Marco needs new shocks

[Frizlefrak]

OK....apparently I can post new threads again....

LF shock is leaking....still has 16 year old factory Bilsteins. I don't race or autocross, but do enjoy a spirited run through the mountains now and then.

Should I spring for new Bilsteins or just go with AC Delco? How much of a difference will it make it my handling? Car does not have selective ride....

What say ye?

[mike100]

The Bilstein usa western office is 20 miles from my house, so whenever this topic comes up, I suggest trying to see if they can rebuilt at the factory shop. I do know that they rework the fx3 shocks- it is about half the cost of a new one.

[mike100]

of course I didn't figure in shipping, so the factory rebuild is more viable as a local customer.... maybe you can just buy a pair.

[PLRX]

All the help in the world is here to Help You OUT!!

Pete

[Frizlefrak]

Are the Bilsteins really that much better? I've never had a set (other than the worn out ones on Marco) so have no real comparison to say KYB or just AC Delco. Again, the car is mostly just a weekend cruiser, but if the difference is really that much, I'll open my wallet.

[mike100]

They say the KYB's are the best basic el-cheapo no frills shock that isn't too soft.

[PLRX]

Originally Posted by Frizlefrak

Yeah....but I need shocks

Here you go

Marco is going to love them!!

[Dogfish246]

I say go with Bilsteins because it took 15yrs to wear them out so the increased price for them will be offset by the longevity and ride quality! Just like tires, I will never skimp on this stuff ever again! When my Bilsteins go, I will go with Bilsteins!

[Frizlefrak]

Originally Posted by PLRX

Here you go

Marco is going to love them!!

BAN HIM!!

[Frizlefrak]

Originally Posted by Dogfish246

I say go with Bilsteins because it took 15yrs to wear them out so the increased price for them will be offset by the longevity and ride quality! Just like tires, I will never skimp on this stuff ever again! When my Bilsteins go, I will go with Bilsteins!

I'm leaning that way, I just wondered if they're overkill for what I use the car for. I'm never going to push it anywhere near its limits.

[Dogfish246]

Originally Posted by Frizlefrak

I'm leaning that way, I just wondered if they're overkill for what I use the car for. I'm never going to push it anywhere near its limits.

I hear ya! I use mine for daily driving so I can understand that it's hard to justify all that money when there are other options. My only concern is changing the way the Vette rides. Right now, she is perfect and I wouldnt want to ruin that feel that makes a C4 a C4! Keep up posted on what you do!

[five-oh]

Originally Posted by Frizlefrak

I'm leaning that way, I just wondered if they're overkill for what I use the car for. I'm never going to push it anywhere near its limits.

Hmmmm.... You push it to its limits just by getting in it, Friz! They are a part of the suspension, after all.

[RedLS1GTO]

Originally Posted by mike100

They say the KYB's are the best basic el-cheapo no frills shock that isn't too soft.

True.

Originally Posted by Dogfish246

I say go with Bilsteins...

True.


There are a vew variations of Bilstein shocks out there ranging from "normal" to teeth rattling stiffness. Pick the one that most fits your needs and don't look back. You can't go wrong with Bilstein.

...as I say that, there are KYBs on the old 87 and for a non-racing, driver it isn't bad. I bought them back in the college days when Ramen noodles were a gourmet meal and before I could afford to do it "right".

[WW7]

Friz, I have had KYBs on my car for 3 1/2 years and I personally think it rides and handles great. I have also been in friends cars that had Bilstiens and even though I wasn't intentionally thinking about the ride I don't remember noticing any difference from the way mine rides..I had AC Delcos on my car when I bought it. When I switched to the KYBs I did notice it stiffened up quite a bit but those shocks were probably at there end of life..If your car is used for just cruising like mine is,with the mountain road runs mixed in once in awhile, then the KYBs may be all you need....WW

Bilsteins $300.00
KYBs $140.00
AC Delco$140.00

[RedLS1GTO]

Originally Posted by WW7

Bilsteins $300.00
KYBs $140.00
AC Delco$140.00

Are the Bilsteins better? Yep. Are they worth more than twice as much? That one is up to you. I haven't looked at prices in a while and didn't realize that the difference was that big.

[PLRX]

Friz,

Random help

90 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Shock Absorber - Suspension - Bilstein, Edelbrock, KYB, Monroe, Front, Rear - PartsGeek

Home

Bilstein's phone number 858-386-5900


http://www.bilsteinus.com/contact.php[/QUOTE]

I'd say call them and compare on new ones and a rebuild.

If you were a nOOb I would have never done that!

[Dogfish246]

Originally Posted by RedLS1GTO

True.



True.


There are a vew variations of Bilstein shocks out there ranging from "normal" to teeth rattling stiffness. Pick the one that most fits your needs and don't look back. You can't go wrong with Bilstein.

...as I say that, there are KYBs on the old 87 and for a non-racing, driver it isn't bad. I bought them back in the college days when Ramen noodles were a gourmet meal and before I could afford to do it "right".

Sounds like me now haha

[Frizlefrak]

Thanks Pete....

It's not really an issue of money, it's an issue of do i really NEED them for what I use the car for. If using cheaper shocks will radically alter the way the car handles, I'll spring for the Bilsteins. If I won't know the difference in 90% of my driving, I'll go with KYB or Delco.

I'm leaning toward just buying new Bilsteins. I'd hate to spend the (albeit less) money on cheaper shocks, only to hate them and wind up buying the Bilsteins anyway. The first set lasted this long....by them time the next set are gone, I may be pissing through a tube and gumming my food.

[Bronze85]

I just bought some kyb's from a CFer, the car has Sensatracs on it now. After researching, the consensus was the kyb's were comparable to bilstein at a reasonable cost and the Monroes were junk. I'll know the difference when the weather gets warm again.

[WW7]

Originally Posted by Frizlefrak

Thanks Pete....

It's not really an issue of money, it's an issue of do i really NEED them for what I use the car for. If using cheaper shocks will radically alter the way the car handles, I'll spring for the Bilsteins. If I won't know the difference in 90% of my driving, I'll go with KYB or Delco.

I'm leaning toward just buying new Bilsteins. I'd hate to spend the (albeit less) money on cheaper shocks, only to hate them and wind up buying the Bilsteins anyway. The first set lasted this long....by them time the next set are gone, I may be pissing through a tube and gumming my food.

Sounds like you have made up your mind already....WW