Shocks? Good or bad?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Beach Florida
Shocks? Good or bad?
Well since the 92 still had the original shocks(bilstiens).. I ordered some kyb,s and changed them out... But wondering if I really needed it...the bilstiens compressed and returned as they should but seemed a lot easier to compress than the KYB and the KYB extended a lot quicker... I also noticed that once compressed(bilstiens) I could hold them down Realy easy... Do these bilstiens sound like they were in need of replacement?? Or did I just throw away good money..
Thoughts. Opinions?
Thoughts. Opinions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
Likes: 216
From: Merritt Island, FL
Compression by hand really doesn't give an accurate indication of whether or not a shock absorber is faulty. Sure, if it compresses by hand easily, and stays there, it's a sign that it needs replacement, but the valving in the shock determines the rate at which it can compress and rebound.
It's likely that if the shocks were indeed original, that you made a good choice in replacing them. If there was little rebound noted when you released pressure, then it is likely that their oil or gas charge was depleted to some extent.
It's likely that if the shocks were indeed original, that you made a good choice in replacing them. If there was little rebound noted when you released pressure, then it is likely that their oil or gas charge was depleted to some extent.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
I've just not been impressed with my KYBs......I don't know if it is other suspension issues or what just yet......I'm going after suspension issue this year with my C4. I'll be able to tell you more after that I guess.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Ive run KYBs in everything Ive owned for 15 yrs
They are reasonably priced
Will last forever
Firm up the ride
Best/highest tech shock probably not but works for me.
If you already got a stiff spring the KYbs might make it too harsh of a ride. It about shook my 89 to death. lol A run of the mill NAPA shock would have been better there for ride quality
Ran the Bilstein with the Moracco valving (fx3) in the ZR1 that was the perfect shock for that car. Dont know if that helps
They are reasonably priced
Will last forever
Firm up the ride
Best/highest tech shock probably not but works for me.
If you already got a stiff spring the KYbs might make it too harsh of a ride. It about shook my 89 to death. lol A run of the mill NAPA shock would have been better there for ride quality
Ran the Bilstein with the Moracco valving (fx3) in the ZR1 that was the perfect shock for that car. Dont know if that helps
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
^^See, I was going to go there...but I held off as I wasn't sure if it was the KYBs or my Rust Bucket......But yeah, those KYBs are firm on my '84........as you know the '84 has that stiff **** suspension to begin with.
So, you just bought a NAPA house brand?
So, you just bought a NAPA house brand?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Oh god an 84 with KYBs
Friends with your dentist I hope
No I didnt use the Napas on it.
Left them on the car eventually sold it
They worked out so well on every car Ive used them on did the same with the 89. Big mistake lol. It was harsh. Not a "smart" shock they have their place though.
84s are brutal seems a softer (ie cheaper) type shock is needed or a spring change altogether. Dont know enough on tuning C4 susp to really comment.
Have used the NAPA brand on a couple work trucks I had yrs ago was happy with them. Hard to have any meaning in relation to the C4 though.
Edit: your below post heard a few friends were happy with the Edelbrocks for improving ride
No good experiences with Monroes.
Friends with your dentist I hope
No I didnt use the Napas on it.
Left them on the car eventually sold it
They worked out so well on every car Ive used them on did the same with the 89. Big mistake lol. It was harsh. Not a "smart" shock they have their place though.
84s are brutal seems a softer (ie cheaper) type shock is needed or a spring change altogether. Dont know enough on tuning C4 susp to really comment.
Have used the NAPA brand on a couple work trucks I had yrs ago was happy with them. Hard to have any meaning in relation to the C4 though.
Edit: your below post heard a few friends were happy with the Edelbrocks for improving ride
No good experiences with Monroes.
Last edited by cv67; Mar 9, 2012 at 11:30 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
O'Reilly has:
Monroe
Monroe Matic
KYBs
Bilsteins
Edelbrock
For ~$30 each, I could try the Monroe's I guess......it couldn't hurt
OP, they list the Bilstein B6 (front) for ~$142 each and the rears B8 for ~$92
Monroe
Monroe Matic
KYBs
Bilsteins
Edelbrock
For ~$30 each, I could try the Monroe's I guess......it couldn't hurt
OP, they list the Bilstein B6 (front) for ~$142 each and the rears B8 for ~$92
Last edited by jhammons01; Mar 9, 2012 at 11:30 AM.
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Hey Cruzin', I was running KYBs on my prior 35th Anni (Z52) that came with it, though it OEM was Bilsteins.
I bet my replacement 35th Anni (to be picked up soon) will need shocks. I was thinking of trying Bilsteins, if it needs shocks.
Do you think the OEMs would be better than KYB for my application or would KYB give a better ride/handling??
I bet my replacement 35th Anni (to be picked up soon) will need shocks. I was thinking of trying Bilsteins, if it needs shocks.
Do you think the OEMs would be better than KYB for my application or would KYB give a better ride/handling??
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St. Jude Donor '12
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
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From: Irvine Ca
If it is a good ride for 12,000 miles, for $30 apiece, I might still be interested.....
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Colorado
How was the ride before you changed 'em out? You really did open a can of worms here! Yet none of these guys got into rebound/extension per cents, or if they the same as OEM. Changing tire or rim weight/size affects the geometery. My ride improved after I got the new tires.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
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From: Greensburg PA
Le Mans Master
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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
Do what you want, but I wouldn't want to be replacing shocks every year.
