KYB vs. Bilenstein Shocks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 2
From: Dumas Arkansas
Are we talking about the Ride Control button (Tour, Sport, Pref) on top of the middle console panel?
Sorry, I'm trying to figure out this car. Just got it in December and the owners manual doesn't really help solve this matter. If you have a pic that would help.
Sorry, I'm trying to figure out this car. Just got it in December and the owners manual doesn't really help solve this matter. If you have a pic that would help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 63
Yes, that is what we are talking about. The ride control = FX3.
Read the FAQ and youll know a lot more about your car and C4's in general:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...00&forum_id=48
There is a link to the option codes too (RPO), compare your option code list to the text and you know what your car came with from the factory.
Regards, TH
Read the FAQ and youll know a lot more about your car and C4's in general:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...00&forum_id=48
There is a link to the option codes too (RPO), compare your option code list to the text and you know what your car came with from the factory.
Regards, TH
Last edited by ToniH; Jan 22, 2006 at 05:07 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,397
Likes: 22
From: Rockledge Florida
St. Jude Donor '07 thru '14, '24
I have KYB's on my 86 coupe, and I'm very happy with them. I do not race with the car, just weekend cruising. I did find that the car
handled somewhat better at high speed 75/85 mph.
handled somewhat better at high speed 75/85 mph.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 63
Originally Posted by slicked25
Thanks and crap. Now I guess I have to buy the FX3 shocks now. I was just about to order the $75 ones. Will the 75 dollar ones not fit if you have the FX3? 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Originally Posted by Onlya1
I'm confused on shock buying. It appears to be a 50/50 split on which shock to purchase so I'm back to square one on which shock should I purchase?
If your just a cruiser and not concerned about driving over legal speeds, Gabriel's, KYB's, Delco's and the other aftermarket brands work fine.
If you want to drive your Vette on the twisties and at speeds above legal, then spend your money on Bilstein's, Konis or QA-1's in that order.
IMHO the Corvette was built to be driven, so why use the same shocks you'd put on Granmas Buick?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 2
From: Dumas Arkansas
Originally Posted by ToniH
You can install normal shocks (like Bilstein or Koni) but then your Ride Control button will do nothing and you will have a Ride Control -light on your dash. I am sure our colleagues here in CF can advice you how to get rid of the light. Make a search.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 23
From: Golden CO
Any updates on this KYB versus Bilstein, I'm ready, 92 with 170k miles, just a cruiser.
Also thinking about replacing some or many as possible bushings, car squeaks over speed bumps, horrible and embarrassing. Poly or not, what ones are critical?
Also thinking about replacing some or many as possible bushings, car squeaks over speed bumps, horrible and embarrassing. Poly or not, what ones are critical?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 3
From: Newark, New Jersey
This might be only a band aid fix, but next time the car is on the lift, get underneath it with a can of silicone spray and spray all the bushings, pivot points, rubber components,etc.
I replaced my shocks with KYB. Im also just a cruiser, so the shocks are fine.
I replaced my shocks with KYB. Im also just a cruiser, so the shocks are fine.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 23
From: Golden CO
Good tip, I'll give it a shot, at least till I can get in there and start this project.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 3
From: Newark, New Jersey
About 3 years ago, i redid the front and rear suspension with a poly kit I purchased from VBP. I made sure I lubed it real good. No squeaks in the summer, however in the cold weather its a different story. Im talking weather below 40 degrees. I dont think you have anything to worry about in CA.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Lebbrownsville Indiana
My Z51 had Monroe fronts and KYB rears (yes, the P.O.s were idjets). Fronts were ******, rears were horrendous. Put Bilsteins in and the car settle right down. Normal driving the rear bobbed around like it was out of control and you could feel how underdamped it was. Frt's were bad, but not AS bad as teh rear.
Personally, I'd not waste the time on something cheaper. My other option was going to be Koni's.
Personally, I'd not waste the time on something cheaper. My other option was going to be Koni's.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 23
From: Golden CO
I'll finally have my own garage again July 1 and looking forward to getting this done. Mine's a daily driver and at 170k I'm gentle so KYB will be fine I'm sure, thanks for the update. In the meantime I'll try some spray on those bushings. No -40F here in CA you're right, people bundle up here when it gets below +60F! Thanks all.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,147
Likes: 452
From: Port St. Lucie West Florida
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 23
From: Golden CO
silicone spray is the bomb
That is the BEST $4.00 I ever spent including dollar beer night. THANK YOU for this excellent advice.
O'Reilly/Kragen and probably all the auto stores stock it. I'm going to get more and hit all the friction spots, weatherstripping, etc.
