Hey guys... Here is my plan. I am going to get the Spohn Non-adjustable 4130 Chrome-Moly LCA's, Poly bushings for the torque arm and panhard rod (for now), and some new struts and shocks. My question is, since I do not want to lower the ride at all, and keep factory springs (still looking brand new, just a little dusty), which shocks and struts should I consider? I was thinking KYB... Anyone have any input on brands of shocks? I want a firm ride, since it is a muscle car, I don't care about ride comfort. Any info would br greatly appreciated.

Thanx in advance

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1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA L98 5.7L, Black on Black with 114,000kms.

Best ET 14.559 @ 95.25MPH
Custom 3" Stainless Exhaust Y-Pipe back (High flow Cat and Flowmaster Mufler)

[This message has been edited by nblanchard (edited December 03, 2001).]

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/000756.html

I also gained 6 seconds on a 2 mile road racing course. My first visit was in June and my last visit was in November. Part of the improvement is more driving experience, but much can be attributed to the shocks...

 

Thanx Keith0, I don't plan on autoxing at all with it... just good old "straight line" racing.... I may do some autoxing with the winter beater.. 1988 Grand AM Quad4... not too shabby

I will check in to the Koni shocks

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1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA L98 5.7L, Black on Black with 114,000kms.

Best ET 14.559 @ 95.25MPH
Custom 3" Stainless Exhaust Y-Pipe back (High flow Cat and Flowmaster Mufler)

 

Koni and Bilstein is generally considered the best.

 

Just replaced my front KYB struts with a pair of Bilsteins and have noticed a great improvement in handling. The Bilsteins ride a little harder than the KYB's but the handling improvement more than makes up for the harshness. Just so you know though, the Bilsteins cost a bit more than the KYB's.

Mark

 

Sounds like I am gonna go with bilsteins

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1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA L98 5.7L, Black on Black with 114,000kms.

Best ET 14.559 @ 95.25MPH
Custom 3" Stainless Exhaust Y-Pipe back (High flow Cat and Flowmaster Mufler)

 

I have an '85 IROC and the Bilstein's are great. You can find them for $377.00 if you look around.

 

My bad. I meant $399.00 set of 4

 

Just went for a price on the shocks and struts.. the rear shocks are 175 a piece and the front struts are 400 a piece... note: in canadian dollars... this is crazy

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1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA L98 5.7L, Black on Black with 114,000kms.

Best ET 14.559 @ 95.25MPH
Custom 3" Stainless Exhaust Y-Pipe back (High flow Cat and Flowmaster Mufler)

 

If you're drag racing, then you will likely be looking for different shocks than the Koni Sports. Go over to www.koni-na.com and get into their tech documents and product documentation. They talk about how to determine the dampening and rebound rates and how to adjust them based on test drives. This includes drag shocks... Be patient, the site is a little hard to get around but once you find what you want, you can understand shocks and know what you are looking for on a more technical level.

 

I had KYBs and replaced them with Bilsteins. The KYBs feel much softer in comparision. But they were also alot cheaper too.

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-Justin-

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