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| TimoG | Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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Looks like the original Bilsteins on my Convertible have handed in their notice after 90k and a trip down some rather rough California roads last summer.
As I've got a little time to work on it before I'll put it back on the road again[1], one of the items I want to sort out are the shock absorbers. At the usual mail order suspects, I found several shocks that are for Z51 C4s, are these interchangeable with the Z52 ones? My understanding is that Z52 is basically Z51 without the stiffer springs, but I'm still learning about 'vettes. I might take it for the occasional Auto-X until I get my HPDE project ready (not a 'vette, sorry), so the shocks should stand up to that sort of use. [1] Got to wait until the mud in our dirt driveway dries again for spring, otherwise I'll just get stuck :tongue:. |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 1:23
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| Matatk | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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Webmaster
 
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If I were planning on autocrossing I'd replace with bilsteins. If just around town, KYBs are an economical choice. I personally bought KYBs to replace mine and I am happy with the quality and ride for price. When it's time to do it again, I'll go with Bilsteins. Avoid Monroe, they are not good for our cars.
If this were a serious road race car, you'd want to upgrade to adjustable coil overs, but that's several thousand dollars and lots of fabrication work. Matthew |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 2:32
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| bogus | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
 
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In between all of what Matthew suggested is Koni.
They make a shock that is adjustable for compression. It's what I use, I think they are about $150 each. Our banner sponsor, tirerack.com, I believe carries them. If you decide to work with them, select them from the left nav menu, or the top bar. |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 2:55
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| TimoG | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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Hmm. Konis. I've got pretty good experience with them, might look into them.
It's not a serious road race car, just an occasional daily driver that also gets used as it's supposed to be used. Basically, the Bilsteins that are available from the usual source would probably be good enough provided the 'Z51" ones are the correct ones to get. |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 3:29
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'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
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| BillH | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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The Stig Moderator
 
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The most important question: How much do you want to spend?
IMO, Bilstein or Koni but the adjustables will up the cost by quite a bit. IMO, occasional Auto-X: non-adjustable. Running for points/championship: adjustable. Put the money in your track car. Andy, single adjustable won't have compression adjustment, they will have rebound adjustment (more important). T, the sutocross schedule is out and firm. The schedule for HPDE was posted yesterday, looks good, 5 events. But it's still open to some changes. |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 13:41
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| Vetron87 | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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Elite Guru
 
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I replaced my stock "StockShocks" Bilsteins a few summers ago, with KYB. Good all round shock and was priced right. Currently my 87 has 32K and will never take it on the track, so KYB was the economical choice. Stock shocks died because of age not miles.
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 13:51
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Bone stock 87 conv. |
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| BillH | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Stock shocks are dead at 20k.
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 14:08
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| Vetron87 | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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Quote:
Soo...that means they died in 1996  Damn no wonder it cornered bad Cool |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 15:19
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Bone stock 87 conv. |
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| TimoG | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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Quote:
Given that I've never been on an autocross course, I think I'll skip the idea of points . Eckler's was listing a set of Bilsteins for the Z51 for $300, but at a stretch I could go up to their 'Autocross' Bilsteins or the red Konis, both of which seem to be around $600/set.Unfortunately I need to spend more money on the track project (a '77 Celica Liftback) than expected as its engine appears to be slightly less than healthy. But I don't want to skimp on the shocks for the C4 either, only to regret that decision later on. Quote:
Cool, I'll have a look - guess I should join SCCA then, too... By the way, am I misremembering or did you mention you had a friend in Gardnerville who has a machine shop down here? It looks like I've got to pull the head on the track car's engine and depending on how bad things turn out to be,might have to get the head overhauled or worse, the engine rebored. And for stuff like that I do like to work off personal recommendations... |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 15:22
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| jaa1992 | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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Are the koni adjustables adjusted at the top or bottom of the shock?
If at the top how do you adjust the rear shocks? |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 15:37
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| TimoG | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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At least the red rears have to be adjusted off the car - the docs suggest that you have to push the top part down and twist it.
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 15:40
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'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
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| BillH | Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Quote:
His machineshop isn't an automotive machine shop. But he is a gearhead. I can ask him if there's anyone in G-Ville to go to. He may have his work done in Reno. Alsp, PM sent to you. |
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Posted on: 2011/1/20 18:48
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