Replacement Shocks for a '75

[Dave Z]

Anyone have a recommendation for good front and rear replcement shocks? Especially for the rear as I just ordered the composite rear leaf from Corvetter America. I've been eyeing the Monroe Sens-a-trac, but as I've learned, there is a lot of experience here, so I'm hoping somebody found what they beleive is "the ultimate" combination.

 

[81 Corvette]

I'm interested as well.

 

[TWINRAY]

I've just installed, but haven't driven yet as I need an alignment due to front end work just completed, the KYB Gas adjust shocks on my '69. I picked them because of the $$$. I bought them from Summitt Racing. There was nothing (except one post about poor -too abrupt - rebound) really "bad" said about them. If I used the car more frequently than I do now, I would have probably went with the Blisteins but for the couple (or few thousand max) thousand miles I put on the car annually, these should be fine.

 

[yellow77]

If it helps, I put Monroe sensa tracs on and I am very happy with the ride/handling.


Cheers

Richard

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I have tried pretty much ALL the brands of shocks and have worked a lot with the suspension. I also may have been the guy who commented that the KYBs had a too sharp rebound. If you drive the car in the real world, the best all-around shocks I have found are, believe it or not, the Monroe Sensatrac. These shocks give the car what I call a "flat" ride---by that I mean that the shocks have enough compliance to keep the car from feeling nervous and pitching, yet the car still doesn't wallow or float. People see the name "Bilstein" or "Koni" and they lose all objectivity, as with much of the other aftermarket equipment. Dialing in these cars isn't just a matter of going to stiff springs, shocks and huge roll bars, but working with different components to get the suspension to work with real world road surfaces in a controlled manner. Frequently people throw the big and stiff stuff at these cars and end up with a vehicle which is nervous and skitters all over road surfaces, and causes you to go slower. The Monroes are also inexpensive (refreshing, for a change) and available everywhere if you have a problem with one. Good Luck.


-Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[Robin7TFour]

Hello, i too have Sensa-trac's. up front they are great. however,on the back mine feel like it 'wallows' when hitting bouncier sections of road. i am not sure but it may be induced by the JSR spring. it's a 9 leaf unit,and it has the rear end riding higher than stock by appx 2". so my thinking it the spring is too firm for the shocks capabilities.
sad thing, to prove my theory,i have to buy really expensive shocks or change the spring.

Robin

 

[pgtr]

Awesome to see someone has tried a variety of brands here... I'm curious - How did the Delco Performers/Reactecs compare to the Monroes???

thanks!

 

[Dave Z]

It's always been said, "Go with your gut feeeling". Between that and what's been posted here, and talking with some folks I think I'll be using the Monroe Sensatracs.

Thanks for all of the input!

 

[TWINRAY]

I've just installed, but haven't driven yet as I need an alignment due to front end work just completed, the KYB Gas adjust shocks on my '69. I picked them because of the $$$. I bought them from Summitt Racing. There was nothing (except one post about poor -too abrupt - rebound) really "bad" said about them. If I used the car more frequently than I do now, I would have probably went with the Blisteins but for the couple (or few thousand max) thousand miles I put on the car annually, these should be fine.

To update my earlier post, I have absolutely no complaints with the KYB shocks. I've just returned from a 800 mile round trip run - part of it included a 2 lap run at Watkins Glen International (granted it had a pace truck and other drivers but you could lean on it for most of the run, especially into the corners). The front end has new springs, poly a-arm bushings and all other parts (ball joints etc.) The shocks not only are bargain priced but performed, IMO, perfect. If you want a Caddy ride, buy a Caddy.

 

[JohnZ]

Anyone have a recommendation for good front and rear replcement shocks? Especially for the rear as I just ordered the composite rear leaf from Corvetter America. I've been eyeing the Monroe Sens-a-trac, but as I've learned, there is a lot of experience here, so I'm hoping somebody found what they beleive is "the ultimate" combination.

The composite rear spring changes the equation for your rear shocks - you'll need shocks specifically valved for increased rebound damping with that spring, or you'll have the "bouncy-bouncy" syndrome. Vette Brakes has several that are made specifically for the composite spring application.