6LITEREATER

iTrader: (56)

First of all, thanks for taking the time to help me. I did a search but still am unsure.

Here's my dilema:

I am trying to decide between the normal Bilstein (non-adjustable yellow style that SLP sells) shocks and struts and a set of used Koni Yellow adjustable shocks and struts a friend would sell me for $100 more.

I am just getting into suspension mods. I have BMR boxed SFC's and panhard rod and LCA's.

I moved from flat Florida to hilly/moutains California. I am really starting to enjoy the mountain drives .

The car also has Z06 rims, and mods that equal 400rwhp.

The car will not be autocrossed, I am just looking for a little more fun out of it.

The adjustable shocks intimidate me because I am afraid I would have no clue how to adjust them. I like the idea of just bolt-on and go with the Bilsteins.

But, I am also afraid I am passing up better shocks.

What type of driver would need the Koni's over the Bilstein's?

Any input to aid my decision would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Judd

iTrader: (1)

I think you would be happy with the SLP Bilsteins as long as you stick with a spring that is on the light side rate wise. It looks like you will be using these with stock springs so you would be fine.

BUT, with the Konis only being 100 bucks more I would have to go with them as long as they have fairly low miles.

6LITEREATER

iTrader: (56)

Unfortunately I have no clue how many miles are on the Koni's. They are off a wrecked car that they were parting out.

If I went with the Bilsteins, would the BMR springs be a good choice?

Thanks for your input!

lrk322

iTrader: (11)

I have konis and I love them. I think konis have a lifetime warranty so you cant lose. FOr $100 more I'd get the konis for sure. I can't really compare though as I've never used bilsteins. Koni's are easy to adjust- sam strano has some recommended settings for them. If you get them I could take a look and tell you what they were. Plus with the konis you can lower your front 3/4 and inch and take out your rear spring isolator and lower your car without the cost of springs. Thas $ saving right there!

Judd

iTrader: (1)

Here is a breakdown of some common spring rates-

Manufacturer Model Front (lbs/in) Rear (lbs/in) Ride Height Drop (in.)
OEM GM V6 93-97 223 95.4 0.00"
OEM GM V8 93-97 310 110 0.00"
OEM GM V6 98-02 257 114 0.00"
OEM GM V8 98-02 292 114 0.00"
1LE GM 1LE 360 130-180 0.00"
Eibach V6 Prokit 93-97 337 75-135 1.00"
Eibach V8 Prokit 93-97 377-600 94-160 1.30"
Eibach V6 Prokit 98-02 351 80-137 1.40"
Eibach V8 Prokit 98-02 400 80-137 1.25"
Eibach Sportline 360 80-137 1.6" / 1.4"
Hotchkis Fbody Springs 285-525 100-140 1.00"
G2 Super Springs 548 180-230 1.50"
Hyperco Hypercoils Fbody Springs 360-580 168-216 1.25"
MAC Fbody Springs 450-515 215-245 1.50"
SLP Level 1 Progressive 223-448 97-136 0.75"
SLP Level 2 Progressive 300-450 115-185 0.50"
BMR Fbody Springs 310-550 145-170 1.00"
Suspension Techniques Fbody Springs 428 161 1.30" / 1.70"
Edelbrock Fbody Springs 585 120-150 1.25"
DMS Springs LS1 98-02 325-630 95-160 1.30"

I will say that I had a SLP Bilsteins on my car along with Eibach LT1 Pro Kit springs and they were OK. The Bilsteins did need some more rebound in a perfect world but unless you are really puching it {autoX or track}, I don't think you would notice. If you will notice, the Eibach LT1 Pro Kit springs are a bit stiffer than the LS1 Pro Kits. My advice would be Eibach LS1 Pro Kit springs with the Bilsteins.

I'm still leaning towards the Konis for my pick though.

OneMeanZ

iTrader: (2)

Koni's

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Just some details...

Koni's warranty is to the original purchaser only.
The Bilstein's you mention are not the HD's, but the SLP's and they are different from each other. You don't mention any plans for lowering (which matters), or what you want to change about the car.

Judd's right, Koni's are the best option because you can make the shock suit whatever you end up needing. Screwing up isn't a problem. Your issue is the used shocks. If they are good that's great. However, a lot of used shocks are not, but that's the risk you take with any used parts.

6LITEREATER

iTrader: (56)

I went with the Koni's (posted a spring question about them, feel free to head over there !).

Thanks for all the advice Strano ! How can I tell if their bad or not? They are coming from a friend who parts out cars so if they are I am sure they will give me my money back.

Is there any way to tell they are bad on/off the car???

dailydriver

I believe Sam can dyno and revalve/rebuild them if I'm not mistaken. Sam?

6LITEREATER

iTrader: (56)

Thanks again for all your input!

Strano, I am sending a friend of mine (Doug McClary) to you. I e-mailed him this thread and told him to contact you tommorrow about your setups .

Do you have any recommendations on springs for me?

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

I can't make any recommendations online. Well, I could if I were interested in just doing the easy thing, but I'd rather you have the most appropriate parts instead, so I'd have to ask you call me so we can discuss options/other things you have done or plan to.

If you want to know for sure if they are good, you need to have them dyno'ed. They likely are good, but more than once folks have gotten broken dampers (that externally looked fine) when buying used. And they won't necessarily leak or show any signs of being bad...

tardy007

Hiya Strano

Kinda in the same boat as Demonbird out here in California. Have a 95 Z27 which dynoed at 370 hp and also have a 150 NOS shot. Looks like you are recommending Konis??