Just Bought 87 Corvette

[Lou]

Just bought a 1987 Corvette, 2 tone, couple, 80k miles. The ride seems rough. My mechanic thinks the suspension is okay but I really wonder how much good new shocks might do. Any suggestions about this? what kind of shocks to buy?

 

[Ken]

Welcome To The Corvette Action Center Lou!

The ride seems rough.

If you think that's rough, you oughta ride in an '84! :L

Seriously, do you have the Z-51 performance option? Maybe you have the Z-52 option (a softer version). The option codes can be found on the inside of the console lid, or on the inside of one of the rear storage compartments. The list should show all of the options included when you car was built, and after we see what those are, we can decode them with the help of Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book.

If the option list is unavailable, you can acquire a duplication of the original build sheet and window sticker from the National Corvette Museum for a nominal fee (I forget at the moment how much they were.)

Let us know what you find.

Congratulations on your Corvette purchase and welcome to our community.

 

[muddywaters]

shocks

hello, from my experience too stiff a shock ruins the ride and handling characteristic from everything from vettes to jeeps. you must have compliance, finding a shock, other than stock that gives you that is a difficult task, since everyones poopometer reacts differently. thecloser to o.e.m. the better for me, that is.my shocks are original on my 88, i'd say their shot. i plan on giving kyb a try good luck

 

[JimmyS5600]

Congrats on your Vette purchase.
Enjoy!

 

[MoeJr]

I agree with Ken that first id the suspension set up you have and then if you wanna try some shocks contact Mid America designs and get the OE replacements. I have an 84 and can tell you Ken is right. it rides like a radio flyer but it will handle the corners better than almost any other sports car including alot of Vettes. 84 is still one of the best handling Vettes made just stiff as a brick. Just my .02

 

[Scooter]

Hi Lou,enjoy the new ride.Can't help with the suspension as i'm new to the world of vettes.

Good Luck
Scooter


"Don't feed the Bears"

 

[MRANT212]

CONGRATS ON YOUR PURCHASE!!!! THIS MAY SOUND STUPID.... HOWS THE RUBBER ON THE CAR???? EVEN IF THE RUBBER LOOKS DECENT YOUR TIRES MAY HAVE SOME CRACKING AND BE VERY DRY. SOMETIMES ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PUT A NEW PAIR OF SHOES ON IT!!! MY CAR HAS EXTREMELY LOW MILEAGE FOR AN 88 BUT HAD THE ORIGINAL GATORBACKS THAT WERE CRACKED AND DRY.I PUT NEW RUBBER ON IT AND THE RIDE INPROVED DRAMATICALLY. REMEMBER, IT IS A VETTE SO DONT EXPECT A CADDY RIDE FROM IT!!!! DONT FORGET TO WAVE!!!

 

[c4fan]

Congratulations on your purchase. I bought an 87 with only 26k on it earlier this year and am extremely happy with it. Its my daily driver and I love every minute behind the wheel. Mine still has factory shocks but when I decide to replace them I am going to take a serious look at Edelbrock Performers. I put a set on a Jeep Wrangler I had and the change was incredible. I'm not sure if the Edelbrocks will give me the performance I want for serious high speed cornering but I'm definitely going to give them a look. Once again congrats and welcome to CAC.