Bumps Killing anybody else?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 61
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From: Gilbert Arizona
Bumps Killing anybody else?
I just wanted to know if this was normal or if there is something wrong with my car. Everytime I hit a bump it feels like my car is gonna break. There is a ton of construction where I live and a lot of pot wholes and such. some help on whether this is normal or something needs to be fixed would be great. I have an 84 everything is stock. thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
If you have an 84, get used to it.
Its normal for the ride to suck. Try moving to Louisiana so you can see some of the worst roads in the country. I hit a pothole every 40ft.
Its normal for the ride to suck. Try moving to Louisiana so you can see some of the worst roads in the country. I hit a pothole every 40ft.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 155
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From: CA
My 85 had similar ride quality when I first got it. It would jar the fillings loose in my head even on small bumps. Not wanting to fix anything so soon after my purchase, I tried to convince my wife (and myself) that is was that way the car was supposed to be. After about 2 weeks ...I broke down and bought new shocks (KYB's in my case). Night and day difference in the ride quality. My car still rides stiff...but in a good way. Lost all the bone jarring, kidney killing ride quality.
You will get a lot opinions on brands of shocks... (whatever fits your budget) but the main thing is to look into it and at least remove one of your existing shocks to check it out. Mine had no resistance left. The springs were taking the bumps... not the shocks.
Have fun...
You will get a lot opinions on brands of shocks... (whatever fits your budget) but the main thing is to look into it and at least remove one of your existing shocks to check it out. Mine had no resistance left. The springs were taking the bumps... not the shocks.
Have fun...
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
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From: Yukon OK
One thing you might look at is the ride height. I have seen some older C4s with weak springs that were sagging. Check your ride height with other Vettes. If you are too low the suspension will bottom out on a rubber stop and then you get a bone jarring kick in your butt. I lowered mine and found out what happens when you get TOO low 
The suggestions about new shocks is not a bad idea either. Double check tire pressure while you are at it.
Yeah the ride is stiff, but it should not beat you up. Might help also to ride in someone else's Vette. Fortunately for me I have a lot of friends with Vettes and it helps when you want to know how something should sound, feel, or look. This forum and other Vette owners are invaluable resources.
Good luck.
The suggestions about new shocks is not a bad idea either. Double check tire pressure while you are at it.Yeah the ride is stiff, but it should not beat you up. Might help also to ride in someone else's Vette. Fortunately for me I have a lot of friends with Vettes and it helps when you want to know how something should sound, feel, or look. This forum and other Vette owners are invaluable resources.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: My redneck of the woods louisiana
doesn't the z51 package also make the ride rougher
you might wanna see if u got it
your right the roads in louisiana do suck
you might wanna see if u got it
Originally Posted by vader86
If you have an 84, get used to it.
Its normal for the ride to suck. Try moving to Louisiana so you can see some of the worst roads in the country. I hit a pothole every 40ft.
Its normal for the ride to suck. Try moving to Louisiana so you can see some of the worst roads in the country. I hit a pothole every 40ft.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 61
Likes: 6
From: Gilbert Arizona
Thanks for all the replys. so if I go the route of new shocks you said that KYB is the one I want. What kind exactly did you guys put on your vettes and did you think it was worth it? Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 155
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From: CA
Originally Posted by Swift Vette
Thanks for all the replys. so if I go the route of new shocks you said that KYB is the one I want. What kind exactly did you guys put on your vettes and did you think it was worth it? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
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From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Originally Posted by rws.1
You bought the C4 because it handled like a race car not a sofa on wheels....... suck it up !
I think you missed the point. My `87,with the Z52 suspension also rides rough, where I feel every bump in the road. I`m dumping the Bilstiens, & going with Monroes to try to soften the ride a bit. I had a `97 Z28, that handled every bit as well as my `Vette, if not better, but it had a better ride with the stock shocks. I also have a `76 `Vette, & it too rides better than the `87 
PS the `87 only has 34,500 original miles,so I don`t think the shocks are worn out yet.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 130
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From: Atlanta GA
The suspension on the 1st C4s were very harsh to begin with. I don't know all the answers, but it has to do with spring rates. 1985 Z51 springs were actually softer than 1984 base springs. In checking the book, 101 projects, it seems that by '87, they had settled on a much softer springrate for all Vettes except the FE1 base model, but even then, its much softer than the '84.
Changing the springs is a possibility, as is changing shocks. I went with stiffer Bilsteins in my 88, but the springs are softer to begin with. Hope this sheds a little light.
Changing the springs is a possibility, as is changing shocks. I went with stiffer Bilsteins in my 88, but the springs are softer to begin with. Hope this sheds a little light.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,212
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From: OH
Originally Posted by Metamando
The suspension on the 1st C4s were very harsh to begin with. I don't know all the answers, but it has to do with spring rates. 1985 Z51 springs were actually softer than 1984 base springs. In checking the book, 101 projects, it seems that by '87, they had settled on a much softer springrate for all Vettes except the FE1 base model, but even then, its much softer than the '84.
Changing the springs is a possibility, as is changing shocks. I went with stiffer Bilsteins in my 88, but the springs are softer to begin with. Hope this sheds a little light.
Changing the springs is a possibility, as is changing shocks. I went with stiffer Bilsteins in my 88, but the springs are softer to begin with. Hope this sheds a little light.
The 84 has the stiffest spring both in standard and Z51 models. Handles great, but is a b*tch on bad roads. Changing shocks really won't help soften it up that much. If you really can't take it could always swap with someone that wants the stiffer springs.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
If you have the base model 84, it's the same spring rate as my 85 z51. I dunno if yours came with gascharged shocks, but over time, the gas leaks out, and you lose the cushion they provide, and the shocks actually get stiffer.
I replaced my front bushings and also noticed the ride got quite a bit rougher. Low profile tires will do it too. I'm running 17" wheels, and combined with all of the above, I feel every pebble in the road. But my shocks may be dead too, they're 20 yrs old.
I replaced my front bushings and also noticed the ride got quite a bit rougher. Low profile tires will do it too. I'm running 17" wheels, and combined with all of the above, I feel every pebble in the road. But my shocks may be dead too, they're 20 yrs old.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
BTW, 84-87 and 88-96 front rates can't be compared apples to apples, since they changed the suspension geometry in 88 which increased the mechanical advantage on the spring. They put in stiffer springs to compensate. The cars also got gradually heavier, so that softened the ride even more.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 96
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From: Yardley PA
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
BTW, 84-87 and 88-96 front rates can't be compared apples to apples, since they changed the suspension geometry in 88 which increased the mechanical advantage on the spring. They put in stiffer springs to compensate. The cars also got gradually heavier, so that softened the ride even more.
Not to hijack this thread, but I find this too interesting to pass up. Let's say you had four 'vettes with the Z51 package (84, 87, 91 and 96). Which are the best handling (from best to worse)? Just curious if the change in the 88 suspension was supposed to be an improvement to ride quality or handling (or both).
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by stick91
Not to hijack this thread, but I find this too interesting to pass up. Let's say you had four 'vettes with the Z51 package (84, 87, 91 and 96). Which are the best handling (from best to worse)? Just curious if the change in the 88 suspension was supposed to be an improvement to ride quality or handling (or both).