96 Vette new shocks?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
96 Vette new shocks?
I am looking at replacing the shocks on the Vette and am looking for recommendations. I have used TOKICO shocks on my SUV's with good results but I know that it is another breed of vehicle. Any comments on them, Bilstiens, KYB? or others is appreciated. The car is completely stock and am looking for other bolt-on performance parts that will help as well.
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks,
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,864
Likes: 196
From: Southern CA
Originally Posted by techman2512
I am looking at replacing the shocks on the Vette and am looking for recommendations. I have used TOKICO shocks on my SUV's with good results but I know that it is another breed of vehicle. Any comments on them, Bilstiens, KYB? or others is appreciated. The car is completely stock and am looking for other bolt-on performance parts that will help as well.
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks,
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,471
Likes: 2
From: 1993 Quasar Blue 'vert Scottsdale AZ
Originally Posted by LT4CompYell
I think your car may benefit from new Bilsteins. Not the least expensive, but not the cheapest, either.
If you're on a budget, KYB's are pretty good (I have a set now), but I will definatly be going back to Bilsteins. They are a much better shock for cornering.
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 37
From: Athens, GA
Originally Posted by MYCoupe
I would recommend the HD Bilsteins, especially if you have the base suspension in that car. They will stiffen up the ride, but will still be quite tolerable on the street.
I'll be upgrading to the Bilstein Sports as soon as VB&P gets them here.
Steven
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Originally Posted by OldCorvetteFan
The HD Bilstein's were the stock shock on the car, so any changes in ride should be just the change from worn to new shocks.
I'll be upgrading to the Bilstein Sports as soon as VB&P gets them here.
Steven
I'll be upgrading to the Bilstein Sports as soon as VB&P gets them here.
Steven
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver bc
FYI concerning Bilstein shocks/struts the HD's and Sports have the same valving, sports are shorter in length for lowered cars. Bilstein shocks are an excellent shock and come with a life time warranty. Koni adjustables work well too. Personally I wouldn't use kyb brand or tokico as the quality isn't as good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Originally Posted by Natas
FYI concerning Bilstein shocks/struts the HD's and Sports have the same valving, sports are shorter in length for lowered cars. Bilstein shocks are an excellent shock and come with a life time warranty. Koni adjustables work well too. Personally I wouldn't use kyb brand or tokico as the quality isn't as good.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
I took my Bilsteins off and bought a set of Edelbrock IAS for F/R. Not the cheapest shock (by far 
) but the difference in ride smoothness is definitely noticeable. There are others sohcoks out (some of the CF members mentioned above already) - which will also do the job just fine without breaking your teeth over every bump, jut, groove or roadway imperfection 
) but the difference in ride smoothness is definitely noticeable. There are others sohcoks out (some of the CF members mentioned above already) - which will also do the job just fine without breaking your teeth over every bump, jut, groove or roadway imperfection
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 37
From: Athens, GA
Originally Posted by Natas
FYI concerning Bilstein shocks/struts the HD's and Sports have the same valving, sports are shorter in length for lowered cars. Bilstein shocks are an excellent shock and come with a life time warranty. Koni adjustables work well too. Personally I wouldn't use kyb brand or tokico as the quality isn't as good.
When I ordered my shocks from Vette Brakes & Parts, I told them I had the standard suspension (FE1). There answer was that the Heavy Duty shock is the FE1 shock, and that the Z51 shock was the Sport unit. They didn't mention anything about having to lower the car to use the Sport shocks, so I'll be interested to see if that is truly the case.
Steven
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver bc
That is possible, I'm new to Vettes but in the land of bimmers the sports are for lowered cars and hd's are an upgrade over oem but for stock ride hight. I assumed the same applied to other brands.
Originally Posted by OldCorvetteFan
I don't think that information is correct. The Bilstein web application guide (I picked a '95, since that's what I have) specifies the Heavy Duty shock as the aftermarket replacement, and the Sport shock as the Z51 replacement.
When I ordered my shocks from Vette Brakes & Parts, I told them I had the standard suspension (FE1). There answer was that the Heavy Duty shock is the FE1 shock, and that the Z51 shock was the Sport unit. They didn't mention anything about having to lower the car to use the Sport shocks, so I'll be interested to see if that is truly the case.
Steven
When I ordered my shocks from Vette Brakes & Parts, I told them I had the standard suspension (FE1). There answer was that the Heavy Duty shock is the FE1 shock, and that the Z51 shock was the Sport unit. They didn't mention anything about having to lower the car to use the Sport shocks, so I'll be interested to see if that is truly the case.
Steven
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: bay area ca
any expert feedback out there? my limited experience has been that gas-charged shocks harshen the ride considerably due to the immense pressure of the gas. while this is wonderful & necessary for racing, is it REALLY the best shock for an everyday driver? since i do 95%+ more normal driving (not by choice) than spirited, performance driving, it seems a better choice to compromise the stiffer, better cornering shock for one that's a bit softer and easier to live with? because the corvette's such a great handler to begin with, will it really be a compromise? btw, i have an '84 w/KYB gas-adjusts that'll vibrate your fillings out... please comment, just a newbie, thx
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver bc
I'm very please with the ride in my bimmer with lowering springs and billy sports. It's firm but not harsh. I do avoid pot holes as much as possible but if the roads where you live are fair to good hd's or sports will be fine. If you want adjustability Koni adjustables are another good choice. They can be set super firm or fairly mild. When I overhaul the suspension in the vette I'll go with the billy sports and Eibach pro kit.