Which shocks should I buy?
#1
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Which shocks should I buy?
The suspension right now is insanely stiff, but IK that's how it's supposed to ride. I figured new shocks and springs would soften it up just a touch.
I've been looking at KYB's. Koni's and Bilstein's are out of my budget for now. Are the KYB's worth it or should I just save some more and buy the Bilsteins/Konis?
I take corners very lightly, but IDK how suspension affects a launch from a dead stop. This is just a weekend car, so I don't want to spend a crazy amount on a setup that won't fit my drive style.
I've been looking at KYB's. Koni's and Bilstein's are out of my budget for now. Are the KYB's worth it or should I just save some more and buy the Bilsteins/Konis?
I take corners very lightly, but IDK how suspension affects a launch from a dead stop. This is just a weekend car, so I don't want to spend a crazy amount on a setup that won't fit my drive style.
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T.L. (03-11-2020)
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WildCard600 (03-02-2020)
#6
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Re: Which shocks should I buy?
I’m just doing stock rate also
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#9
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Re: Which shocks should I buy?
I'm gonna revive this thread real quick...
Looking at the Bilstein's right now. There is only one Bilstein shock available everywhere and it is the B6 Rear Shock.
Where are the front shocks? Are they discontinued? Can I call and get some made?
Looking at the Bilstein's right now. There is only one Bilstein shock available everywhere and it is the B6 Rear Shock.
Where are the front shocks? Are they discontinued? Can I call and get some made?
#10
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Car: 1989 Firebird GTA
Engine: Motown Aluminum 427
Transmission: TH400/GVO
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 IRS 3.75:1
Re: Which shocks should I buy?
There is a lot to a suspension, not just shocks. You say it's 'insanely" stiff, but you just want to change out the shocks. You have stock springs? Or have those been changed out for stiffer ones. Need more info.
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Car: 92 Trans Am
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Which shocks should I buy?
I had KYB's and switched to Koni's. It was a huge difference. It corners much more smoothly. And just going over bumps the Koni's are superior. Best money I ever spent.
#13
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Re: Which shocks should I buy?
My plans are to get new shocks, springs, all new bushings, and tires are on the way right now. Anything else I can add to that list?
#14
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Re: Which shocks should I buy?
I looked at another thread from a couple years ago and one guy said they made another set for him and shipped it out all through email and phone calls.
#15
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Re: Which shocks should I buy?
#17
Re: Which shocks should I buy?
I have the KYB Excel G's with stock worn out springs on my car. It's still a little bouncy for my taste but it handles well. Like you, I didn't want to spend a ton of money on shock/struts right now on a car that I just cruise. Koni's would have been nice, but so is having the extra $600 that I saved.
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Re: Which shocks should I buy?
I hear you. The Gas-A-Just rears are very much worth the extra money over the Excel-G IMHO. I suspect they are the correct damping characteristics for the IROC/Z28 rear spring rates, which (I believe) are different than the non-TPI/Z28 rates.
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Re: Which shocks should I buy?
What tires did you decide on? I'm ready to pull the trigger on some tires too but I am having a hard time making a decision.
#20
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Re: Which shocks should I buy?
I am getting ready to do the front end within a week or two, so I can't comment on the Koni's there yet. But I suspect if you want to talk about overall benefit to the way the car handles, the front would make a bigger difference.
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dmccain (03-12-2020)
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Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: SuperRam 350
Transmission: Pro Built S/S TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Which shocks should I buy?
I will say that switching to Koni struts and shocks was easily my favorite mod on the car. It's not just about all out handling. The sheer difference in everyday casual driving will be felt immediately.
I've done struts/shocks, delsphere LCA and PHB, sway bar links, Del-A-Lum in the A-arms, wonderbar, springs, subframe connectors, and I can honestly say that the Konis were about 80% of the suspension benefit. The rest all have their benefits. But nothing changes a car like good struts and shocks.
A full set of front and rear are not cheap. But if it means saving up for several months before you can buy the fronts, I say wait to buy the fronts. The rears aren't that much more than the other brands. So go ahead and get it now.
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