Suspension TECH Including Brakes, Wheels and tires

          
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Old 12-11-2014, 08:30 AM
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chuckies76ta chuckies76ta is offline
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Default Shocks

Hi: I'm looking for any input on shocks. I've been looking at QA1, Bilstein, Koni, KYB.

Looking for input on the QA1 Stocker Star Single Adjustment first. Street use only. Cost not an issue.

Thanks
Charles

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68 Firebird. IA2 block, 505 cu in, E-head, Solid roller 3650 weight. Reid TH400 4:11 gear. 29" slick.
Best so far 10.12@133 mph. 1.43 60 ft.
76 Trans am, TKX .81 o/d, 3.73 Moser rearend,
468 with KRE D-ports, Doug headers, 3" Exh.
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Old 12-11-2014, 05:41 PM
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yumpy yumpy is offline
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I bought my first set of Bilsteins in 1974 for my BMW 2002 and have used them on every car since if they were available. I installed a set on my 1979 T/A a few years ago.The WS6 cars are stiff,and they really smoothed out the ride without affecting cornering or body roll. Purchased two sets of KYB struts for my daily drivers and was very satisfied till a had a leaky strut with both sets within 35,000 miles.They covered them under warranty but i had to shipped them the strut,purchase two so i could keep driving the car,and wait for a rebate check. Never had that problem with the Bilsteins.

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Old 12-11-2014, 06:06 PM
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I'm running Koni's and am very happy. I was running Monroe's before that - oh wat a difference. I was also looking at the Bilstein's as they are highly recommended.

The KYB's are less money, but I haven't heard too much praise for these shocks. You said price really isn't a huge issue - so I wouldn't go that direction.

I know nothing about the QA's.

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Old 12-11-2014, 06:38 PM
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yumpy yumpy is offline
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sorry - missed the Qa-1's request.I really do need new glasses

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Old 12-11-2014, 07:30 PM
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Thanks guys. Good info. I'm kinda starting to lean toward the Bilsteins. I keep reading really good things about them.

Thanks again
Charles

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68 Firebird. IA2 block, 505 cu in, E-head, Solid roller 3650 weight. Reid TH400 4:11 gear. 29" slick.
Best so far 10.12@133 mph. 1.43 60 ft.
76 Trans am, TKX .81 o/d, 3.73 Moser rearend,
468 with KRE D-ports, Doug headers, 3" Exh.
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Old 12-11-2014, 09:18 PM
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wheelspin wheelspin is offline
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Arrow My shock choices...

Hey Charles,

I ran QA-1 single adjustable shocks on my GTO back when it ran mid 12s and 1.7 60 fts. They were OK at the time, but I switched to CE drag shocks when seeking 11s after adding 305cfm KREs, OF roller cam, 3" exhaust bringing the estimated crank hp up to the current 550-570 level. Once I achieved my goal of consistently running in the 11s, I switched to the current Bilsteins expecting my 60fts to suffer when using what I consider the best all around performance touring shocks. My 60s were unaffected to my surprise.

I have always used red Konis on my second gen TA tribute street/road track Bird. It's the only shock that has delivered consistent performance on this heavy coupe.

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'65 Buick Sport Wagon Custom, 340, T350, 3:23
'66 GTO Post/468, 700R4, 3.31 (Mike's as of 9-16)
'68 Grand Prix/455, dual AFBs, T400, 2:93 posi (sold)
'72 TA tribute/461, T400, 3.08, (Russ's as of 9-16)
'97 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Turbo, Konis, 5 speed
'09 Torrent GXP, nav, Sun & Sound pkg., Bilsteins
  #7  
Old 12-11-2014, 09:43 PM
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chuckies76ta chuckies76ta is offline
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Thanks Les for posting. Great info. These are the shocks I installed on the back of the car after restoring it. I have always found the rear of the car was too high, so I removed them and I'm trying to find a replacement I'll be happy with.

http://gabriel.com/product-search/li...?partnum=43084

These shocks are GM part # 519-8. The same shock Gabriel makes 43084. They appear to have been used on 70-81 Camaro and Firebirds. They are load carrying shocks with coil over.

I read that the vehicles should not be held up by shocks. I'm not sure why coil overs were used on these cars.

Charles

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68 Firebird. IA2 block, 505 cu in, E-head, Solid roller 3650 weight. Reid TH400 4:11 gear. 29" slick.
Best so far 10.12@133 mph. 1.43 60 ft.
76 Trans am, TKX .81 o/d, 3.73 Moser rearend,
468 with KRE D-ports, Doug headers, 3" Exh.
  #8  
Old 12-12-2014, 12:50 AM
Nicks67GTO Nicks67GTO is offline
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Call Ridetech and talk to them about their single adjustable HQ line. I run them. They are a VERY nice shock and a nice improvement over the Bilstiens they replaced. They are around $700 shipped from Matts Classic Bowties.

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-1967 GTO HO Restomod. PKMM 433ci, SilverSport T56 Magnum 6spd, Moser 9", SC&C and a bunch of other pro touring goodies

- Build Thread
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...615847&page=23
  #9  
Old 12-12-2014, 07:33 AM
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Will check those out also.

Thanks
charles

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68 Firebird. IA2 block, 505 cu in, E-head, Solid roller 3650 weight. Reid TH400 4:11 gear. 29" slick.
Best so far 10.12@133 mph. 1.43 60 ft.
76 Trans am, TKX .81 o/d, 3.73 Moser rearend,
468 with KRE D-ports, Doug headers, 3" Exh.
  #10  
Old 12-12-2014, 08:10 AM
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David Jones David Jones is offline
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I had KYB's and felt the ride was stiff. Running Bilstein's now. They seem to react quicker....less initially stiff.

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frittering and wasting the hours in an off hand way....



1969 GTO, 455ci, 230/236 Pontiac Dude's "Butcher Special" Comp hyd roller cam with Crower HIPPO solid roller lifters, Q-jet, Edelbrock P4B-QJ, Doug's headers, ported 6X-8 (97cc) heads, TKO600, 3.73 geared Eaton Tru-Trac 8.5", hydroboost, rear disc brakes......and my greatest mechanical feat....a new heater core.
  #11  
Old 12-12-2014, 08:13 AM
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Thanks David. There's so much stuff out there. Lots of reading.

Thanks
Charles

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68 Firebird. IA2 block, 505 cu in, E-head, Solid roller 3650 weight. Reid TH400 4:11 gear. 29" slick.
Best so far 10.12@133 mph. 1.43 60 ft.
76 Trans am, TKX .81 o/d, 3.73 Moser rearend,
468 with KRE D-ports, Doug headers, 3" Exh.
  #12  
Old 12-12-2014, 09:34 AM
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chuckies76ta chuckies76ta is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nicks67GTO View Post
Call Ridetech and talk to them about their single adjustable HQ line. I run them. They are a VERY nice shock and a nice improvement over the Bilstiens they replaced. They are around $700 shipped from Matts Classic Bowties.
Well, One thing they have going for them is warranty. They appear to be a very nice shock.

Thanks for posting
Charles

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68 Firebird. IA2 block, 505 cu in, E-head, Solid roller 3650 weight. Reid TH400 4:11 gear. 29" slick.
Best so far 10.12@133 mph. 1.43 60 ft.
76 Trans am, TKX .81 o/d, 3.73 Moser rearend,
468 with KRE D-ports, Doug headers, 3" Exh.
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