What shocks should I run?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 93
From: Marietta, GA
What shocks should I run?
I have had my 94 coupe with standard suspension for about 8 months. It has 74K now. The prior owner pulled the original Bilstein shocks off at about 68K and put on a set of Monroe Sensatrac shocks. He didn't care for the "rough" ride as his commute was on bumpy roads.
I have the original Bilstein shocks and they do not appear to have leaks (the prior owner said they were leak free).
I am getting along fine with the cheap Monroe shocks right now but I can certainly tell that they are not designed for performance handling. I am thinking about taking the car to a road track (VIR) in a few months and need your advice on what to do.
Should I replace the Monroe shocks with the original Bilstein shocks? Or buy a new set of Bilsteins since the originals have 68K on them? If I do but new Bilsteins, do I get the "sport" or "HD" variety? Or do I go with another brand of shock. Visits to the track will be few and far between. Majority of the time is on normal roads as a daily driver.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
I have the original Bilstein shocks and they do not appear to have leaks (the prior owner said they were leak free).
I am getting along fine with the cheap Monroe shocks right now but I can certainly tell that they are not designed for performance handling. I am thinking about taking the car to a road track (VIR) in a few months and need your advice on what to do.
Should I replace the Monroe shocks with the original Bilstein shocks? Or buy a new set of Bilsteins since the originals have 68K on them? If I do but new Bilsteins, do I get the "sport" or "HD" variety? Or do I go with another brand of shock. Visits to the track will be few and far between. Majority of the time is on normal roads as a daily driver.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 4
Or buy a new set of Bilsteins since the originals have 68K on them?
If I do but new Bilsteins, do I get the "sport" or "HD" variety?
Or do I go with another brand of shock. Visits to the track will be few and far between. Majority of the time is on normal roads as a daily driver.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 3
From: Clearwater FL
St. Jude Donor '06
I'd put the originals back on. There is a big difference between the comfort and sport HO models. I went from one to the other and the ride is definately firmer and more responsive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
But, at 68K they won't work "as new" even if they aren't leaking. It's an easy swap so try out the old Bilsteins to see if you like them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
The mileage you have on the Bilsteins, they must be worn. They may not need to be replaced now, but they are worn. Those Monroes do not belong on a Corvette. If you will be doing any type of hard/fast/acceleration/driving, you need a good set of performance shocks and Monroe isn't it.
Depending on your cash flow situation, you can do a few things (choices). A) You can simply reinstall the old Bilsteins and see how they handle. B) You can leave the Monroes on and send in your Bilsteins to Bilstein to be refurbished like new or just buy a new set. C) You can ditch the Bilsteins and Monroes and get yourself a set of Koni's. They're expensive, but a bit better than Bilstein. D) You can get yourself a set of KYB's. They're a great inexpensive shock.
Depending on your cash flow situation, you can do a few things (choices). A) You can simply reinstall the old Bilsteins and see how they handle. B) You can leave the Monroes on and send in your Bilsteins to Bilstein to be refurbished like new or just buy a new set. C) You can ditch the Bilsteins and Monroes and get yourself a set of Koni's. They're expensive, but a bit better than Bilstein. D) You can get yourself a set of KYB's. They're a great inexpensive shock.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
My 92 had QA1 adjustable shock on it when I purchased. Best shock I have used. There are adjustable for a soft or hard ride and would be nice to have for a road course. They are a little expensive, so I guess it depends on what you want to spend. The KYB's are great for the price as well.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 747
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From: Marietta, GA
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I will put the originals back on and see how they feel. Before I do, is there any way to test the original Bilsteins shocks while they are off the car to make sure that they are all equal in terms of wear and capacity?
If I do decide to get a new set, it seems like there are a couple of good choices (and Monroe isn't one of them).
If I do decide to get a new set, it seems like there are a couple of good choices (and Monroe isn't one of them).
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
There are shock test systems like the MTS system. They are few and far between. Usually only rebuilders or test labs use them. It will be quicker just to put them on the car and drive.
