Thinking bout replacing Shocks - Any "Issues"

[Wollven]

I've got a 87 coupe with the original shocks on a standard suspension. It appears that this is a easy job, once I soak in WD40. But then I get to thinking: everything I think should be easy on a vette is not...

Any thoughts?

 

[ShadowLP]

I did a shock upgrade on my 1986 Z-51 Coupe. You will need a 7mm long handle open end wrench or similar shock wrench to grasp the top of the front shocks. My car has 19,500 miles, never been in snow or salted roads and I thought the bolt would easily come off once I WD-40'd it for a few weeks before the big day. It did not work. Be careful not to strip threads. I finally got one loose but had to cut off the rod on the other side. The backs are straight forward. Good luck and it will be very worth while. I installed Koni adjustables. Hugh difference in ride and cornering with new shocks. Good luck.

 

[Wollven]

Thanks for the insight. I've been eye'ing up the Koni's...not sure about taking them off to adjust them.

 

[G Winter]

I installed Koni adjustables. Hugh difference in ride and cornering with new shocks. Good luck.

Are the adjustables softer on the softest setting than the stock bilsteens? I am thinking about putting on adjustable so on long trips I can soften it a little for my wife, her back isn't the best.

Glenn

 

[ShadowLP]

I have found that the Koni, as delivered, is similar to the Bilstein so while I have not adjusted the shocks to the full soft setting I am sure that it will be softer than the original Bilstein. Unfortunately, for our models, these shocks have to be removed to be adjusted. My wife and I autocross the '86 and I wanted some adjustablity to tune the suspension. I am very happy with my Koni's, just wish I could adjust them with removing.

 

[G Winter]

That I would not like. KYB has some shocks with a dial on the side but none for my vette.

Glenn