Suspension and Chassis Questions about your suspension? Need chassis advice?

which shock?

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Old Mar 10, 2019 | 08:44 AM
  #1  
Phast Phrank's Avatar
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From: Delaware County PA
Car: 1990 Firebird
Engine: 3.1 l
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 373
which shock?


Phast 6
I drive a 90 Firebird Phast 6. It has Mods done to make it quicker light to light. It is a 3.1L so it only goes so fast. This one gets to that speed so much faster. Some of the mods included Spohn SFC and rear control arms.
Car originally obtained for the misses. Due to old injuries she can not get up and down into car daily so now I have it. It was a barn find. I replaced shocks/struts with factory. She wouldn't need anything else. Now that it is mine and the mods are done the ride is rough (stiff, does not take bumps well.) What shocks/struts can I use to smooth out the ride. It does not have a V8 and never will. Just want a smoother ride. Help?...................
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Old Mar 10, 2019 | 09:47 AM
  #2  
Tootie Pang's Avatar
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From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: which shock?

Which shocks exactly are in the car?
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Old Mar 11, 2019 | 06:41 AM
  #3  
Phast Phrank's Avatar
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From: Delaware County PA
Car: 1990 Firebird
Engine: 3.1 l
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 373
Re: which shock?

I replaced shocks/struts with factory (AC Delco) Using part number called out in parts manual.
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Old Mar 11, 2019 | 07:14 AM
  #4  
vinny R's Avatar
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From: Florida
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: which shock?

Originally Posted by Phast Phrank
I replaced shocks/struts with factory (AC Delco) Using part number called out in parts manual.
You should have a smooth ride with factory stuff? If anything the factory stuff is soft. Check your front a-arm bushings, they could be worn. I would check all your original bushings for that matter. Check your tires also, if they are old and hard this will have a big affect on your ride.

I used KYB Gas-A-Just shocks in the rear. These are the non adjustable. I used KYB AGX Adjustable Struts in the front. I run setting #2 on the struts. My car has a very smooth ride with this set up.
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Old Mar 11, 2019 | 09:27 AM
  #5  
UMI Sales's Avatar
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Re: which shock?

Smooth yet crisp and precise equals Koni Yellows.

UMI KONI catalog page
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 04:18 AM
  #6  
Phast Phrank's Avatar
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Delaware County PA
Car: 1990 Firebird
Engine: 3.1 l
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 373
Re: which shock?

I replaced F & R sway bushings and links. installed Spohn rear control arms. So F "A" arm bushings are the only original rubber left on the car. The car takes bumps hard. I was thinking the factory stuff was too soft. MAybe I'm wrong, maybe the springs. I figured I throw it out there to get y'alls input. Thanx.
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 04:22 AM
  #7  
Phast Phrank's Avatar
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Delaware County PA
Car: 1990 Firebird
Engine: 3.1 l
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 373
Re: which shock?

I appreciate the input on the Koni's. Can you also make a suggestion for someone who is a little budget minded?
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 06:19 AM
  #8  
vinny R's Avatar
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From: Florida
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: which shock?

Originally Posted by Phast Phrank
I appreciate the input on the Koni's. Can you also make a suggestion for someone who is a little budget minded?
I did...KYB AGX. IMHO these are as good as the Koni's for 1/2 the cost. I am very happy with the performance and ride quality of these struts.
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 08:45 AM
  #9  
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From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: which shock?

I have the KYB Excel-G on old factory springs. Ride is too boaty IMHO but cornering is nice. I bought new springs (stock) but haven't put them in yet. If it is still too boaty after new springs and control arms (soon), I'll go with tighter shocks. Replaced the Excel-G's with Gas-a-Justs. Much better.

Last edited by Tootie Pang; Apr 22, 2019 at 04:22 PM.
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