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So... before everyone jumps on me.... "Yes" I did a search. (Maybe I just gave up after reading the 10th post)
There are so many opinions out there on which is the best combo. (some going back to 2001)
What I am looking for, is the BEST ride combo for everyday driving. Not looking for Autocross, Racing, etc.
My car is pretty much stock, down to the original shocks. I am just looking for a big upgrade so it doesnt feel like the car is going to fall apart when I hit a bump. I know these cars were not the best for street diving back in the 80s and 90s. But, technology has come a long way.
I hear Koni, Bilstein, KYB, etc. But they always include that they are "Great for XXXXX" I don't hear that they are the BEST for everyday.
Really could use some advice. Oh.. did I mention that it does not matter the cost? I am seriously looking for the best ride.
I really do not know anything about suspension, motor wise, Im good
Forgot to mention:
91 Z28 Hardtop
305 TPI
2.73 Auto
32k miles
Get Bilstein's Shocks & Struts. I can tell you that Bilstein's ride very nice; I've used them in several past builds & they always seem to ride the nicest.
As far as spring go... Believe it or not, my car actually rides better with heavy springs/weight jack set up when compared with the factory springs & eibach lowering springs i used to use. Some might disagree with me on using heavier spring rates for better ride quality... But from my experience with these cars they tend to ride better with higher spring rates. I don't have a scientific explanation; that's just my experience.
Another thing to consider for a better quality ride is sound dampening from interior noises.
If your car is anything like my car *used* to be; then the interior plastic panels probably rattle over every bump. To remedy this; use some 3M single sided foam tape in between the dash pad & main dash structure. Also use it on the hush panels that are under the dash.
Here's the 3M tape that I used on my car: (the seller is very reputable)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3m-Black-Single-Sided-Foam-Tape-Closed-Cell-20mm-Wide-x-3mm-Thick-/270709246769?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f07874b31
Another problem area is the A pillars... They tend to make a squeaking noise down near the dash/windshield. Use some 3M foam tape there as well.
Also the A/C vents tend to wobble back and forth loosely, causing an obnoxious noise... not to mention making the car feel cheap. I fixed mine by following this article: https://www.thirdgen.org/ventfix/
Lastly a good set of subframe connectors gave my car a perceived better ride quality... I noticed right away that the creaking my car used to make pulling into my steep driveway was completely eliminated after installing SFC.
I would also use rubber in all your suspension links... wont handle as good but it will ride better.
If you want a really soft ride, you can down size to 15" wheels... The 15" size tyres will have a more forgiving side wall. But personally I would not do it, you cant get a decent tyre for cornering grip in a 15" size anymore.
That's a tough one actually since most people here typically look more for performance. When you go after-market with a lot of parts at once it's sometimes harder to find out which parts are causing problems after the fact. Everyone is going to have their own opinions and experiences even with the same part combinations so all I can do is give my two cents.
I might try looking for stock replacement springs and shocks. The springs typically still have the code tags on them and you should be able to find something comparable from Moog. I've driven with Monroe Sensa-tracs and they are ok.
Koni (Yellows) and Bilstein are more for performance and Koni no longer make the Reds which were meant more for the street. If Strano still sells his tuned Bilstein/springs combination I would look into that. It's more performance oriented but if it's tuned correctly your ride should be fine.
It could be possible that the rubber bushings etc. have hardened over the years. I might look into replacing those with OEM if you can find them along with the strut mounts. For your goals I would not replace with poly bushings or much of anything after-market if you want ride quality. For instance, some rear after-market LCA's can bind because they do not move as the stock ones do. Moog and TRW have been good quality parts but with the way things have been going, you still may need to verify what you are actually getting. Even with the low miles on your car make sure to check the ball joints etc. before investing a lot of money into parts. I still might opt for Del-A-Lum front LCA bushings if you have the money.
After-market rims with low sidewalls can make for a harsher ride but it looks like you still have the stock rims. I agree on smaller rims/taller sidewalls improving ride quality, if you want to go that route. 14/15” rims typically go along with different springs etc., from the factory and keep in mind the overall combination from rims/tires to springs/shocks bushings as they do work together. FWIW, the Berlinetta probably had the better riding suspension of the Camaros.
I also agree that some of the quieting methods and sub-frame connectors might help as well.
I'm going to suggest adjustable struts and shocks like the Konis or the lower priced ones from KYB. This is due to the ability to change the stiffness, which will impact ride in either a positive or negative fashion.
Stiffer springs will impact ride, but you can get a stiffer progressive spring that rides like stock, yet improves handling.
Wheel and tire choice also impacts ride - a 14" will ride better than a 16" equivalent, but it will feel sloppy and unresponsive. Your car came with 16" from the factory and you should keep them.
900lb front 200 rear spring with kyb agx was perfect for the street for me
Comparable to a lot of European tuned suspension as in terms of ride quality but a bit smoother but still vast improvement over stock setup and that's with 19s woth 35 series tire
Like stated above wheel size plays apart also but would stick with 16" unles upgrading to 17 or 18
900lb front 200 rear spring with kyb agx was perfect for the street for me
Comparable to a lot of European tuned suspension as in terms of ride quality but a bit smoother but still vast improvement over stock setup and that's with 19s woth 35 series tire
Like stated above wheel size plays apart also but would stick with 16" unles upgrading to 17 or 18
Thanks for all the responses. I will be keeping the stock 16s for now. Was thinking about going to 17s in the future. Honestly, I dont hate the ride that the car has now. I was just thinking that there has to be something "smoother" then 25 year old technology. I still want the car to have good handling. I am leaning towards the Koni right now for the shocks. I am bot interested in changing the LCAs or any other parts.
