Shock Absorber Recommendations?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
Shock Absorber Recommendations?
I have a '94 Coupe with 95,000 miles and looking at replacing the shock absorbers.
It has been a long time since I have replaced shocks. Looking at the Bilstein website (recommended by a co-worker), I am somewhat surprised/overwhelmed at all the after market options available.
Most of my driving is on back country roads at moderate speeds and sometimes 2 to 4-hr trips on the interstate (i.e. no racing).
Anyway, I would be interested in feedback on what Vette owners are putting on their cars and their experience.
Thx.
It has been a long time since I have replaced shocks. Looking at the Bilstein website (recommended by a co-worker), I am somewhat surprised/overwhelmed at all the after market options available.
Most of my driving is on back country roads at moderate speeds and sometimes 2 to 4-hr trips on the interstate (i.e. no racing).
Anyway, I would be interested in feedback on what Vette owners are putting on their cars and their experience.
Thx.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,381
Likes: 2,735
I have a '94 Coupe with 95,000 miles and looking at replacing the shock absorbers.
It has been a long time since I have replaced shocks. Looking at the Bilstein website (recommended by a co-worker), I am somewhat surprised/overwhelmed at all the after market options available.
Most of my driving is on back country roads at moderate speeds and sometimes 2 to 4-hr trips on the interstate (i.e. no racing).
Anyway, I would be interested in feedback on what Vette owners are putting on their cars and their experience.
Thx.
It has been a long time since I have replaced shocks. Looking at the Bilstein website (recommended by a co-worker), I am somewhat surprised/overwhelmed at all the after market options available.
Most of my driving is on back country roads at moderate speeds and sometimes 2 to 4-hr trips on the interstate (i.e. no racing).
Anyway, I would be interested in feedback on what Vette owners are putting on their cars and their experience.
Thx.
**I believe that if you work direct with Bilstein for a warranty issue, you just send the shock and they replace "no questions asked" and only a few days. I imagine if done through the "point of purchase" it could be several days to maybe several weeks and aggravating.
Last edited by WVZR-1; May 17, 2016 at 08:40 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,074
From: Lansing MI
I bought the absolute cheapest shocks I could find on ebay that still had a Delco part #. I'm perfectly happy with them, and they cost me 24 bucks apiece. Obviously, maintaining originality is not something I am concerned with.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,424
Likes: 3,276
From: Hartford WI
If you buy direct from Bilstein (or a legitimate retailer) "and if" they still offer the "lifetime" warranty I don't know that there can be a better option. A specialty purpose option maybe but an everyday option I doubt. You need to retain the invoice!!!
**I believe that if you work direct with Bilstein for a warranty issue, you just send the shock and they replace "no questions asked" and only a few days. I imagine if done through the "point of purchase" it could be several days to maybe several weeks and aggravating.
**I believe that if you work direct with Bilstein for a warranty issue, you just send the shock and they replace "no questions asked" and only a few days. I imagine if done through the "point of purchase" it could be several days to maybe several weeks and aggravating.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,424
Likes: 3,276
From: Hartford WI
If I had wanted to maintain originality, I'd have gotten the AC Delco ones from Bilstein with the matching color and the GM warranty. I got the yellow ones which weren't original for my FX3. My stock ones from GM didn't make it 3 years before you could compress them, smoke a cigarette while it was extending out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 545
From: Land of the free, home of the brave...
Just installed KYB GasAdjust. They had/have a $40 rebate when buying 4 (check to see if its still available). Made a significant difference in the ride and handling, no more bump steer....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 863
While you'll probably find about as many opinions as posts - I'm a fan of the Bilsteins. They make a high quality shock, and they were the OE supplier - so they worked with the factory engineers to develop the valving.
Yes, Bilstein shocks are more expensive than KYB or Monroe or a number of other suppliers, and conversely, they are less expensive than some of the higher end shock absorber suppliers.
Ultimately, it's your $$$ and your time to do the install, but unless you feel the OE ride is too harsh - I really don't see how you can go "wrong" with the Bilsteins.
Yes, Bilstein shocks are more expensive than KYB or Monroe or a number of other suppliers, and conversely, they are less expensive than some of the higher end shock absorber suppliers.
Ultimately, it's your $$$ and your time to do the install, but unless you feel the OE ride is too harsh - I really don't see how you can go "wrong" with the Bilsteins.
