I've seen a couple of threads on shocks i.e. KYB vs. Bilstein.
I have a 1990 with the the standard non adjustible suspension.
At 54K miles the cars rides terrible and as far as I can see it has the original Bilstein/Delco set of shocks.

I don't race the car and don't get a lot of opportunities to push it hard in the corners or wind it up as I live in suburban area. Therefore, as a driver (the car) I'm looking to soften the ride up. Edelbrocks have been mentioned but are pricey. Mid America sells "posi control shocks" which are just overpriced Gabriels

Any recommendations other than those mentioned above?

Flatbush 862

 

QA1 adjustables. Although you mentioned that you do not really have many opportunities, they still do exist! Wouldn't it be great to be able to adjust your shocks to go from race to street in under 1 min?

Richard

 

I'm gonna be buying shocks soon for my 86 vert and as you have found out there are as many opinions on which shocks to buy as there are people giving them. I'm like you in that I don't race and have no desire to spend $130/per shock for Edelbrock IAS when I can get a set of KYBs for the same price. I've been looking at TPiS shocks and KYB mostly because of the value, but I'm not ruling out Bilstein yet either. It seems that no two people have the same experience with the same shocks. You'll get KYB users who say it's a softer shock than their original Bilstein, but others will say they ride too stiff. Some like the TPiS and others say its junk. Who knows I guess when it comes time I'll put the names in a hat and pick one

 

I'm in almost the same vote, but have 100,000 miles on the originals I think they are the originals I have only owned the Car for 10 years now, and 5th owner.

But the Bilsteins have lasted this long that I don't mind paying for a new set. In the long run I believe the Bilsteins are a better deal. The Car came with them and have lasted this long, they must work. I noticed last season the ride was getting harsh, so it's time for shocks. I figure with the "cheaper" shocks you may end up replacing them more often..I don't know. I just want to do it once and forget about it.

 

Define "rides terrible"....

Many C4'ers say they enjoy driving their car even more than newer vettes because if "feels" more like a sports car. To me, that is determined by spring rates/travel.

You may not be able to get the "soft ride" you're looking for from a vette. That's not really what they're designed for.... I forgot to look at your model year before typing this response, but I do know they changed the spring rate after the first year/two (on C4s) to help with the harshness.

Raising any car (giving is MORE suspension travel) or slowing the spring rate gives any car a softer ride. However, it pitches and rolls more easily. "Softer" shocks slow the bouncing wheels down less -- which really is what a worn-out shock does! To some, this may feel like a softer ride. To others, this might feel like excess hop and a worn suspension. So definition is the real issue....

One easy way to get a softer ride is lowering your tire pressure -- though you'll wear your tires on the outside somewhat faster. You may lose a tiny bit of mileage too. I wouldn't go much lower than 28 PSI -- if you want to try it.

I think it's hard to beat Bilsteins because they dampen springs like they are supposed to. It's part of the specific design. I think the reason opinions are so varied is that expectations/definitions are so varied. To me, looking for a soft-riding car means looking for a Buick!

 

No question in my feeble mind-this topic has been tossed about many a time-ME, I've got Bilsteins-this summer I'm throwing on some KYBs-heck
for the cost versus others I'll try them out-if I'm not satisfyed I'll go another route- as for other shocks-I don't know-but many a forum member have been very satisfyed with the KYBs-like you I don't go to the strip anymore and don't cross country-but I do try to watch my $$$$ and want a softer ride.

 

In regards to soft ride, worn out shocks DO NOT fell like a new set of "soft shocks", worn shocks are worn because the rebound and/or the compression response are non existant. THey will bottom out and have your springs dictate the rebound, which makes the car bounce all over the road, extremely dangerous.

Get the factory bilsteins, they are by far the best riding shock. If you have an existing set of bilsteins, get them revalved by bilstein to any spec you desire. Bilsteins compression and rebound match your spring rate best, for the better overall ride.

Stay away from the edelbrock IAS, I have them on my car and they suck, very rough. In addition, they have one inch less shock travel because of that IAS valve which make the shock bottom out sooner when you hit some rough road.