Time to replace shocks... what to buy?!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Finland
Time to replace shocks... what to buy?!
Hi all, I have an -88 coupe with 80k miles. It has original Delco Bilstein shocks and I think it's time to change them. I was looking over Corvette Central and MAD cataloques and they had KYB, Bilstein and Edelbrock to choose from. I am at loss with these, which of these is the best for me?? My vette is with Z52 option and I like the firm ride of it. I've heard that KYB might be too soft for me.
Could you please help with these choises :)
Could you please help with these choises :)
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 304
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From: Tulsa OK
Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (jutammel)
its best to replace with what you have on there now which should be Bilsteins
they are over twice the price of KYB but worth it
I just installed KYB on my 96 because I couldnt afford the Bilsteins right now and they are much better than my 94k miles original Bilsteins but if I could afford the new Bilsteins I would....so go with replacement Bilsteins and enjoy the ride :steering:
they are over twice the price of KYB but worth it
I just installed KYB on my 96 because I couldnt afford the Bilsteins right now and they are much better than my 94k miles original Bilsteins but if I could afford the new Bilsteins I would....so go with replacement Bilsteins and enjoy the ride :steering:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Finland
Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (Trey96LT1)
Hi Trey, I'm leaning towards Bilsteins too. MAD has, for example, base suspension and Z51 suspension bilsteins for sale?! No bilsteins for Z52? Can I choose either one for my Z52?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
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From: San Diego CA
Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (jutammel)
Just have your existing Bilsteins rebuilt. Bilstein does it for something like $50-$60 each. They'll revalve them to your specs (and help you figure it out) for a bit more.
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Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (John Row)
:cheers: On my 88, I run with the Z51's front and rear (car is a Z52 rdstr), combo works great!!!
I have upgraded to 30mm solid front sway bars and 24 mm rear, that too is a nice change you might want to consider
:seeya
I have upgraded to 30mm solid front sway bars and 24 mm rear, that too is a nice change you might want to consider
:seeya
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 655
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From: San Diego California
Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (jackdaroofer)
first put away the MAD catalog. they are kind pricey. i have the edelbrock IAS and found them on another site for $70ea bucks. the Bilsteins i think someone founf them on another supporting vendor for $90ea. not sure on the KYB's
I like the edelbrock for my application because the vette is my daily and the roads here in ft worth are pretty hard to drive.
if i had smoth raod on my way to work i might have picked the Bilsteins. i have heard you can send them in to be rebuilt. hope this helps some
I like the edelbrock for my application because the vette is my daily and the roads here in ft worth are pretty hard to drive.
if i had smoth raod on my way to work i might have picked the Bilsteins. i have heard you can send them in to be rebuilt. hope this helps some
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Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (jutammel)
Go to the track and look at what the pros use. Koni is my preference because they build shocks for nearly every form of transportation. Koni knows its business which is why most racers choose Koni. Just wish the darn things were more affordable.
I don't work for Koni :D
I don't work for Koni :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
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Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (Maximus9000)
I'm in the middle of this on my 90..I was gonna go the super cheap route and throw some Monroes(24.99 each) on it ...Went to Advance and bought some,was doing front brakes the other night and pulled my Bilsteins off (they're wore out big time) but they had more dampening than the new Monroes I bought ...I also sqeezed one Monroe in and it didn't come out at all...so they got returned real FAST....I ordered a set of the KYBs from Ecklers..bought all four for 149.00(I think) plus I get a Vendor discount of 20%...I think they are gonna suit my needs just fine.I don't race at all and I like a good ride...not too firm like the bilsteins and not too cushiony like some of the the cheapies.
KYBs in my opinion!
Jason
KYBs in my opinion!
Jason
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Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (jutammel)
I have been running KYB's for about 2 years now and I am happy with them. I try to avoid the "Corvette Tax" whenever I can. :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Lancaster County PA
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Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (joecaver)
If you are looking for a serious adjustable shock for you Vette, go with HAL QA1 12 way adjustables. You can change both compression and rebound valving simultaneously, just turn the adjustment **** with your hand. No need to remove the shocks to make the adjustment. They are also rebuildable. I can adjust them for a Auto-X or Drag set-up at the track, then adust them for a nice smooth ride home. I can adjust all 4 shocks in under a minute. I've been using them for close to a year...I'd never use anything else on my car. Talk to the other guys on the Forum that use them. :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Finland
Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (jutammel)
Thanks for all replies guys! Doesn't make my desicion any easier thou. Everybody got their own favorite. I might be leaning towards Bilsteins becouse I already have those. So let get this right, I can put base suspension bilsteins and Z51 bilsteins on my car if I want. Only difference is that Z51 bilsteins are harder?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: St. Pete Beach Florida
Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (jutammel)
Hello, It's Tony from Vette Brakes & Products. I will give a special price today of $ 68.00 on Bilstein Shocks. C-4 and C-5 only. 800-237-9991 or you can e-mail tony@vettebrakes.com.
Sport 718
Tony
Sport 718
Tony
Melting Slicks
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Re: Time to replace shocks... what to buy?! (jutammel)
Zip has Bilsteins on sale for $269.95. I just bought some last week :thumbs: .