacks with at least as much grip.

Thanks for any info on the Bilstein question.

 

I'm very happy with my Koni's.
$$$$$ but work great.

 

Well, I don't know about top performance but last week I switched out the original 70K ones for a 15K set that I got from a fellow CF member and not only did I notice a difference (much less bottoming out on speed bumps and front-end float over 70 mph) but I also received unsolicited confirmation of a better ride from my wife...

 

I agree with the rep; 80K miles should be achievable.
As far as changing them yourself, changing shocks is no more difficult than changing oil....and uses simple hand tools (except for a jack, which you should have anyway)

Larry
code5coupe

 

I installed mine in about an hour.

 

You're fast! It took me twice as long. Also, do yourself a favor and soak the nuts and bolts with penetrating oil or WD-40 the night before. Most were easy but there were a couple that took a bit of swearing to get off. Also, you might need some leverage to crack the back lower bolts loose. For the fronts you can actually leave the wheels on but having a 6-9" extension to reach the lower bolt heads is a good idea...

 

Shocks... Hmmm...

Me and my buds have had many a discussion about em...

If you want to keep the same set of shocks on your car for 80+ K miles I think you're making a mistake...

I have friends that run mixed sets (different makes and rates) on the right and left sides (circle track fiends)... and I have put more than a pair of em on myself over time...

I have run blis on cars for years myself and I cannot remember a set lasting 60 K...

Not that it isn't possible... but why do it...

If it's the money, set a piggy bank on the side of your desk and label it "shocks" and put some of your coins from lunch in it every day or so... by the time you need to replace em... you have the "change" to do it.