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Topic: '78 Replacement shocks

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


'78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/14/23 8:36pm Message 1 of 15
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Hillsborough, NJ - USA
Joined: 10/22/2004
Posts: 19
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary, red leather interior, 18500 miles, AM/FM/8-track player, L-48, auto, mirrored T-tops, alloy wheels, Goodyear GT Radial tires. 2015 Z06 convertible, 7spd manual, 9600 miles, 3LZ pkg, Torch Red.

I'm considering replacing the shocks on my '78. It rides well but I feel that the handling could be better when pushed a bit. The car is all stock. Anyone have any thoughts on or experience replacing either with AC/Delco or other aftermarket shocks? Pros, cons? I appreciate any input.




 

 

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Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/15/23 10:41am Message 2 of 15
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Burke, VT - USA
Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7282
Vette(s): SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Sold - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am
"BLUBYU" - '04 Coupe

I'm far from an expert on the topic but would guess that most of the major brands are probably very similar, some just have more options in being able to dial in the comfort versus handling aspect.  A chat with a tech support person at any of the major parts suppliers (Summit Racing, et al) or builders (Detroit Speed, et al)  might shed some light on what would be the best solution for you.




Jim Olson 

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Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/15/23 11:22am Message 3 of 15
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1525
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.

I'd go with the HD Bilsteins.




   

Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/15/23 4:56pm Message 4 of 15
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA
Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 617
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert

I use KYB’s. Nice “pillowy” ride with a glass rear spring.  I might try Bilsteins at some point.

I used A/C Delco gas once but not impressed.



|UPDATED|10/15/2023 4:56:34 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



      Only 34 years together

Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/16/23 11:13am Message 5 of 15
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Lawrenceville, GA - USA
Joined: 10/21/2013
Posts: 32
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary. Restored in 2012. All new 'complete' suspension f & r, engine, trans, exhaust, interior. Car is driven - garage kept but not a trailer queen.

I have Bilstein heavy duty shocks frt & rear (2 Bilstein #24-009461 front, 36mm & 2 Bilstein #24-184649 rear, 46mm) along with a heavy duty fiberglass rear spring.  They're more expensive than regular shocks like AC-Delco but to me they're worth it.  We do and prefer mountain driving on curvy switchback-type roads in North Georgia and especially Dragon's Tail in Tennessee.  When the suspension was all rebuilt, it was done with that in mind.  All bushings are poly and all parts are heavy duty.  In these C3 vintage-years, stock will not get it done and sometimes will break when doing this type of driving.  All depends on what your intentions are.  If it's just cruising or touring, stock should be fine as long as it's in good shape.  But mountain driving requires beefier components.    

 




Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/18/23 10:08am Message 6 of 15
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France
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 134
Vette(s): 1978 L48 Auto. Red with Oyster Leather interior. Owned since 1990.

When we fitted our composite rear spring we went to Koni Classic Adjustable shocks all round.   We have them on a fairly soft setting, but we prefer that.  I admit that they could be a tad stiffer, especially when we spent a few days in the French Alps a couple of years ago!



|UPDATED|10/18/2023 10:08:28 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



Stephen J Irons
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Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/19/23 9:02am Message 7 of 15
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Frisco, TX - USA
Joined: 7/22/2022
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Annivesary L82. Black Interior

I put AC Delco gas shocks on mine a few years ago.




Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/19/23 9:10am Message 8 of 15
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Hillsborough, NJ - USA
Joined: 10/22/2004
Posts: 19
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary, red leather interior, 18500 miles, AM/FM/8-track player, L-48, auto, mirrored T-tops, alloy wheels, Goodyear GT Radial tires. 2015 Z06 convertible, 7spd manual, 9600 miles, 3LZ pkg, Torch Red.

What did you think of the AC/Delco Len? Any pros or cons?




 

 

Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/19/23 10:08am Message 9 of 15
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Frisco, TX - USA
Joined: 7/22/2022
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Annivesary L82. Black Interior

I think they are a good option and much cheaper than the Bilistiens & KYB's.

If you don't track the car these are all you need for the street.




Re: '78 Replacement shocks

Posted: 10/19/23 10:16am Message 10 of 15
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1525
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.

I have the AC Delco shocks on my '72.  I don't have anything to compare them to as that's the only ones I had on this car.

I've just been told that the HD Bilsteins are better. 




   

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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