Shocks for 85 with Z51 suspension

[gmhowe]

I am thinking of changing shocks on my 85 with Z51 suspension, could I use the stock AC/DELCO or are the shocks I should look for designed for Z61 ? I have seen the bilstein shocks for the "Base" and the "Z51" . So any thoughts ?

 

[Mart]

I am going through the same diemma right now, I am swaying towards the KYB Gas adjust.

Price and performance pretty good.

Mart

 

[Edmond]

I've read good things about the TPIS shocks as well.

 

[rrubel]

I've got the TPIS shocks; replaced well-worn Delco-Bilstein (Z51) ones. Love 'em to death. Great feel on the road, great handling on the track, and they're as cheap or cheaper than getting your DB's refurbished.
[RICHR]

 

[gmhowe]

ok im at a loss what are TPIS shocks ??

 

[gmhowe]

ok im at a loss what are TPIS shocks

 

[Edmond]

TPIS shocks are the house brand of www.TPIS.com Check them out, they invented the MiniRam, which you've probably heard a lot about. And GM based the LT intake off the MiniRam.

They also make one of the best headers for Corvette's out there!

 

[WhalePirot]

I am thinking of changing shocks on my 85 with Z51 suspension, could I use the stock AC/DELCO?

I see no reason why the stock shocks won't fit. You have to know what your goal is, though; the kind of ride and control you seek.

I really like the GS specs that Bilstein re-did my stock shocks to; like it better than the ride of the C-6 'Z'.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I can vouch for the TPIS shocks, and highly recommend them...simple, no nonsense shocks that give a subtle, controlled and "flat" ride. My experience with KYBs on a C3 was that they had a sharp rebound that unsettled the car on certain types of road surfaces. However, many people are pleased by their performance on C4s, so this may be simply an issue with the valving for C3s. I'd specifically ask owners of C4s with KYBs whether they notice this characteristic on their cars. I have had good experience with Konis, but they are very difficult to adjust. Somewhat ironically, the best shock on my old C3 was the Monroe Sensatrac--very subtle and controlled. They really calmed and gave control to what could be a nervous car, at times. They make them for some (but not all) C4s. I have been disappointed in Bilsteins, both as to the product and their support services, and cannot recommend them. Others, of course, feel differently. Bottom line: I'd go with the TPIS--at least if you don't like them they are relatively inexpensive mistake.

Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[Hib Halverson]

I am going through the same diemma right now, I am swaying towards the KYB Gas adjust.

Price and performance pretty good.

Mart

If you are still shopping for shocks and are "swaying towards" the KYB, I understand about price but how do you know the performance is "pretty good" if you haven't bought the shocks, yet?

 

[Chris Kennedy]

If you are still shopping for shocks and are "swaying towards" the KYB, I understand about price but how do you know the performance is "pretty good" if you haven't bought the shocks, yet?

Good question.
For people considering which shock to buy, as well as other auto products such as tires, one way to approach the problem is simply to be honest with yourself and ask what YOU want in a shock or the other product. At one time I wanted all the high performance products that all the magazines and my friends said were "'awesome". This lead to a period of experimentation with tires, springs, rollbars, shocks, exotic brake pads etc., much of which was disappointing and certainly expensive. I don't think I am alone in this experience. So, I focused on what I had wanted all along. With respect to shocks, in my postings on shocks I frequently mention the terms "flat/controlled" ride. By that I mean that I want the shock to help the car maintain a normal and neutural attitude while negotiating bumps, dips etc., especially while cornering. That is, the car should neither skitter across the problem, nor wallow or sort of bob and weave through it. You go fastest and best this way, with the least strain on yourself and equipment. GM went through a period with the C4 and other cars where they put on ultra-firm springs, roll bars and shocks. This is o.k. if one was on a racetrack (and a smooth one at that), but on normal city streets it actually slowed the car down as it skittered and slammed through pock-marked city streets. It's also hard on the equipment and your nerves. My own experience with Bilstein on several GM performance vehicles (an IROC and a C3) is that they were a part of this problem, and one Bilstein shock I had on my old C3 actually broke on Houston streets. Again, maybe all this is different on C4s, but my own experience with other cars lead me away from Bilstein. So, first question: Be honest with yourself, and when asking others for recommendations tell them what YOU want in the product you are looking for.

Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[gmhowe]

Basically I just want a smooth ride ( well as smooth as a vette can give you). I have noticed that when I hit a bump in the road or an uneven surface that the car kinda of shimmys a little back and forth, that is what has me looking for something to fix that or am I just dreaming .

 

[Mart]

True enough Hib,

I am trusting the thoughts and opinions of others within the CAC, as well as the guy I deal with at my local speed shop.

Mart

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Basically I just want a smooth ride ( well as smooth as a vette can give you). I have noticed that when I hit a bump in the road or an uneven surface that the car kinda of shimmys a little back and forth, that is what has me looking for something to fix that or am I just dreaming .

Hmmm...I think I know what you mean, and that some of what you talk about is inherent flexibility in the car, rather than directly caused by shocks. In any event, from what you want and describe I would go for either the TPIS Shocks or the standard Delcos that are advertised in most of the Corvette catalogs. If the Monroe Sensatrac are available for your year C4, then I would add them to the list. Of all those candidates, I would get the TPIS since I have experience with them in a C4. I think that any of these shocks will do a better job of isolating more of the forces that tend to accentuate the flexibility that contributes to what you are describing. At some point I am thinking of trying a structural support bar that is marketed by a company called "RD Development" or some such name. It's advertised in the Mid America catalog. It's advertised as primarily a racing addition, but my thought is that it might tighten up the flexibility a bit on the street, as well.

Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[Mart]

The Monroe Sensitrac are what I am disposing of right now. One is OK but the other goes down and no rebound.

Was not really keen on thier ride anyway.

Mart

 

[gmhowe]

I have actually purchased the Flex kit and just waiting for some spare time to put it on. I really appreciate all the input, its always helpful from all the folks here.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

The Monroe Sensitrac are what I am disposing of right now. One is OK but the other goes down and no rebound.

Was not really keen on thier ride anyway.

Mart

I see. Gee, it sounds awful ("goes down and no rebound"). Try the TPIS--they are advertised as being specially valved to help the rough ride problems, and are also cheap, relatively speaking.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I have actually purchased the Flex kit and just waiting for some spare time to put it on. I really appreciate all the input, its always helpful from all the folks here.

Could you let me know how it turns out when installed(cnkennedy@earthlink.net)? I have read other posts about it, but most talk about installation issues, or how it does on the track. I am interested whether it tightens up the front end flexibility on real-world streets and freeways.

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[rrubel]

I had two Sensatrac's on the front of my Vette as emergency replacements to pass inspection. They felt worse than the 130k D/B's that came off it... wallowy and soft.

The company you're looking for is RD Racing (r-dracing.com) - they make an inexpensive line of braces and useful parts for C4's and C5's. I've got their CrossBar, which is a harness bar, brace, and camera mount, and want their CamberBar, which crosses the engine bay and ties the suspension together. For the ultimate in no-shimmy, get their x-brace (CrossFrame?) which goes under the car and really stiffens things up. Also, they've got a great frame that bolts in when you take the targa out (TargaTruss) that keeps the car stiff.

Great small company that now also sells through Mid-America - but buy direct from them...
[RICHR]

 

[WhalePirot]

Two sets of Monroes here, second set was a warranty of the first. Crappy shocks, all; leakers, too. Never again!

My '84 'Z', touted as the roughest riding Corvette ever sold, rode great when the aft was filled with boxes of ceramic tile. :eyerole


Now, I am very happy with the quality, originality, service, life and RIDE of the rebuilt/revalved Bilsteins.