Remember when Bilsteins were cool?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: The light that never warms.
St. Jude Donor '12
Remember when Bilsteins were cool?
Man, I remember my first pair of Bilsteins. I got them for Christmas (guess that's why I'm thinking about this!) for my first car - a '70 Camaro. Just the front, but what a difference! Those were great shocks. I was even happy to see them on my '85 when I bought it. It only had 27K, so the original Z51 shocks were still there.
But now...... I see these things on the back of every Chevy truck, Ford truck, you name it. I suppose they are still good shocks. Just lost their luster, ya know? When it was time to replace the shocks on the '85, I went with the revalved ones TPIS does. I really like them, and I even like the basic black. Just gettin' older, I guess. :D
But now...... I see these things on the back of every Chevy truck, Ford truck, you name it. I suppose they are still good shocks. Just lost their luster, ya know? When it was time to replace the shocks on the '85, I went with the revalved ones TPIS does. I really like them, and I even like the basic black. Just gettin' older, I guess. :D
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Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Ohio
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (lite blue)
Have you noticed that there has been somewhat of a competitive situation developing in certain niches of the OEM auto market? THAT's why you are finding Bilsteins on the (excuse me) limited edition Cobra, Viper, BMWs etc. I have a new Trailblazer with Bilsteins. My wife's 2000 Blazer has Bilsteins on the upgraded suspension pkg. How about Koni shocks as OE in some high performance applications? Or Sachs that come on Mercedes. (as do Bilstein) Your TPIS "basic black" shocks are your basic cheap twin tube shocks that sell at Sears for $59.95 for 4 installed. Bilstein's are cool? Not cool? What's that have to do with performance??. I'm glad you like your shocks, but what's your point?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 22,267
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From: The light that never warms.
St. Jude Donor '12
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (h rocks)
They're good shocks, just lost their exclusivity, in my mind.
Konis are good. I put a pair of the red ones on my last Trans Am. I really liked the adjustability. I think Konis did come on some Porsches.
Konis are good. I put a pair of the red ones on my last Trans Am. I really liked the adjustability. I think Konis did come on some Porsches.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
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From: Lockport NY
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (lite blue)
My '86 had 4 old grungy Gabriel Red Ryders on them when I bought it 5 years ago...I replaced with 4 new Bilsteins last year and have not noticed one single bit of difference...
I won't be buying Bilsteins again...
I won't be buying Bilsteins again...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
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From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (lite blue)
I put a set of Bilstiens on my Impala SS, they work great.
IMHO, they haven't lost thier luster, Bilstien has learned to service the market, I call it smart managment.
I wish they would make a set of adjustable shocks like my HALs, I'd buy 'em in a heartbeat.
You can have your old Bilstiens factory rebuilt for ~$220 and have them soften the specs at the same time. That way you can have Bilstien quailty and the soft ride you crave.
First yer shocks go soft, what's next :jester
Eric
...I suppose they are still good shocks. Just lost their luster, ya know?....
I wish they would make a set of adjustable shocks like my HALs, I'd buy 'em in a heartbeat.
When it was time to replace the shocks on the '85, I went with the revalved ones TPIS does. I really like them, and I even like the basic black.
Just gettin' older, I guess.
Eric
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
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From: Maryland
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (luvmy92)
What originally came on a Non Z-51 1987 convertible in terms of shocks? Mine have been replaced but I would like to put back on a set of the original style / configuration shocks. Does anyone have a set of originals floating around they can take some detailed photographs of for me please? If it's Bilstein's (however you say it) :lol: then maybe I can find a set which looks just like the originals. If the weld seams are in the right place and any other distinguishing features are right, then a bit of paint and a sticker and one could make them look like factory originals. (Think NCRS judging here - they're starting on the 84 - 86s this January at the Orlando meet) - I hope to have my '87 ready for judging by the time NCRS is ready for it. Shocks are one thing I haven't looked into at all yet. ~Juliet
oops typo. I realize there were no 83 corvettes. :lol:
[Modified by Juliet, 9:29 AM 12/30/2002]
oops typo. I realize there were no 83 corvettes. :lol:
[Modified by Juliet, 9:29 AM 12/30/2002]
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From: Framingham MA
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (Juliet)
What originally came on a Non Z-51 1987 convertible in terms of shocks? Mine have been replaced but I would like to put back on a set of the original style / configuration shocks. Does anyone have a set of originals floating around they can take some detailed photographs of for me please? If it's Bilstein's (however you say it) :lol: then maybe I can find a set which looks just like the originals.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Damn taxes! Pimpin' Ain't Easy in Massachusetts
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'08-'09
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (bhamvett)
Bilsteins are still the best shocks.The market is just very segmented now.
bhamvett
95 Z07
bhamvett
95 Z07
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Maryland
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (dgoodhue)
What originally came on a Non Z-51 1987 convertible in terms of shocks? My original 86 shocks were an A/C Delco Shock. They were painted black and had an A/C delco decal on them.
I figure these are definately NOT the originals with 124k on the car, but a definite NO the labels weren't like that would help too. :lol: Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Lafayette IN
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (Juliet)
Thanks! Do you remember if the labels look like this?
I figure these are definately NOT the originals with 124k on the car, but a definite NO the labels weren't like that would help too. :lol: Thanks.
I figure these are definately NOT the originals with 124k on the car, but a definite NO the labels weren't like that would help too. :lol: Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Maryland
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (HighHopes85)
My rear shocks have the same label on them. I was *told* they were replaced, but who really knows. ...BTW, my Delco Performer shocks are silver-bodied I believe.
When I restored my C3 to NCRS specs (well sorta, I did deliberately paint a few things with cast-blast instead of waiting for them to rust in a week ;) ) I was able to purchase the current delco shocks and spray paint them the correct shade of grey. It's as close as I could come save finding NOS shocks (which I haven't found yet). :D Anyways, thanks. ~Juliet
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From: Framingham MA
Re: Remember when Bilsteins were cool? (Juliet)
FYI The 86 convertible came with a different shock than 85's.
GM called them first application of 'deflected disc' Delco shock absorbers in the 86 Convertible press kit. Anyways I looked them up in my Feb-88 Parts and illustration manual. They 86-87 are listed as using the same parts numbers, 22046496 (front) and 22046497 (rear)
GM called them first application of 'deflected disc' Delco shock absorbers in the 86 Convertible press kit. Anyways I looked them up in my Feb-88 Parts and illustration manual. They 86-87 are listed as using the same parts numbers, 22046496 (front) and 22046497 (rear)