which shocks
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Gurley, Alabama
which shocks
In the market for new shocks for my 96 with z51. Need to which shock would be best for ride comfort? Not concerned with auto cross handling- willing to spend the extra $$ for quality and comfort.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: seattle WA
There was a large topic about this some time ago-seems to me Bilstein was the winner-I think these were the stock shock. You might check past threads though. I know that's what is on my 87-which is due for new shocks-they do ride a little stiffer than some-so I'll be watching this post-or going back thru past posts.
Last edited by rick lambert; Nov 18, 2004 at 10:14 AM.
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Originally Posted by vader86
Edelbrock IAS, if ride quality is your preference.
Bilsteins are not great for a daily driver.
Bilsteins are not great for a daily driver.
just sort of curious why you say that. I don't learn if I don't ask questions 
Jack
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Because I tested both on early C4s at autocrosses and then driving around town.
The IAS are softer, much softer, but decent in firmness for spirited driving. The brand new Bilsteins are still jarringly stiff.
And I have brand new Bilsteins on my 86 that I drive daily, theyre not soft. I only picked them because I do autox so much.
The IAS are softer, much softer, but decent in firmness for spirited driving. The brand new Bilsteins are still jarringly stiff.
And I have brand new Bilsteins on my 86 that I drive daily, theyre not soft. I only picked them because I do autox so much.
Melting Slicks
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Not all C4's came with bilsteins- only ones that were either z51, or optioned with them.
I still have the bilsteins on my 85 that were there from the factory.
I do not like them... but then again, they're probably shot
I still have the bilsteins on my 85 that were there from the factory.
I do not like them... but then again, they're probably shot
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Tracy CA
I agree with Vader. The Z51 option makes for a stiff ride (so I've heard). A stiff shock isn't going to help in the comfort arena. Avoid KYB (my favorite for the base suspension) because they're stiff.
If money is no object - go for an adjustable shock like the Koni. At least then you can dial in the preference. You're asking for the opposite of the design of your suspension.
If money is no object - go for an adjustable shock like the Koni. At least then you can dial in the preference. You're asking for the opposite of the design of your suspension.
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There's a big difference betwen the pre and post 88 suspensions
Pre 88 were "stiff' , Post 88 more driveable
I am running an 88 z52 rdster with Billstein 88 Z51 shocks, 30mm front bars and 24 mm rears (solid, not tubular) and couldn't be happier!
It will corner with the best of them and yet I can drive it for ten hours without feeling "beat up" by the ride
Jack
Pre 88 were "stiff' , Post 88 more driveable
I am running an 88 z52 rdster with Billstein 88 Z51 shocks, 30mm front bars and 24 mm rears (solid, not tubular) and couldn't be happier!
It will corner with the best of them and yet I can drive it for ten hours without feeling "beat up" by the ride
Jack
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I wasnt talking about 85-87 specifically, I have ridden and driven in cars with them from the later geometry.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Columbus OH
I agree that you need to decide what you want a shock to do and where you want it to do it before worrying about brand.
I drive my '95 on Ohio's roads, and many of them are rough. My Billsteins gave a harsh ride, and the car often lost traction (front and rear) on even medium rough roads.
I took off the Billsteins (18,000 miles on them) and installed Edelbrock IAS. My ride and performance both improved. Might be a different situation, however, if I was on a smooth track.
BTW, I also put a set of Edelbrock IAS on my "bad weather" driver, a 1994 Ford Explorer. I'm very happy with them there as well. They are, of course, cheaper for the Explorer than the Corvette—Vette tax, you know.
I drive my '95 on Ohio's roads, and many of them are rough. My Billsteins gave a harsh ride, and the car often lost traction (front and rear) on even medium rough roads.
I took off the Billsteins (18,000 miles on them) and installed Edelbrock IAS. My ride and performance both improved. Might be a different situation, however, if I was on a smooth track.
BTW, I also put a set of Edelbrock IAS on my "bad weather" driver, a 1994 Ford Explorer. I'm very happy with them there as well. They are, of course, cheaper for the Explorer than the Corvette—Vette tax, you know.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Gurley, Alabama
Yeah it sounds like the IAS shocks are more what I'm looking for- I currently live in Texas. I bought my vette used about five months ago and these stock shocks are finished so I really don;t know how good a set of new bilsteins would ride. I do know I use the car more for pleasure driving than race handling. So where can I find a good deal on shocks??