T.P.I.S. Shocks--FYI

[Chris Kennedy]

Hi! I've been working on and driving all over an '89 6-speed with Fx3 I drove down from Colorado about a week ago, and felt that the shocks had gone "soft" even though the FX3 was working. Also, I wanted to get a feel for the base car properly set up without the FX3, and so replaced the shocks with the T.P.I.S. shocks advertised in several Corvette Catalogs. These are actually Gabriel shocks, that T.P.I.S. apparently subcontracts out for revalving work. The bottom line is that they are terrific and about as cheap a shock as you will find. The car already felt good, but now it feels terrific and without the shake through the front end over bumps that a fluttering wheel with soft shocks will give you. I will keep all the FX3 stuff, but am tempted just to leave the car as it now is. The reason I am posting this is that the subject of shocks often comes up, and my own experience with just about every brand is that many of the cheaper shocks are, in fact, better for all around use on our cars on the street. In particular, Bilstein seems to me to be one of the most overrated shocks around. They might be the best for work on a smooth racetrack, but if your town has crummy roads (Houston's stink) they can cause the car to skitter over bumps---you go slower and are uncomfortable to boot. The lesson is to buy product not name.

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[Mart]

Good info chris, do know any corvette supply places in Houston, my wife is there now and just wondering if there are any places that are close.

Mart

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Good info chris, do know any corvette supply places in Houston, my wife is there now and just wondering if there are any places that are close.

Mart

If you are looking for a used part for a C4, you might try calling Ted Tank at Carney's Corvettes: 713/864-8134. You might also try Will Rogers, at COrvette Recyclers: 281-960-3636. Mention my name. Generally, what I have done using ebay, Corvette magazines etc. is to put together a pretty extensive list of new and used parts suppliers. It's worth the time to assemble this info in a convenient format. Also, I like Corvette Central a great deal for new parts. Their number is 1-800-345-4122. One tip is that much of this stuff the catalogs sell all comes from one or two sources, and their prices are often almost identical. I got the shocks at Mid-America, as Corvette Central had them on back order, and the price was withing one dollar or so. Frequently, you can also find people selling this stuff new on ebay for less than the catalog prices (e.g., new carpet and interior kits). Ebay is a great source for NEW parts, as well as used, and it's easy to shop there. Also, have fun: Notwithstanding what people are advertising for their product, politely counter their price with one you are comfortable with. Some people will hang up on you, others will offer some compromise, such as free shipping, etc.

/s/ Chris Kennedy












Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas