Time for me to get new shocks....

 Bilsteins vs. AC Delco vs. KYB

 What should I buy and why? My 79 is driven almost every day. Car is beating the snot out of me right now. I think it's still got it's first shocks in it....

 

Jim,
Bilsteins are going to be your Best bet. I would take the KYB's over the Delco's if your on a budget.

Bilsteins use a digressive valving in them that react to raod conditions a lot faster than the other shocks. This in turn gives you the better ride. This shock will work w/either the steel or fiberglass spring. There are 2 different types of Bilsteins. HD and Sport. The HD's are stiffer and will run you about $250 for all 4. The Sports are the better of the 2 and give you a better ride. They run about $280 for all 4

KYB's use a different type of valving that is close to the Bilsteins. If you buy KYB's make sure you get the correct one for whichever spring you have. If you have a steel spring in the back get the Gas-A-Just. If you have a fiberglass spring or plan to go to a fiberglass spring, get the GR-2's. These shocks will run you about $150 - $160 for all 4.

Also note that the KYB's from Corvette vendors are different than the one's you buy at Summit or your local auto parts store. The KYB's that most Corvette vendor have anre valved specifically for the vettes. The other guys will sell you a "universal" if you will, shock that is not valved correctly for the vettes.

Check out this link
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=SubGroups& ;Group=19000

Dan

Another vote for Bilsteins.  Great shocks!!

 Thanks Guys

 I was hoping to hear from you Dan. 

Just did the damn trailing arm bearing thing and now this.... .

 Well, at least the tranny thing wasn't too bad.

 P.S. - Van Steel, I PM'd you !

JimG38439.4049074074

We had this disscussion B-4,My 78 had bilsteins put on it just B-4 I bought it,along with a new composite spring,I don't like the ride at all,the shocks are coming off,and getting replaced with Delco's ,my$.02

I just installed the bilstein sports (Corvette America for $245.00).. Great handling, especially round the North Georgia mountains..   My vote, bilsteins    

I just installed a vette brakes suspension kit with the bilstein shocks. The ride is not the softest but it is tight and responsive. I still need take it to the cones and see how well it performs, but it is definitly much better then the old stuff that was on there. For me the vette is a sports car and should be as tight and responsive as it can be. I can drive a cadillac if I need my butt to be pampered.

I was looking into buying the KYB-GR2 from Vette Brake Products(VBP) the price for all 4 were $160.00. For the heck of it I was on the TireRack.com web sight. They where selling KYB-GR2 front and rear for $19.99 a piece. Now I know that there is a different part# for the rear if your using the fiberglass spring. But what is the differance between the GR2 from TireRack vs. all the other places that are selling them for twice as much. Also what is the difference in the valving of the GR2 made for steel vs. fiberglass rear springs.

Thanks Tom

 

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has tried the Edelbrock IAS shocks on their car. I've read the usual glowing reviews in magazines about them, but I'd rather hear from drivers here who live with their cars day in and out.

I like Edelbrock products, and though not in need of shocks on my cars right now, I'd just like to get some feedback on these...they are on the pricey side and would like to know if they're worth it.

Replaced my KYB's last year with Bilstein's and it was worth every cent. Much better ride and handling.

Alan