Yes, another shock/strut question
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Car: 1992 Z28 Z03
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Yes, another shock/strut question
This question is a little different from ones I find *using the search function*
My '92 has 98k on it, and original suspension components. As it drives, I like it. A few clunks here and there over hard bumps in the road from worn out bushings and such, but it rides good. Having said that, my car is a cruiser, not a bruiser. My days of WOT all day long are over just like my 20's are lol. With this car just enjoying the drive is all I care about, and it's plenty fun as it sits.
My question is, I plan to upgrade some suspension parts over the winter. I don't care at all to put high performance shocks and struts on it. So that means higher dollar Koni and Bilstein are out right off the bat. Noting what I said above, what shocks and struts are going to be at a minimum comparable to stock? KYB seems to be the first to get nixed here, but are they at least on par with stock suspension? I don't mind getting something a little better than stock, but I don't want to spend a whole lot of money on it, either.
Overall, I'm looking for recommendations for shocks and struts at the very least no worse or on par with stock/factory.
My '92 has 98k on it, and original suspension components. As it drives, I like it. A few clunks here and there over hard bumps in the road from worn out bushings and such, but it rides good. Having said that, my car is a cruiser, not a bruiser. My days of WOT all day long are over just like my 20's are lol. With this car just enjoying the drive is all I care about, and it's plenty fun as it sits.
My question is, I plan to upgrade some suspension parts over the winter. I don't care at all to put high performance shocks and struts on it. So that means higher dollar Koni and Bilstein are out right off the bat. Noting what I said above, what shocks and struts are going to be at a minimum comparable to stock? KYB seems to be the first to get nixed here, but are they at least on par with stock suspension? I don't mind getting something a little better than stock, but I don't want to spend a whole lot of money on it, either.
Overall, I'm looking for recommendations for shocks and struts at the very least no worse or on par with stock/factory.
Last edited by Cale Sahl; 07-06-2014 at 04:38 PM.
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
ANYTHING you put on it, with a capital "N", will be better than the totally non-functional deadweight shock-and-strut-shaped-objects you're pointlessly hauling around now. ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING that actually WORKS, will be better than wasting a bunch of gas dragging around the scrap metal you have now.
May I please emphasize, ANYTHING. (well, with the possible exception of Gabriel)
The KYB stuff is OK, not world-beating or anything, but, OK.
An AMAZING bang for the buck on ANY car, but especially on these, is the sway bar end links and bushings. Use poly. You can usually grab em at AZ, or order em from the board sponsors, Summit, etc. if you prefer. All you gotta do first is measure your bars so you can get the right bushings.
May I please emphasize, ANYTHING. (well, with the possible exception of Gabriel)
The KYB stuff is OK, not world-beating or anything, but, OK.
An AMAZING bang for the buck on ANY car, but especially on these, is the sway bar end links and bushings. Use poly. You can usually grab em at AZ, or order em from the board sponsors, Summit, etc. if you prefer. All you gotta do first is measure your bars so you can get the right bushings.
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Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
recommend the higher end Monroes and agree to stay away from Gabriels.
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Car: '88 GTA, 90 Formula
Engine: 5.7 TPI, fed growth hormones
Transmission: 700r4 4u2?
Axle/Gears: 9bolt
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
I removed a set of Monroe Sensa-Tracks from my GTA and replaced them with Koni Sports. The ride of the Monroes is softer (and more vague), but still decently controlled vs the Konis on smoother roads with stock suspension, and the Monroes are head and shoulders ahead of the stock units. The Konis track much better through big braking ripples and bumps in turns when the pace heats up, but the price difference is massive. It's been years, but I think the Monroes were about $130 for the whole set, and were a very substantial improvement over stock. From what you have written, I think they might be a good choice for you.
Good luck
TA
Good luck
TA
#7
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Car: 1992 Z28 Z03
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
I removed a set of Monroe Sensa-Tracks from my GTA and replaced them with Koni Sports. The ride of the Monroes is softer (and more vague), but still decently controlled vs the Konis on smoother roads with stock suspension, and the Monroes are head and shoulders ahead of the stock units. The Konis track much better through big braking ripples and bumps in turns when the pace heats up, but the price difference is massive. It's been years, but I think the Monroes were about $130 for the whole set, and were a very substantial improvement over stock. From what you have written, I think they might be a good choice for you.
