Shocks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
Shocks
My shocks are tired. I have Bilstiens on now. My RPO shows I have the soft ride suspension.
What are the best shocks for the money? Should I also get new front and rear sway bars?
What is the best way to go for a Vette that can handle like a slot car.
What are the best shocks for the money? Should I also get new front and rear sway bars?
What is the best way to go for a Vette that can handle like a slot car.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by Glasman66
What is the best way to go for a Vette that can handle like a slot car.
Best bang for buck in shocks is Bilstein....pay less and you get a lot less in performance...pay more and the performance is only marginally better.
Larry
code5coupe
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 4
From: Severna Park MD
Originally Posted by rocco16
Best bang for buck in shocks is Bilstein....pay less and you get a lot less in performance...pay more and the performance is only marginally better.
Larry
code5coupe
Van Steel has them for a decent price, sometimes even a GP. Added to the FE1 you get a good increase in control without the harsh ride of Z51. Upgrade to Bilstein Z51s before doing any other suspension mods, then see if that's good enough for what you want to do.
Even with those the R-D Racing Camber Brace improves the front end stiffness and grip way more. The upgraded shocks keep the rear end in touch with the road over bumps. No more wild rides when you hit a bump in the middle of a corner.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: PA NJ
I recently put on a set of Edelbrock IAS replacing some worn out FE1 "soft ride" bilstein shocks (80,000 miles). They ride great, smooth ride, but for $400+ I was better off spending the extra $100 for the Hal adjustable or saving $100+ for the stock bilsteins.
Anyhow, go for the stock Z51 Bilsteins. They are probably the most durable shock you can buy, and about $300 moderatly priced. When it comes to shocks, you usually get what you pay for. Most shocks are only good for about 30k miles, Bilsteins maybe 50k. I replaced mine at 80k, but I can tell you the ride became harsh around 55-60k miles.
Stay away from Edelbrocks if you are looking for a "slot car" ride, they are nice and soft. Make sure you really want that type of ride, cause I can tell you, stiff shocks wear on you for a daily driver. If roll is your issue, get sway bars.
Anyhow, go for the stock Z51 Bilsteins. They are probably the most durable shock you can buy, and about $300 moderatly priced. When it comes to shocks, you usually get what you pay for. Most shocks are only good for about 30k miles, Bilsteins maybe 50k. I replaced mine at 80k, but I can tell you the ride became harsh around 55-60k miles.
Stay away from Edelbrocks if you are looking for a "slot car" ride, they are nice and soft. Make sure you really want that type of ride, cause I can tell you, stiff shocks wear on you for a daily driver. If roll is your issue, get sway bars.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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If you want the better handling, its the Bilstein Z51, though a friend says his QA-1s are "the best thing ever."
I like the Bilsteins but they are not a soft riding shock.
Improving sway bar diameter would be preferable to changing the springs out. But you have to realize that they can affect the handling in ways you might not like to start off.
I like the Bilsteins but they are not a soft riding shock.
Improving sway bar diameter would be preferable to changing the springs out. But you have to realize that they can affect the handling in ways you might not like to start off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,595
Likes: 1
From: Thornton CO
I have the Edelbrocks as well - I like them. I had the Bilsteins and I used to use the car as my daily driver and they were too stiff for that. The Edelbrocks are great as a daily driver but I know you drive a glass van all day so that doesn't reall matter!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 1
From: Tracy CA
I had the soft ride suspension on my '96. I replaced the leaking Bilsteins with KYB's, they rode nice enough for daily transportation. Shortly thereafter, I took my car out for a track day. I had a lot of fun and realized I needed to upgrade the suspension for future events. I got the 32mm front and 26mm rear swaybars and I also got the sport springs from VB&P. I also noticed they don't recommend the KYB's with the sport springs. Oh well, I'll try it anyway, the KYB's only have a few thousand miles on them. I found out in a hurry why they don't recommend the KYB's, the bounce was terrible. As of last weekend, I now have the sport Bilsteins which ride much better with this suspension, and $250 less in my bank account. Moral of the story, figure out everything you want in advance and spend your money once.
BTW- my car corners pretty darn flat now, going out for another track day on the 24th. It'll be the first one since the suspension upgrades, I'm really looking forward to it.
-Rick
BTW- my car corners pretty darn flat now, going out for another track day on the 24th. It'll be the first one since the suspension upgrades, I'm really looking forward to it.
-Rick