KYB vs. Bilenstein Shocks
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 62
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From: Yonkers NY
KYB vs. Bilenstein Shocks
Ok guys...weigh in....I'm getting ready to put new tires and shocks on my 1991 Coupe.
It currently has the original Bilensteins on it (57,000 miles) and I was thinking of switching to KYB's to save a little money. I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish, but is there a significant difference between the KYB 's and the Bilenstein's on a Vette that's just used as a weekend cruiser; no racing etc ??
It currently has the original Bilensteins on it (57,000 miles) and I was thinking of switching to KYB's to save a little money. I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish, but is there a significant difference between the KYB 's and the Bilenstein's on a Vette that's just used as a weekend cruiser; no racing etc ??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
I'm going to replace my Bilsteins before summer with KYB Gas-A-Just,
hey, I don't really like the all to firm (in my opinion) Bilsteins-besides the KYBs are around $30 each compared to the Bilsteins around $75
each.I may keep the Bilsteins and have the rebuilt if I'm not satisfied-but that ain't cheap either. From posts a couple years ago alot of guys
like the KYBs.
hey, I don't really like the all to firm (in my opinion) Bilsteins-besides the KYBs are around $30 each compared to the Bilsteins around $75
each.I may keep the Bilsteins and have the rebuilt if I'm not satisfied-but that ain't cheap either. From posts a couple years ago alot of guys
like the KYBs.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Add me to the I like my KYBs list. I think rick has the correct solution, buy KYBs and have your Bilensteins rebuilt. They are what the suspension was designed for, to downgrade gives away something in handling. You would have the correct shock if needed.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: East Amherst New York
I recently went that route where I had installed the KYB.
When I upgraded my front end to Poly with new ball joints I spoke
to a tech at VBP.He told me the KYB should not be used with the
Corvette composite spring.The dampening is not made for them.
I purchased the Bilsteins and what a differance.
My oponion is the money saved is a bad idea because it has such
an effect on the car.
When I upgraded my front end to Poly with new ball joints I spoke
to a tech at VBP.He told me the KYB should not be used with the
Corvette composite spring.The dampening is not made for them.
I purchased the Bilsteins and what a differance.
My oponion is the money saved is a bad idea because it has such
an effect on the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
I replaced my Bilsteins w/ KYB's....no remorse. I was kickin' around spending more money but decided to give these a go. Even lowered my car feels great w/ these shocks. I kept the Bilsteins for a rebuild but haven't felt the need to pursue it...
My .02 on KYB's =
My .02 on KYB's =
Last edited by JEFNLSA; Jan 17, 2006 at 11:12 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Car just a cruiser? Then go with the KYB's.
Having your Bilsteins rebuilt is not cost-effective. Bilstein charges $55 each (if the rod doesn't need replacing), and by the time you pay shipping, the total cost is very near a set of new Bilsteins. I found this out some time ago and, living within two miles of Bilsteins rebuild facility (Poway), it wasn't even worth it to me.
I'd get new Bilsteins if my budget would accommodate them, but KYB's will probably serve you well as a non-performance shock.
Larry
code5coupe
Having your Bilsteins rebuilt is not cost-effective. Bilstein charges $55 each (if the rod doesn't need replacing), and by the time you pay shipping, the total cost is very near a set of new Bilsteins. I found this out some time ago and, living within two miles of Bilsteins rebuild facility (Poway), it wasn't even worth it to me.
I'd get new Bilsteins if my budget would accommodate them, but KYB's will probably serve you well as a non-performance shock.
Larry
code5coupe
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Originally Posted by rocco16
Car just a cruiser? Then go with the KYB's.
Having your Bilsteins rebuilt is not cost-effective. Bilstein charges $55 each (if the rod doesn't need replacing), and by the time you pay shipping, the total cost is very near a set of new Bilsteins. I found this out some time ago and, living within two miles of Bilsteins rebuild facility (Poway), it wasn't even worth it to me.
I'd get new Bilsteins if my budget would accommodate them, but KYB's will probably serve you well as a non-performance shock.
Larry
code5coupe
Having your Bilsteins rebuilt is not cost-effective. Bilstein charges $55 each (if the rod doesn't need replacing), and by the time you pay shipping, the total cost is very near a set of new Bilsteins. I found this out some time ago and, living within two miles of Bilsteins rebuild facility (Poway), it wasn't even worth it to me.
I'd get new Bilsteins if my budget would accommodate them, but KYB's will probably serve you well as a non-performance shock.
