2006 Silver Monte SS

Hello All,

I ordered the Canuck Motorsports/SSC lowering springs for my Monte. I have read on this forum and other forums that Bilstein HD struts are almost a requirement for these springs. Not true...

I asked Canuck Motorsports, and their reply was that their springs are designed to be compatible with most stock shock/strut applications.

Why does it appear that the community leans heavily towards the Bilstein HD (HD = High Dollar?) struts and all but warns of using a "lesser" strut?

I plan on using KYB struts and new OEM mounts. Any reason why I shouldn't?

Lt_Crazy

I really think the whole point of going with Bilstein shocks/struts is because their a great product.

Altho KYB's are very good, they are nowhere nearly as good as bilsteins! I see it this way, do things right the first time. putting high quality parts means not having to re-do the same crap all over again!

But bilsteins have a harsher and bumpier ride then the kybs, from what i've read.

Also i'm pretty sure with the oem mounts u won't be able to mount ur sway bar but don't take my word for it......

2006 Silver Monte SS

Exactly. These cars are large, heavy, and have a long wheelbase. Unless people are using their cars for road course racing, I would think that ride quality would be a priority. I would like my car to ride as good or better than it does now after I lower it.

Also, the Bilstein HDs are THREE TIMES the price of KYB struts. I just can't justify that kind of money on a daily driver.

Lt_Crazy

^^^ very true. But I find that the impala handles like ****!

I wouldn't mind sacrificing a bit of comfort for better handling!

06mistreSS

I agree with this. Bilsteins are expensive but they're a high quality, well built product. Their struts use a larger diameter piston than others. That said, Bilsteins should generally stand up better to the harsher conditions a lowered car puts on the struts. I went with the HD's paired with Canuck Motorsports lowering springs on my Monte and I'm very happy with that setup. I also installed all new OE GM FE4 strut mounts.

2006 Silver Monte SS

Got the Canuck Motorsports springs today...still deciding on the struts.

Matt, I'm going to have to go against you on this one...$1,000 for struts on a FWD Monte Carlo? No...not me. Looking at OEM, "Comfort" Bilsteins, or KYB.

I do agree with you on the oem mounts

91parkave

iTrader: (4)

Just use. KGB excel G's however if your springs are for a Gxp you'll want the bilsteins because they have a higher spring perch

SuperAman

I was looking on Ebay and found a seller selling these shocks called
"STAGG?" anyone heard of them?

91parkave

iTrader: (4)

stagg makes oem replacment struts nowhere near the quality of bilstein or KYB

SuperAman

thanks, I did a quick search and couldn't find anything on these.
Guess I will be looking at some kyb or bilstein.

Ill_Born_ss

Bilstein has changed up the P/N`s

http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mm.../drivetype=FWD
and if your in Canada go here: http://www.bilsteincanada.com/produc...oducts_id=2143
and enter the NEW P/N`s from the bilstein site. You will find they are like 175.00 each and if your from the USA just call the 1800 and they will assist you.

Also be very careful with any aftermarket shock and be sure to read the fitment warnings as the SS has a different spring perch preventing the 18" wheel/tire assembly from rubbing/removing the inner 1-2" of your tires in as quick as lighting at highway speeds.

Lt_Crazy

wow 175 each for the bilsteins is pretty dam good!!!

don't mean to thread jack but anyone here running coil-overs???

91parkave

iTrader: (4)

im about to pull the trigger on the coilovers not sure if i want to hack up my bilsteins yet ill probably hack up the AGX's i have sitting in the closet off my old GTP

06mistreSS

I bought Bilsteins because I wanted something high quality and durable for the lower ride height. It has nothing to do with the fact that the car is FWD, it has everything to do with extending the life of the setup. I may have paid more initially but I guarantee the HD's will last longer than some of the less expensive brands.

I had lowered my 03 Monte Carlo SS, with the Eibach Pro-Kit, on KYB AGX's and that was a nice setup as well.