Thanks for all the responses. I will be keeping the stock 16s for now. Was thinking about going to 17s in the future. Honestly, I dont hate the ride that the car has now. I was just thinking that there has to be something "smoother" then 25 year old technology. I still want the car to have good handling. I am leaning towards the Koni right now for the shocks. I am bot interested in changing the LCAs or any other parts.
The Koni Sports are awesome, they are what I run on my car right now. They ride firm but not harsh at all. Trust me you wont regret buying them.
Ride quality of anyone's internet shock choice preference = subjective
Mentioning monroe & Koni in the same sentence? Two polar opposite ends of the spectrum. - a famous motorcycle builder once said the best you know is the best you've ridden/driven.
Well I went with the Koni yellows all around and figured I would try the Hotchkis 1903 springs. I know this will lower the car a bit, but i figured after 24 years on the original springs, there shouldn't be to much of a difference in stance.
Everything should be here next week and on the car.
Well I went with the Koni yellows all around and figured I would try the Hotchkis 1903 springs. I know this will lower the car a bit, but i figured after 24 years on the original springs, there shouldn't be to much of a difference in stance.
Everything should be here next week and on the car.
Has anyone tried this combo?
Short of nitrous or a torque converter, Koni struts/shocks will have the biggest difference in how the car drives. And it doesn't require you to be doing 50 mph hard turns with tires squealing. Even simple drives to the grocery store and back will be noticeable. You'll love them.
Well I went with the Koni yellows all around and figured I would try the Hotchkis 1903 springs. I know this will lower the car a bit, but i figured after 24 years on the original springs, there shouldn't be to much of a difference in stance.
Everything should be here next week and on the car.
Has anyone tried this combo?
Let us know how it goes. I'm considering running the Koni/Hotchkis set up on my car as well.
I got mine from Summit. Amazon has the Konis for a little cheaper. But if you can find a Summit coupon, Summit's fast/free shipping, and Summit's return policy, they are the best deal IMO.
What do you guys think of the Koni 8741-1030 on hawaiiracing.com? That's the same # as the yellow sport struts, but they show a picture of reds and say shock? Think anyone would price match? they're $190 ea.
auto anything has all 4 in stock,& tied with others having the yellow sport shocks at $106 ea. and struts $231.08.
But if they price match hawaii...never know, might luck out and get koni's for <$600. googling promo, code, and coupon helps.
just putting in my 2 cents since i recently dealt with them and liked them. kyb excel-g struts and gas adjust shocks for ~$95 after codes and man. rebate check. IL to WA 5 day ship.
it's good to support the independent businesses too, however.
Well I went with the Koni yellows all around and figured I would try the Hotchkis 1903 springs.
Great choice. I'm running older Koni reds with Hotchkis 1903 springs. The springs are definitely pretty stiff but the handling is great and the stance is killer. However, my reds are off my last car and were on that when I bought it and could stand a rebuild. That, combined with poly bushings, my ride is on harsher side now but I think you'll be fine, and happy!
Originally Posted by Zach/90\irocZ
Yea summit or jegs iirc they price match
And summit has free shipping
Jegs does online price matching (just put link of competitor in price match field during checkout) and has free shipping & handling.
Well... FINALLY got them on the car and all I can say is "Wow". The ride is definitely stiff, but compared to the factory setup, it is a much more comfortable ride. Also as an added bonus, most of the squeaks and rattles that the car had, have become less noticeable.
I am glad I went with the Hotchkis lowering springs, because it raised the ride height about 1/2" (which I figured it would). If I went stock, I would be looking at a 1.5" raise.
Well... FINALLY got them on the car and all I can say is "Wow". The ride is definitely stiff, but compared to the factory setup, it is a much more comfortable ride. Also as an added bonus, most of the squeaks and rattles that the car had, have become less noticeable.
I am glad I went with the Hotchkis lowering springs, because it raised the ride height about 1/2" (which I figured it would). If I went stock, I would be looking at a 1.5" raise.
That's great to hear! I've ordered Hotchkis springs for my car and I've been going back and forth trying to figure out what shock I should go with.
That's great to hear! I've ordered Hotchkis springs for my car and I've been going back and forth trying to figure out what shock I should go with.
Yeah..Very happy so far. Keep in mind I am comparing this combo to the stock setup. I am sure the is a much more economical combo between stock and Hotchkis/Konis. I would probably have the same reaction with a Moog/KYB combo.
This is the way it sits now. I am assuming it will settle a bit more. Gotta figure out the right rear, as it is sitting about 1" lower then the other corners.
Hey man, I too have read just amount every thread on this website and more regarding best shock/springs for our cars. I realize that this thread is older, but I just pulled out my 1985 IROC from the parents garage after sitting for 12+ years. I am researching to purchase shocks/springs, and wanted to ask "How have you liked your choice after driving it since you installed?" I'm also in Jersey...want to help me do mine? ;-)
Last edited by 1985_IROC; Sep 28, 2017 at 08:48 AM.
