C4 Shock Replacement Recommendation
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 2,736
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
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
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.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 863
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.
Koni also makes good shocks - and many people like them - but I prefer the Bilstein for street performance applications.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
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)
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)
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
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
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
Last edited by frnkrizzo; Apr 21, 2017 at 08:52 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,464
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Los Alamos NM
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.
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 2,736
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
Last edited by VikingTrad3r; Apr 22, 2017 at 07:03 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,103
Likes: 1,985
From: St. Charles MO
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
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.
Last edited by QCVette; Apr 23, 2017 at 03:59 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ashland, OH
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 124
Likes: 22
From: Knoxville Tn
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 1,488
From: Ashland, OH