Topic: Smoothing my ride out
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I have a 81 vette. I am definitely not an expert on shocks and suspension. My ride feels pretty harsh and would like to smooth it out. What are your thoughts on what type of shocks I should put on and should I do anything about the actual supension?
Any help is appreciated
Ricks81
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Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Hi Rick, if your suspension is original, there are upgrades available. There are entire kits that will replace the rear leaf spring with the composit type and you can choose the ride stiffness by pound ratings and there are a touring grade pair of coil springs for the front. You can also choose to replace the coil spring design with the newer style transverse single composit spring in the front very easily, it's a fabulous improvement. And for starters, there is nothing like a quality set of shocks. I use KYB's cause it's what I can afford, but there are even better shocks out there, Bilstein's being one of the best.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Former Member
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
This may be old news but I seen a front coil over kit in one of the recent Jegs catalogue and it said it was for C3's. I took the catalogue to work, so I'll look it up tomorrow. I noticed they also sell KYB's as well and the prices looked pretty good. I got my bilsteins from Vette Brakes and they won me over with theyre customer service.
I recently replaced the shocks (KYB GR-2) and bushings in the rear suspension and was astonished at the improvement in the ride and handling. I am still not entirely satisfied with the handling, but at least it is consistent and predictable.
Next summer's project will be the front suspension bushings et. al.
For those of you out there who have installed Bilstein shocks, how are they working for you. I installed a set on a VW Scirroco (ex-wife's car) and they were awful....very harsh....reasonable at higher speed, >70, but very nervous on slower, bumpy corners.
There is no substitute for low end torque! 
We have the Bilsteins on our 79 with the 315 lb. composite rear spring. On the front it's a repaired original front end with a rebuilt steering box and new steering valve. Anyway, the ride and handling are GREAT. No harshness whatsoever. I would recommend them to anyone.
Barry
Former Member
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
We mostly sell the KYBs as they are a great combination of quality and price. We also recommend the composite rear leaf spring. And you will be pleasantly surprised at the result if you rebuild the front suspension. We offer rebuild kits, and also offer the option of including rebuilt trailing arms with the kit, so you can do the job in one session.
And the good news is you can do the job in stages as $$ permit.
Larry
And the good news is you can do the job in stages as $$ permit.
Larry
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 39
Vette(s): 1980 Silver, L48
Totally re-built at 52,000 KM
Now 355 CI
Edelbrock Performer package
Dual exhaust
I did the upgrade late last year and noticed an immediate improvement.
I used the 340 lb TRW fiberglas spring (recommended for a 1980). I then installed the KYB Gas Adjust shocks (High pressure gas) and really noticed a significant difference in the ride quality and handling. As the saying goes - Just Do it!
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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