I know it's been asked a lot, I've actually done research on it here, but there seem to be a lot of conflicting opinions. Also, I do not need to be told "you've got a Z28, the ride is going to be harsh." I'm not asking for a Cadillac, just the right springs/shocks to make the ride better.

This is my daily driver, not my race car, and its harsh ride is really starting to get to me.

Anyways, like I said, I've done a lot of research but haven't come to anything concrete.

1) For one, I can't accept lowering the car, so I'm pretty sure the Eibach stuff is out. I've read the Pro kit rides well, but lowering the car simply isn't an option....so any other springs/shocks that lower aren't an option either.

2) I've read that KYB's are good, but then others say they are cheap, have slow damping rates, or something....another guy said his ride was harsher than ever with them.

3) Someone else mentioned Monroe's, but someone else still said they were cheap and not very good.

4) Bilsteins were suggested, but in another thread someone with Bilsteins said they were very stiff.

5) I've read that Tokico's were good quality, but how is the ride?

Also, I know NOTHING about springs, and don't know the difference between shocks and struts, I'm just here for guidance. I appreciate the help, and would greatly appreciate the opinions of those who were looking for the same thing as I, and have experience.

(And again, I don't need to be told that sport cars have rougher ride by design....it seemed it was a requirement for somebody to mention that in every post I researched.)

Thanks.

 

progressive rate springs will give u a better ride. i have sportlines and they ride excellent but its also almost 2" drop

 

Yeah I forgot to mention....I heard progressive springs are good, but I haven't heard of any that don't lower.

 

I suspect that you might easily improve the ride quality by simply replacing the struts (up front) and the shocks (at the rear). If they're no long performing to spec--worn out--you could be surprised at the improvement after replacement. I'm using Monroe front and rear, by the way, and am very satisfied.

JamesC

 

Yea I agree with some of the above, first replace your shocks/struts and then see how the ride feels. For a regular smooth ride that can still be sporty when you start tossing the car around I'd suggest Tokico's HP dampers. VERY good quality for the price. Don't bother with Monroe or Gabriels. They're the lowest line of shocks available and their reputation shows that. KYB's are alright but I'd still pay the little extra for Tokico's. Anything less and yer basically putting the same crap thats put on grandma and grandpas car. I do speak from personal experience too. I've had KYB's.... they do give a smooth ride however, they are anything but a good handling damper.

 

I have KYB's on my car, and they are quite harsh on rough roads, but very nice on a smooth swaying road. I personally feel they are great for handling, they dont budge a bit.

As for springs, you will need to find some that have a lower spring rate, but taller "un-sprung" (I guess thats what you would call it?) height.

Like rears I belive are 155-175lb rate? So you would want about 145lb in rear.

Fronts on a v8 are like 700-750lb I belive, so you would want 650 (v6 rate), but taller. Just droping in v6 springs with a heavy v8 engine would drop the car.

I agree on replace all bad parts first. New bushings, new strut/shocks, then if still not good enough, try spring rates.

Maybe going to a slightly smaller swaybar would work too. Would take away from cornoring ablitys though.

 

stock rear spring rates are more like 100-125#
stock front spring rates are like 550 For an RS V8, 650 for IROCs maybe. No idea what V6's use.

 

Concerning the struts/shocks, I sincerely doubt that you'll arrive at any kind of consensus about what's best. You'll simply have to decide on recommendations and price and hope for the best.

JamesC

 

Ok, so I was off on my spring rate, but it gets the idea across. Spring rates have been posted on here many of times, search and you can find them.

Just remember, softening up the suspension will take away from handling.

 

if all you want is a nice smooth ride compared to your worn out shocks or struts, any stock replacement shock/strut will work for you.

you are basicly asking for a stock replacement.... you can either go anywhere and have it done, or get some cheapie ones and do it yourself.

 

I agree with Mr. Dude. Try some stock replacements.

JamesC

 

Also if your simply after better ride and dont care about handling loss you can minus size your wheel and tire combo... Going to a 15" rim with 60 series tire will ride smoother/less harsh than a 16" rim with 50 series tire...

But again you killing the handling ability...

 

Stock level I front springs are 350lbs, the Level III WS6/IROC springs are 548lbs.

For a softer ride, you might like the level I springs and KYB GR2 struts and shocks.

 

coilovers...

 

to start with, get the tokico HP's. I have had them and they ride great. the ride is taught and responsive but they still swallow bumps well. actually the HP is probably the best riding real shock your going to get. it has a higher quality valve that alllows a responsive and taught ride. the KYB's and Monroe's are crap. If that is not enough of an improvement then get a moog catalog. your stock z28 front springs are about 700 lbs give or take 50 lbs. you can get an RS spring or an earlier z28 spring to lessen the rate. its in the catalog. Another option is to get a taller tire. you will need to go to a 15 inch rim to do this because i don't think there is room for a taller 16 in a 245 width. the last option is your tire selection. what tires are you running now? If they are extream High perf tires they likely have a very stiff side wall and that will aalso hurt ride quality. As an aside, a good set of SFC's like Spohns will make a slight improvment in ride quality.