BlownZ51

I’m getting ready to replace the shocks on my 72 coupe. Car has the vette brakes and products rear fiberglass leaf spring. Any suggestions?

zwede

You can do it like me and try a bunch of different ones. Or you can just get Bilsteins and be done with it.

BlownZ51

I was actually thinking that was the route I would go. Do you like them? Somewhat smooth ride?

zwede

Smooth ride. Actually smoother than the cheaper shocks I tried, even though the Bilsteins also handle the best. No idea what magic they used for that.

BlownZ51

The car currently has Gabriel shocks from Pepboys. They are about 20 years old. I believe they used Bilstiens on the later model vettes. I used to own a GMC Syclone... It had Bilstiens and rode great!

GUSTO14

Bilsteins were first used on the early C4's with Z-51. I liked them so much I put them on my C2, C3 and C5. Considering what you are getting the price is excellent. Many of the Forum vendors carry them.

Good luck... GUSTO

jb78L-82

Go with Bilsteins as others have stated and don't waste your money or time on cheap mass market shocks.

I have Bilsteins on my 78 C3, Specially valved Doug Rippie Motorsports Bilstein Sports on my 10 C6Z06, my 08 Chrysler 300, and my 94 Mustang GT 5.0 V8....My Wife's 2016 Audi Q has Bilsteins from the factory.

I would get them for my 12 Lexus IS350 F sport but they are not needed yet with so low mileage on the OEM struts.......The F Sport shocks from TRD are you guessed it, specially valved Bilstein Sport shocks/struts........

Hib Halverson

I have a VB composite spring on my 71 and I have Bilsteins on the car.

Keep in mind that when you go to a plastic rear spring, because you loose the damping inherent with a leaf spring, you have to use a more aggressive than stock rear shock.

If you go with Bilsteins use the "standard" ones not the ones with "Sport" valving.

BlownZ51

Thanks for the feedback all!! Greatly appreciate it!

BlownZ51

Ive been searching around for bilsteins. I see a heavy duty and a sport. Assuming I want the heavy duty?

JoeMinnesota

I have the Vansteel mono leaf on my '70 with Bilstein HD's all around. Good ride and very happy with them.

zwede

HD's is what I have.

BlownZ51

Excellent! Thanks

redcruz1120

I know you got plenty of info on this and probably made up your mind, but on my way home today from a car show I actually paid attention to the Ride on a very uneven road and for once was very satisfied I took the Bilstein HD route!!

v2racing

I like the Bilsteins too, but I like the Sport better than the HD. The HD were too bouncy for me on the back with a fiberglass spring. You could go Sport on the back and HD on the front. That would give you a good ride and control the bounce from the glass spring.

Mike

fede

I got a full suspension kit from VB&P and they were pairing the HDs with the #330 spring and Sports with the #360 spring. I got a Street&Slalom kit with #360 spring and thus the Bilsteins Sport shocks.

I regret a bit not getting QA1 adjustables so I can fiddle with them if I'm not satisfied...

BlownZ51

My car feels really bouncy at the moment. I just checked my records. I have the 330 rear spring from VB&P

BlownZ51

What rear spring are you running?

stingr69

The sport shocks are a better match to the higher spring rate fiberglass springs. If you have the 360 LB spring, the Bilstein Sport shocks are excellent. The softer rate fiberglass springs can use the Bilstein HD shocks. HD's shocks on the front with the standard factory coil springs.

Do not fear the high rate fiberglass rear springs with the right shocks. They do not ride as rough as you would expect. It is very smooth.

BlownZ51

I am running the stock front coil springs. Sounds like I will see much improvement with the HD’s on all four corners. I like the way my car currently sits also, don’t want to start readjusting things. I’m running 17” wheels in front and 18”s in rear. No rubbing and it drives straight as an arrow.