Larry
code5coupe
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 0
From: bakersfield cali
I went with the kyb's and do not like them, much too stiff for daily street driving, and very limited damping effect. the one area that the shocks were really good at was high speed driving. At 120 or 130 they absorb road dips very well.
I was thinking about the eldelbrock IAS shocks, have any of you tried them? or have heard of them.
to the bilstein people, so are you saying that the bilstien's are also pretty stiff?
I was thinking about the eldelbrock IAS shocks, have any of you tried them? or have heard of them.
to the bilstein people, so are you saying that the bilstien's are also pretty stiff?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
Brand new Z51 Bilsteins are 299. at MidA and fit all. Cheap, factory replacements, and valved way better then the cheap KYBs.
For track and hard driving KYs won't cut it. Bilsteins are infinitely better. Hey, which would you trust, A name thats associated with 911s and vettes, or one thats associated with jelly
For track and hard driving KYs won't cut it. Bilsteins are infinitely better. Hey, which would you trust, A name thats associated with 911s and vettes, or one thats associated with jelly
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 617
Likes: 14
From: Loudon, TN
I put KYB's on the 90 I had and just replaced the originals on my 93 with Bilsteins. So far the only difference I can tell between the two is that the KYB's were a bit softer. The Bilsteins are stiffer and on rough roads they can be a bit unpleasant. I don't autocross, roadrace or drag race, just weekend driving so the KYB's were fine. Why did I use Bilstein on the 93? I had the extra money for them and just went with original equipment. The KYB's offer a good product for the money.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 6
From: Middletown New Jersey
Originally Posted by MBDiagMan
KYB's are cheap and last a long time but they come nowhere near the proper damping that is provided by the Bilsteins. They also will make your car ride much rougher.
Your choice,
Your choice,
I have had KYB's for about 45k miles and I'll be switching to Bilsteins. I have two instances where at speeds north of 100mph my head the ceiling on wavy pavement and on a couple of expansion joints.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
Talk about confusing 
Some are saying the Bilsteins ride better than KYB's and others say KYB is a softer ride. How can there be such a variance in opinion? I always thought Bilsteins handled much better but the ride was harsh, whereas KYB didn't handle as well but provided a smoother ride. Now I don't know which to buy
Some are saying the Bilsteins ride better than KYB's and others say KYB is a softer ride. How can there be such a variance in opinion? I always thought Bilsteins handled much better but the ride was harsh, whereas KYB didn't handle as well but provided a smoother ride. Now I don't know which to buy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
Anyone know the effect of having KYBs with RPO Z51?
I'm running KYBs on my 86 which is Z51 and absolutely LOVE them. I've had them on for many, many thousands of miles.
My car is a daily driver and I've driven it all over the country, thousands of miles at a time from, say TX to Denver then to Chicago then to MD then back to TX.
Absolutely great ride and handling with no constant jarring that'll wear you out in long drives.
My opinion: One of the best moves I've made. I HIGHLY recommend them.
Jake
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
okay here it is 
1. Both shocks are good.
2. Bilsteins are stiffer valved and provide less body lean and thus better handling as also the rest of the car was designed for them as they are factory equipment.
3. KYBs are softer and thus RIDE better, not handle better. But they can upset the handling of the vehicle at speed because of it.
4. Getting your Bilsteins rebuilt is not cost effective. Buy new ones.
5. If your going on track, get the Bilsteins.
6. If you get Bilsteins get the Z51 shocks. They fit all and are of higher performance for the same price.
7. Your choice.
....cheers
1. Both shocks are good.
2. Bilsteins are stiffer valved and provide less body lean and thus better handling as also the rest of the car was designed for them as they are factory equipment.
3. KYBs are softer and thus RIDE better, not handle better. But they can upset the handling of the vehicle at speed because of it.
4. Getting your Bilsteins rebuilt is not cost effective. Buy new ones.
5. If your going on track, get the Bilsteins.
6. If you get Bilsteins get the Z51 shocks. They fit all and are of higher performance for the same price.
7. Your choice.
....cheers
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Originally Posted by 1986pacecar
Talk about confusing Some are saying the Bilsteins ride better than KYB's and others say KYB is a softer ride. How can there be such a variance in opinion? I always thought Bilsteins handled much better but the ride was harsh, whereas KYB didn't handle as well but provided a smoother ride. Now I don't know which to buy
Some are saying the Bilsteins ride better than KYB's and others say KYB is a softer ride. How can there be such a variance in opinion? I always thought Bilsteins handled much better but the ride was harsh, whereas KYB didn't handle as well but provided a smoother ride. Now I don't know which to buy