I've been out of the car game for a few years... finally picked up an 86 IROC a few days ago. I've searched and searched, and most of the answers are really old, or it's mostly just people arguing... so thought I'd throw the question out again for a new round of discussion...

What shocks (struts?) should I get for my 86 IROC? I don't have a budget number, but I definitely DO NOT have money for the best of the best. My car basically is 100% complete and functioning, but needs EVERYTHING replaced as it's been neglected for years. Shocks are completely shot. It floats around like a boat, every little bump makes it sound like the car is falling part. My goal is to drive the car and enjoy it WHILE I'm restoring it. No racing, just cruising around and driving to work when the weather is nice. I live in KY and we have terrible roads (potholes).

 

Koni yellows...

 

I don't have that kind of budget

 

I just went with the Original Ride - KYB Options on RockAuto. You can stick with the name brands, Gabriel, Monroe, etc. Most of these shocks/struts are all same for restoring stock ride quality. Back in the day; Chief Auto Parts used to sell lifetime shocks for $9.99 any car, if you brought your old ones back. I think all they did with the cores were replace the bushing and spray them yellow and toss them back in box! So you kind of get what you pay for..

 

Just get some stock replacements then. Any mid tier aftermarket will perform around the same (KYB, etc), you won't really notice until the suspension is heavily modified.

 

Since Koni is not in the budget, I suggest KYB...

 

Koni yellow struts and QA1 single adjustable rear shocks

 

Bilstein, Tokiko, Sach's

 

I am running the KYB Excel G's all around on my 88' GTA, they have been solid and a huge improvement over the completely worn out originals. I also replaced the rear springs with AC Delco replacements as they too were shot. Don't forget about the strut mounts, at this point they are likely done as well, KYB also makes them.

I use the car as a nice weather/summer daily cruiser and what I have seems to work great for that.

 

DeCarbon?

 

Koni yellows are about $870 for a complete set, they are adjustable so work great for a daily driver or track car. If that isn't in the budget KYB makes stock like shocks/struts for about $150 for a set. Not a whole lot of options in between those two. We sell the Koni yellows, they have a on-car adjustable or off-car adjustable rear shocks, the $870 price includes the off-car adjustable shocks.
1982-92 Camaro/Firebird Koni Adjustable Struts & Shocks (screamingchicken.com)

 

I was going to suggest Bilstein, but it seems that the fronts have been discontinued. Too bad. They were a great shock/strut for the money.