kyb vs bilstein
09-03-2011, 10:28 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
KYB tends to ride a little rough/choppy, but works fine for lots of folks...find the Bilsteins that match your suspension package. You'll pay more but the handling will make you smile.
09-03-2011, 10:46 PM
#3
I recently installed the KYB's on my car and I am happy with them. I've never bought new bilstein's so I cannot provide a direct comaprison. It was my thought after looking around that the bilstein's were a superior shock that was quite a bit more money.
09-04-2011, 06:52 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
KYB's ae a stiffer shock with a little more control till you get down and dirty. When you are throwing your car around corners close to the limits, The Bilsteins seem to offer a little bit more
control because you are not bouncing into the corner as much.
Just my 2c
control because you are not bouncing into the corner as much.
Just my 2c
09-04-2011, 07:43 PM
#6
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I use kyb shocks because This is a weekend car and I never intend to race the vette. It rides slightly softer then the Bilsteins. Bilsteins are a better shock but for my needs I went with kyb. I have them in for 3 years and so far they seem ok. I do not put on much miles because I use it on weekends only. If you want performance then go with Billsteins
09-04-2011, 07:49 PM
#7
Drifting
This almost needs a poll. I'm wanting new shocks and have always been partial to Bilstein's. I would like a little softer ride though. The previous owner put on some generic black shocks and I want them gone.I ordered new ones for my 1989 truck about a year ago. The original Bilsteins (Z71 option) had 175,000 miles on them and I though they were probably gone. When I changed the shocks (preventive maintenance)the new ones and the old ones felt the same. They were not worn out. I gave the old ones to my brother-in-law and he's quite happy with them.
I can't think of any other shock that can last that long.
I can't think of any other shock that can last that long.
09-04-2011, 09:06 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
If it's just an in-town car/part time cruiser that'll never be flung into a corner with gusto, just put some $30 Monroe shocks on it...they're on my wife's car and she loves the way it "rides". Please notice I didn't use the word "handle" in this paragraph.
Handling is a subjective issue...what do you want to do with the vehicle??
Handling is a subjective issue...what do you want to do with the vehicle??
09-05-2011, 06:55 PM
#9
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Shocks dampen the springs. Wanna softer ride, swap the springs.
If not, buy your Momma's Buick. No poll required.
Neither can I.
If not, buy your Momma's Buick. No poll required.
The original Bilsteins (Z71 option) had 175,000 miles on them and I though they were probably gone. When I changed the shocks (preventive maintenance)the new ones and the old ones felt the same. They were not worn out. I gave the old ones to my brother-in-law and he's quite happy with them. I can't think of any other shock that can last that long.
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; 09-05-2011 at 06:59 PM.
09-05-2011, 07:19 PM
#10
The Bilsteins are a much more complicated shock...
They have progressive dampening that allows the 1st inch to be soft then get stiffer as the shock travels. This gives the best of both worlds effect. They have a floating dampner that moves with the shock. They can be build and set up ANY way that you desire...for a soft sweet ride or hard and fast rebound to match a Z51 '84 spring thats super fast and very hard. The variable hyd valving makes a world of difference and they can make that valving custom to fit your needs. Rebuilding cost about as much as new purchase.
The KYB are the economy 2nd choice.. They are stiff all the way thru, not variable, and they will not last as long and they are disposables. Not rebuildable.
There are other options, but if performance like Bilstein is required the available clones from edelbrock or the other brand names are just as expensive and usually not as versatile.
They have progressive dampening that allows the 1st inch to be soft then get stiffer as the shock travels. This gives the best of both worlds effect. They have a floating dampner that moves with the shock. They can be build and set up ANY way that you desire...for a soft sweet ride or hard and fast rebound to match a Z51 '84 spring thats super fast and very hard. The variable hyd valving makes a world of difference and they can make that valving custom to fit your needs. Rebuilding cost about as much as new purchase.
The KYB are the economy 2nd choice.. They are stiff all the way thru, not variable, and they will not last as long and they are disposables. Not rebuildable.
There are other options, but if performance like Bilstein is required the available clones from edelbrock or the other brand names are just as expensive and usually not as versatile.
09-05-2011, 07:19 PM
#11
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Ive use Bilsteins on all my Vettes but, in my 96 with QA1 Coilovers.
I had base Bilsteins in my 95 and I switched to HD and it was a noticeable experience.
I had base Bilsteins in my 95 and I switched to HD and it was a noticeable experience.
09-05-2011, 09:47 PM
#14
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I just put in the Kyb’s I gota say they > then 16 year old bilsteins. Now I don’t fear bumps in the road anymore. I got the whole set for 109 bucks with an email coupon and free shipping, so far it’s the best 109 dollars I spent. 
Are you saying i should save my origional bilsteins and have them rebuild?
The Bilsteins are a much more complicated shock...
They have progressive dampening that allows the 1st inch to be soft then get stiffer as the shock travels. This gives the best of both worlds effect. They have a floating dampner that moves with the shock. They can be build and set up ANY way that you desire...for a soft sweet ride or hard and fast rebound to match a Z51 '84 spring thats super fast and very hard. The variable hyd valving makes a world of difference and they can make that valving custom to fit your needs. Rebuilding cost about as much as new purchase. .
They have progressive dampening that allows the 1st inch to be soft then get stiffer as the shock travels. This gives the best of both worlds effect. They have a floating dampner that moves with the shock. They can be build and set up ANY way that you desire...for a soft sweet ride or hard and fast rebound to match a Z51 '84 spring thats super fast and very hard. The variable hyd valving makes a world of difference and they can make that valving custom to fit your needs. Rebuilding cost about as much as new purchase. .
09-06-2011, 06:06 PM
#18
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well I drive my car regularly, not just on the weekends and handling is very important to me cause I put my foot in it! I read the retail info on both shocks as far as being both gas shocks. I am posing the question to members to get real world opinion not just advertisement quotes. other users opinions give me a real experience to decide from. I like the idea of coilovers, especially for lowering the car and stiffer ride, but on the street the ride would be too harsh and the drop too low for practicallity. Also this system is more expensive than I can afford right now.
