Recommendations For New Shocks?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 824
Likes: 30
From: San Pablo California
Recommendations For New Shocks?
I have a 87 C4 that I am planning on driving to South Dakota from California in August but want to change the shocks in it before we set out on this trip.
I am looking for the smoothest ride possible as most of it will be on major Interstates but there will be a few side trips on some state and county roads that could be a bit more rougher in some areas.
Not looking for a performance type, just something that will give me the softest ride for my application.
Thanks,
Jim
I am looking for the smoothest ride possible as most of it will be on major Interstates but there will be a few side trips on some state and county roads that could be a bit more rougher in some areas.
Not looking for a performance type, just something that will give me the softest ride for my application.
Thanks,
Jim
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: PA NJ
Bilstein HD.
I've tried the Edelbrocks, replaced them under 5k miles, the rears were way too stiff. Plus, the little valve on them reduces shock travel by an inch; the shock always felt like it was bottoming out on semi-rough roads (kidney puches).
The bilsteins, by far, give the best ride.
I've tried the Edelbrocks, replaced them under 5k miles, the rears were way too stiff. Plus, the little valve on them reduces shock travel by an inch; the shock always felt like it was bottoming out on semi-rough roads (kidney puches).
The bilsteins, by far, give the best ride.
Last edited by MyFatNutz; Jun 26, 2009 at 01:40 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 4
From: Lorena Texas
Bilstein HD.
I've tried the Edelbrocks, replaced them under 5k miles, the rears were way too stiff. Plus, the little valve on them reduces shock travel by an inch; the shock always felt like it was bottoming out on semi-rough roads (kidney puches).
The bilsteins, by far, give the best ride.
I've tried the Edelbrocks, replaced them under 5k miles, the rears were way too stiff. Plus, the little valve on them reduces shock travel by an inch; the shock always felt like it was bottoming out on semi-rough roads (kidney puches).
The bilsteins, by far, give the best ride.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
I've had Edelbrocks on my 94 for about 30K miles - I love them. Made trips from NW FL to keys and separate trips to Albuquerque and Texas/Colorado.
No complaints from my wife about the ride, and they handle great. Corner flat and hard stop with absolutely no nose dive.
No complaints from my wife about the ride, and they handle great. Corner flat and hard stop with absolutely no nose dive.
Last edited by RAW1; Jun 26, 2009 at 02:53 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: PA NJ
I would say quality is the biggest difference. You will get over 60k good miles with the bilsteins. Of course opinions will vary, you are probably going to have to experience for yourself.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Bilsteins are a nice shock, Edelbrock usually gets good feedback too.
Never had a failure on a KYB but yes they are a little on the firm side of things, not sure Id recommend them on a pre90 C4.
Never had a failure on a KYB but yes they are a little on the firm side of things, not sure Id recommend them on a pre90 C4.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 824
Likes: 30
From: San Pablo California
Some very interesting observations here and I appreciate everyone's input.
Driving across the country some 1,800 miles or so and then back, a smooth ride is a necessity and at this point it looks like the Bilstein's just may be the way to go?
Driving across the country some 1,800 miles or so and then back, a smooth ride is a necessity and at this point it looks like the Bilstein's just may be the way to go?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
This is strange that this thread is saying that bilsteins ride better then KYBs, usually its the other way around, Bilsteins for handling, and KYBs for a better and softer ride. Personally my KYBs ride much softer then the Bilsteins I have had....WW
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Amazing how that got flipped...And not to mention for the price of one Bilstein you can have all four KYBs..............Ok Ok ~$150 for all four KYBs and perfectly acceptable ride.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
I can say from owning and being in z51 vettes, and vettes with kyb's and owning a vette with 2 different sets of KYB's used set, and brandnew set, that for me kyb's are only good for driving, I prefer the more aggressive bilsteins, but I had kyb's in the box so installed them. they have like 200 miles on them now.
bilsteins are more aggressive and rough
KYB are softer, I could compress the new ones with my hands, that means they are more cushiony.
good luck
bilsteins are more aggressive and rough
KYB are softer, I could compress the new ones with my hands, that means they are more cushiony.
good luck
Last edited by pologreen1; Jun 27, 2009 at 03:22 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Hialeah Florida
i would go with the factory replacement delcos or monroe sensatracs or even gabriel shocks if you wnat the ultimate for comfort. Bilstiens, kyb, edelbrock those are all performance oriented shocks.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 824
Likes: 30
From: San Pablo California
Over the weekend, a friend stopped by and suggested that I drive his sisters 86 that had a set of KYB's installed on it last year.
We went over and borrowed her car and drove it for about an hour and was quite impressed on the smoothness of the ride compared to mine as both cars were equipped with the same Z52 set up.
I have no idea how long the Bilsteins have been on my car (I bought the vehicle in 2002) but with 124,000 miles on the odometer and no way of really knowing the age, it was time for a change.
Found a vendor on E-Bay and made the purchase this morning for a set of KYB's which came to a total of just $144.38 including shipping and state taxes which also included $3.00 for insurance.
Will let you know once they are installed and I have a few miles on them.
Thanks again to all of you for your suggestions and I just hope that I made a good choice.
We went over and borrowed her car and drove it for about an hour and was quite impressed on the smoothness of the ride compared to mine as both cars were equipped with the same Z52 set up.
I have no idea how long the Bilsteins have been on my car (I bought the vehicle in 2002) but with 124,000 miles on the odometer and no way of really knowing the age, it was time for a change.
Found a vendor on E-Bay and made the purchase this morning for a set of KYB's which came to a total of just $144.38 including shipping and state taxes which also included $3.00 for insurance.
Will let you know once they are installed and I have a few miles on them.
Thanks again to all of you for your suggestions and I just hope that I made a good choice.