Good luck
TA
Good luck
TA
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Car: Base 91 'bird
Engine: 3.1 v6
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.27 & PBR
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
If it's just a cruiser what's wrong with stock components?
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Car: Base 91 'bird
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Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.27 & PBR
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
So just replace with stock components and save some money if you don't really need higher performance parts.
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Car: 1992 Z28 Z03
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Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
Yes, that's exactly what I intend to do. When I search for recommendations on shocks and struts, you get pages of search results for higher end components like Koni and Bilstein, yet I haven't seen anybody post about factory grade or even a little better performance wise. Heck even a full set of KYB GR2 is still under my budget after initially thinking about going with Konis.
Last edited by Cale Sahl; 07-25-2014 at 01:52 PM.
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08? unlimited slip
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
I recommend the KYB Excel-G line. I replaced my unknown brand unknown mileage front struts with those two days ago and I am very satisfied. They ride much better than before. Before, bumps in the road felt like a big "bang", and it shook the whole car. Now, the whole car feels WAYYY more solid all the time.
A note, KYB's Excel-G and GR-2 products are exactly the same (apart from color) and there are many on the boards satisfied with the GR-2's.
A note, KYB's Excel-G and GR-2 products are exactly the same (apart from color) and there are many on the boards satisfied with the GR-2's.
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Car: 1984 LG4 Camaro
Engine: 350 Roller Motor
Transmission: Level 10 700R4
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
OEM struts and shocks rarely last over 50k miles before they need to be replaced.
I would recommend KYB stuff - great bang for the buck and an improvement over OEM parts (in terms of longevity and performance).
As your car is original, I also highly suggest you replace all the sway bar bushings, end links, and other rubber bushings that deteriorate over time. Rubber dry rots over time.
I would recommend KYB stuff - great bang for the buck and an improvement over OEM parts (in terms of longevity and performance).
As your car is original, I also highly suggest you replace all the sway bar bushings, end links, and other rubber bushings that deteriorate over time. Rubber dry rots over time.
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Car: 88GTA
Engine: 5.7TPI
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Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
Hey Cale. I got a suggestion to look into. I was in the same position as you; weekend cruiser, not a DD and needed a good shock/strut combo over stock. I didn't want to break the bank so get this.......Sears, of all places, was running a special (they do it all the time) on Monroe Shock/Strut packages with free install and LIFETIME WARRANTY. So I checked them out. I really wanted Koni's but spent that on my WS6. I took the car to Sears and got the Monroe package w/alignment and rotation, out the door under 450.
I can't complain and it handles great.
So on that note, if it's your weekend cruiser and you want a good handling ride, check them out.
I can't complain and it handles great.
So on that note, if it's your weekend cruiser and you want a good handling ride, check them out.
Last edited by Bob88GTA; 07-25-2014 at 07:07 AM. Reason: spelling
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Car: 1992 Z28 Z03
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
Hey Cale. I got a suggestion to look into. I was in the same position as you; weekend cruiser, not a DD and needed a good shock/strut combo over stock. I didn't want to break the bank so get this.......Sears, of all places, was running a special (they do it all the time) on Monroe Shock/Strut packages with free install and LIFETIME WARRANTY. So I checked them out. I really wanted Koni's but spent that on my WS6. I took the car to Sears and got the Monroe package w/alignment and rotation, out the door under 450.
I can't complain and it handles great.
So on that note, if it's your weekend cruiser and you want a good handling ride, check them out.
I can't complain and it handles great.
So on that note, if it's your weekend cruiser and you want a good handling ride, check them out.
Thanks for all the input, folks.
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Car: 88GTA
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Re: Yes, another shock/strut question
yeah, I ended up getting tie rod ends and a ball joint on top of that price mentioned.
But I have a new front end now!
But I have a new front end now!
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