new suspension for just shocks

[bmas]

I have a 94 coupe automatic with 110000 on it . I just got it a few months ago and i love it. I am lucky to have a freind who is a great mechanic so we change the plugs, mas air flow, new tires, new wires and it runs great. It is away for the winter and i was wondering if I should put a new suspension (1600.00 with fx shocks). Or just get new fx shocks. I want to tighten the ride and i am not sure when or if any work has been done on suspension. I am not a mechanic by any means but always wanted a vette and am having a great time with it, just wondering if i should put the big money into it or would new shocks do the trick
thanks for any opinions
bmas

 

[Mac]

Hi bmas and welcome to the Edge... albeit briefly. Congratulations on your C4! I hope your Vette brings you many days of driving pleasure.

I'm going to move your suspension questions over onto the C4 section where our resident C4 experts will take care of business for you.

The Edge section is used for engaging in spirited discussions of anything and almost everything with an edge to it, from religion to politics to drug laws to same sex marriage. You want to rant about something, come on over!!

Incidently, posting your email in the body of your message leaves it vunerable to spammers who used 'link harvesting' software to search the Internet, so unless you LIKE Spam, I wouldn't leave it in the text.

Mac
Moderator on the Edge....

 

[c4cruiser]

I assume by your post that the car has the FX3 Selective Ride Control suspension package?? The FX3 system is a great system and is worth keeping. You didn't say whether or not your the "Service Ride Control" light is on to indicate any problems. If so, the CCM will save codes that will indicate any problems with the shock actuators or the controller. Do the shocks have any indication of lots of oil draining from them? Some light oily film around the shock is normal.

The FX3 system is designed so that the shock stiffness changes with vehicle speed and the position of the console switch. If you are wanting to improve the shock settings from the factory, there are a couple things you can do with FX3.

First, contact Bilstein about rebuilding your shocks using the stock valving or possibly even changing the stock valving. There is a valving setup that Bilstein offers called "Scirocco" and is a very good autocross or track day valving. Call 1-800-537-1085 and ask about rebuilding service for Corvette FX3 shocks.

Second, Doug Rippie Motorsports offers a replacement SRC controller unit that enables the use of replacable proms (similar to ECM chips) that will modify how the shock valving is set when you turn the Selective Ride Control switch between the 3 positions shown on the console. The controller is located in the compartment behind the driver's seat.

Another thing to consider is replacing the sway bar bushings with polyurethane components. The OEM bushing should be toast by now with that mileage you have. A good wheel alignment is another necessary for good handling.