I replaced the rear shocks with these on the '87 Z52 and they are very stiff! It's a definite compromise between ride quality and performance. However handling is incredible!. I cant wait to get these on the front and some really good tires, any suggestions?

 

Did you get them from??? Makes a difference.

 

got them from Eckler's, but when I opened them they had a "Vette Brakes" sticker on them.

 

Ok, that explains a lot. There is a serial # on those shocks that will trace back to the valving that Bilstein used. I will bet you dollars to donuts that they are a shock that is more designed for an all out road race car with stiff springs for use on a billard table smooth track. I will reserve any further comment untill that info is vetted. Good luck!

 

I'm using "sport shocks" from Vette Brakes :cheers: Work great, and decent price, I'm running their "sport" springs too.

 

those are digressively valved shocks "for racing use only". how's the street ride? it will be interesting to see how long they last.

when you asked for suggestions, you mean for tires? i've had good results with nitto drag radials at all corners. after i wore out my victoracers i raced a few auto-xes with the nittos, and they're formidable. i really like how they soak up inputs and calm the car down, the victoracers make the car feel too sharp in comparison. plenty of grip, too, if not quite to victoracer standards.

best part, though, is that i got 10k street miles out of them along with 4 auto-x events. they still have 2/32nds left. and, the soft sidewalls make the ride significantly better than any other tire i've had on the car.

-michael

 

Thanks to all for replying.
MSR - Right now the ride is a little bumpy but OK. I will check into the Nitto DR's and Victoracers. The '87 has the factory Z52 16x9.5" rims. Hopefully they make a 255/50 or 265 for a 16" rim. I'm afraid the V700's might put the comfort level over the edge, so I'm leaning towards the Nitto's.

 

right, i wouldn't recommend the victoracer as a street tire at all.

you're out of luck with that size tire. you could try the BFG drag radial, but i don't think those tolerate street use as well.

-michael

 

I was going to go the Bilstein Autocross shock route for my standard suspension 95. I thought the Autocrosses would be just to stiff for the street even though I like a "go kart" type ride. Also this car rides very tight and quiet (except for the MagnaFlows)and I didn't want it to loosen up. I compromised and got the Z51 stocks from Van Steel. It is now firmer with less "float". It is far from as firm as my 88 Z51. I believe that year (88) had some of the firmest shocks and springs( in the Z51 option). It does have ZERO lean when changing direction.
Maybe someone can tell me if I am right but I think the FX3 cars, when suspension set on it's firmest setting, will ride and handle like my 95. I believe the FX3 cars have spring rates slightly lower than my standard suspension 95.
I recommend this change highly.

 

"I believe that year (88) had some of the firmest shocks and springs( in the Z51 option)."--- CORRECT

"I believe the FX3 cars have spring rates slightly lower than my standard suspension 95."---RIGHT & WRONG---For example, at worst the rear on the 88-91 FX3 cars is the same as your 95. But those years have stiffer spring rates than a std. 95. Unless you have an "early" 95, you likely have much SOFTER springs F&R than the standard suspended, and FX3 cars of that vintage. You are correct in that the 92-95 FX cars are softer than the like period FE1 (std.) susp. cars. Without knowing what the valving was on the later FX3 shocks and your "A-X" shocks, it's very difficult to make a blanket statement as to whether or not it would ride like yours with the AX shocks.
Bottom line is that many people unwittingly buy the absolute WRONG shocks thinking that they are going improve the performance of their car, and in reality, get valving that was originally designed for all out race cars on super smooth tracks, on cars with stiff springs and weigh 7-800# LESS than a stock loaded car. So the net effect is that the same "Challenge" springs on that car can use the super stiff valving of some of these now "off the shelf" (formerly race developed) Bilstein's. They und up wondering whay the car is now so harsh. SOME of the big name outfits promote this stuff indescriminately to the public who relies on their "expert" recommendation. I really believe that there HAS to be someone at these same places that knows what it's about. IMO, in the main my PERCEPTION based on many comments here over the life of the CF, is that the guys manning the telephone order desk are often clueless on these specific technical issues.