gta_knight

Hi all,

Ive got a set of Eibach's to install, to drop the car 1", im not really looking for a 'throw it into the corners' kind of setup, its more for looks.

I was wondering what shocks / struts would work well with these springs ? ive just got the stock replacement gabriel ones on now but was thinking of upgrading to something a bit better while im doing the springs. I dont want a jolting bumpy ride though.

Ive been looking at the KYB ones on RockAuto, im not sure if the standard type ones or the gas-adjust would be better for the rear ? for the front struts im just looking at the standard KYB ones

Kennerz

Bilstien at a minimum, Koni if you like it to handle. I have the Bilstien/pro-kit combo & it's pretty good, BUT I would have bought Koni had I known better. A lesser shock will not control it very well/have enough dampening IMHO. Having it look good and handle dangerous sucks to me. Also don't use an isolater in the rear, I did and the rake was too much, switched to heater hose and the stance it much better & it handles better. Hope this helps. Save money for a better shock if you have to, I guess it depends how long you plan on keeping the car & what you want. KYB GR2's and a Pro-kit would suck IMHO (I had KYB's before, OK for a stock replacement for the price, but not much more & not with a lowering spring)

gta_knight

I want a comfortable ride more than anything as it clatters over the bumps in the road as it is with its stock ws6 springs and these shocks. I'm hoping the eibachs aren't too firm.

so even the KYB gas adjust wouldn't offer a decent ride with these springs ?

I hadn't priced up koni or bilstein but I'm guessing they are expensive. Sounds like a good handljng setup but it also sounds really firm and uncomfortable?

RamIt

I just got a set of Koni's from Jegs for $620 shipped after price match for reference.
KYB gr2/gas-a-just will be Under $200

aqualordx93

I have the Koni and the sport lines. i had the settings on the koni in the middle, but then went full soft. So much better ride. I love it. If you want to lower it deff go bilstein or koni. Dont cheap out on that, your body will thank you in the long run.

Kennerz

With lesser shocks you are leaving ride quality and handling on the table, worth saving for better shocks IMHO. Just understand these cars will never ride "good" compared to newer cars. I have koni's on an SS camaro and Bilstiens on my 3rd gen. Knowing what I know now I would have bought koni's for the 3rd gen over bilstiens. The bilstiens ride pretty good, but still rough on bad roads, koni's have more dampening control than bilstiens which is better for a lowering spring that needs more rebound dampening.

Bilstiens are high quality though, with a solid design and they hold up to many miles without much degradation of performance.

Chiknhawk

iTrader: (2)

How about KYB AGX?

gta_knight

Konis would be nice but the shipping and import tax from America will be stupid expensive. I will take a look though.

I was looking at the KYB gas adjust ones front and rear

WTR388

I'l be using the AGX due to the price for a decent shock.
I've found them on RockAuto for the best deal as well.

gta_knight

Yup that's where I'm looking too

Surely they will be pretty good if they are on the softer setting to work in harmony with the spring.

86firebird350

Sorry to bump a 6 month old thread but Koni is a European brand (Netherlands i believe?). I would think there has to be a retailer/distributor in the UK you can purchase through. Who knows what that would mean on price, but worth looking into I would imagine.

gta_knight

Nowhere over here stocks the shocks for firebirds or camaros though, not that i found anyway, it seems they get exported straight to the USA.

Anyway i settled on a set of KYB gas adjust shocks and i tell you what, the car is riding great ! obviously these Eibach springs will be playing a big part but it used to rattle and crash over the slightest bump but now it rides really nicely

86firebird350

Glad to hear everything worked out. I just purchased the Founder's strut mounts and Eibach Pro-kit yesterday to go with the Koni shocks and struts that have been sitting in my garage for the last few months. I hope to get everything installed this weekend so that I can finally know what it's like to have a 3rd gen that drives and rides great.