frnkrizzo

Looking for a recommendation for replacing C4 shock absorbers. I drive it like a Corvette, but I am not crazy. A nice mix of not to firm, not too soft. Anyone ?

VikingTrad3r

with the question phrased like that, you will probably get a few kyb responses.

if you want to match the oem shocks, reply with your year and if you have a fx3, z51, or z52 rpo code on your car. we can guide tou from there

pcolt94

You are going to get lots of answers and opinions.

I removed my original Bilstein shocks about 12 years ago cause they were so very hard and were almost like auto cross. I installed new "HD Bilstein" shocks which actually were the softer ones for the car with the new terminology (next size up was stiffer). They are not soft by any means but are softer than my originals. I don’t come out of the seat anymore on small speed bumps not does my ABS activate. Bilstein shocks are a good brand, all 8 shocks never leaked or broke which is a nice plus.

Purple92

Add another vote for Bilsteins. That's what the OEM HP suspension came with, and what DRM chose (with different valving) for their suspension kits "back in the day".

Koni also makes good shocks - and many people like them - but I prefer the Bilstein for street performance applications.

A Peter C4

Anyone with info on Tokico shocks?

rocco16

I've had Bilstein, Edelbrock IAS, and KONI. I like the adjustability and the longevity of the KONI's....plus they flat work better than the other two.

Corvettes deserve a good shock; I would not consider Tokico or KYB (even though I put KYB's on the wifes Grand Cherokee and Bilstein's on my own Grand Cherokee)

frnkrizzo

1987
FE7 - High performance suspension
FG3 - Preloaded gas shock absorbers
G44 - Rear axle 3.07 ratio
L98 - Tuned port injection 5.7 L engine
Z51 - Performance handling package

aklim

Had it before and wasn't bad at all. Great improvement over the stock shocks in the F-body especially the worn out ones that were a few years old.

toricred

I thought I'd read that the Bilstein's gave the smoothest ride. I made the horrible mistake of putting KYBs on my 96CE. I need to replace them and I want something to smooth out the ride because of the sizeable potholes around here.

DriveV8Faster

I just put Z51 spec Bilsteins on my base suspension 1992 and they are awesome!

VikingTrad3r

to replace your oem, go to either zip or midamerica and get the z51 shocks. not to be confused with the hd shocks.

they will match tour 87 z51 spring rate exactly.

i just went theough this wxact thing on my 87 z52. same shocks as yours.

homework:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c4-technical-and-performance/111963-bilstein-hd-bilstein-sport.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-general-discussion/3410846-z51-vs-non-z51-shocks.html

MatthewMiller

If it were me, I'd get these Konis for $300. I have no skin in this sale at all, but I like my Konis for street and autocross use. They ride very well in the lower half of their adjustment range, and they are quality dampers. That's a nice price for a nearly new set.

Cjunkie

Under 100 for all 4 corners from Summit racing after rebate for gas monotubes.

QCVette

I have KYB shocks on my '96 CE too. I also have the Bilstein Z51 shocks on my '95. I have had the non Z51 Bilsteins on a couple others.

The KYB shocks are smoother than either of the Bilstein shocks. They are quite soft and almost all premium shocks are stiffer. If you want smoother ride just find the cheapest shock you can find and/or look at softer springs (especially in the back).

Personally, I like the Bilstein Z51 shocks the best, but I prefer a firmer ride, so probably not for you. I also like Bilstein shocks for how well they last. I have never worn out a set and even then they have a lifetime warranty.

Good luck with your choice.

aklim

Cheapest price wise has been eshocks.com or shox.com

VikingTrad3r

ouch. i just spent 750 canadian on all 4 corners for the z51/52

Cjunkie

Oh man! PM me before you buy anything else.

Chrly919

Two years ago, after I bought my 93, I got Monroes from RockAuto for almost nothing with a rebate. I wanted Bilsteins, but at the time I had to do brakes, battery, change all fluids, and other maintenance items you do to insure the car is reliable. The car had original GM Bilsteins on the rear and Gabriels on the front. It floated all over the place. The Monroes are OK but I don't expect them to last long. Bilsteins are on my list.

VikingTrad3r

i can return them. what are you thinking?

Cjunkie

I know your in Canada but Summit has those front shocks for $29.97 and the rears for $34.97. If you buy them before 4/30 there is a $40 rebate on the shocks.
Maybe that can save you a few bucks?