Best Replacement Shocks?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,952
Likes: 706
From: WI
So far I've found the replacement HD Bilstein to be good on the street for fast driving. When pushed on the track I don't like them, the car feels wobbly in corners. I think I'll try something adjustable next.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: ny
where did you get your replacement HD bilsteins? what did they set you back?
is there anything i should do at the same time as shock replacement to save some work? any bushing or something?
why go HD vs regular? are HD similar to Z51 rates?
I dont mind stiff but don't want to hear the wife complain of rough ride either.. lol
is there anything i should do at the same time as shock replacement to save some work? any bushing or something?
why go HD vs regular? are HD similar to Z51 rates?
I dont mind stiff but don't want to hear the wife complain of rough ride either.. lol
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 0
From: WAY UPSTATE NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
Monroes suck because they wear incredibly fast and they aren't made nearly as well as the more expensive shocks. So, every bump is more pronounced, the car isn't as steady in the corners, etc.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I ordered some kyb's from the tirerack on monday. fronts cost $68 and rears $66. $134 plus shipping, i would think is a fair deal. cant wait to get them on the car. purchased kyb's because of cost and good report on this forum.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '12
I now have a rebuilt set of Bilstien Fx3 and the difference was night and day! I'd also look at the tociko d-spec as replacements. I put a set on my rustang and along with stiffer springs they made my rustang handle almost as good as the vette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
I'm running Bilstein HDs on my 85. Mine is a Z51 and that's what came stock with the Z51 package.
I don't think you're going to find any shocks that will give a better street ride. The harsh ride is due to the spring rates the early C4s have.
I don't think you're going to find any shocks that will give a better street ride. The harsh ride is due to the spring rates the early C4s have.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Crofton MD
Monroes will last a year - if you are lucky!
I now have a rebuilt set of Bilstien Fx3 and the difference was night and day! I'd also look at the tociko d-spec as replacements. I put a set on my rustang and along with stiffer springs they made my rustang handle almost as good as the vette.
I now have a rebuilt set of Bilstien Fx3 and the difference was night and day! I'd also look at the tociko d-spec as replacements. I put a set on my rustang and along with stiffer springs they made my rustang handle almost as good as the vette.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,531
Likes: 1
From: Conroe TEXAS!
Cruise-In X Veteran
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: ny
anyone on here with a Z51 get the KYB's? i read one comment that you should stay away from them if you have the stiffer suspension.
I just rubbed off the grime yesterday... i have Bileseins on it now so at 100k miles, im guessing they're original.
is there any other way besides the bump test to check your shocks? it seems subjective, and our cars dont have that much travel in the suspension to judge.
my last car i did bump and it seemed OK and then when i replaced shocks, i could compress them with little force in my hands....
Tj
I just rubbed off the grime yesterday... i have Bileseins on it now so at 100k miles, im guessing they're original.
is there any other way besides the bump test to check your shocks? it seems subjective, and our cars dont have that much travel in the suspension to judge.
my last car i did bump and it seemed OK and then when i replaced shocks, i could compress them with little force in my hands....
Tj
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Hialeah Florida
I have gabriel ultra's all around and they are much better than the 147,000 mile Bilstiens I had lol...I have to say the car rides alot better but its definently not a performance shock. at the limit I could ask for more....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Perth W.A
I bought mine with Monroes on it! they seem ok, but i have had nothing to compare them to! don't know how long they have been on it either! they are very dirty it's a 90 vette stock suspension!
The car handles great around corners and bends, but then again i can only compare it to a family sedan(factory crap high suspension with body roll). The vette basically doesn't roll, it stays flat!
i may have to get some KYB's!
I have changed suspension(shock/springs) on other cars, but how do you do it with the vette?
does anything need to be compressed to get the shock out? or just jack it up? thanks!
The car handles great around corners and bends, but then again i can only compare it to a family sedan(factory crap high suspension with body roll). The vette basically doesn't roll, it stays flat!
i may have to get some KYB's!
I have changed suspension(shock/springs) on other cars, but how do you do it with the vette?
does anything need to be compressed to get the shock out? or just jack it up? thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: ny
do KYB's not have a boot to cover the rod? In Summit racing's pic, the rod is just exposed....
Tj
for the same price as monroe's i think i'll go KYB, but i still haven't found anyone to chime in and refute the other comment i read of KYB being bad for a Z51...
Tj
Tj
for the same price as monroe's i think i'll go KYB, but i still haven't found anyone to chime in and refute the other comment i read of KYB being bad for a Z51...
Tj
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
Fronts - open the hood, jack up the A-Arm (compresses the shock)
Unbolt the upper and lower mount, put the new one in, bolt it on
Rears - jack at the rear jacking points, put in a jack stand. Unbolt the lower end of the shock, unbolt the upper mounting plate (can't get to the top of the shock from in the car). Unbolt old from the plate. bolt the new one to the plate, put it back on, bolt the lower. May need to support the rear suspension with your jack so its not so hard to release the shock.
Its easy a few hours to complete.
Last edited by jaa1992; Oct 8, 2009 at 10:06 AM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 1
From: Spokane WA
I have edelbrock IAS shocks on my 84 and they are a good shock, now I need some for my 85 vette. My 85 vette is not a Z51, should I put regular bilsteins on or get the HD bilsteins? Is there a difference between the regular bilsteins and HD bilsteins? Will both fit on my 85?
