Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

I just bought a 1996 LT1 caprice impala SS and it needs the front 2 shock absorbers to be replaced, now i want to buy a whole set of shocks, that means 4 shocks. i want to buy either Koni single adjustable shocks or Bilsteins shocks. which shocks will make my car handles better Koni or Bilstein?

i will also btw buy complete energy suspension polyurethane kit.

thanks

WHITEBOY_ZACH

iTrader: (2)

ok for one im not sure if your there too but go to impalassforum.com they will be more helpful, just because they actually own those cars....not just stop and sigh when they see an ss lol

i was just in the same spot and this is what i decided...

why pay so much more for the adjustable ones when most likley, you will never adjust them. many people end up using the same settings all the time....track or street...

i was debating q1a or konis.... then i went with bilstein and saved enough for the next set of bilsteins i will need..in about two years.

also i had heard of q1a shocks failing after like a year of use.....too expensive to last a year IMHO.

i hope this helps u out. i actually just installed the rear shocks today, along with my adjustable upper and lower control arms.

heres a tip when u do the rear, make up...or buy a U-bolt for the upper shock mount. it will make it ten times easier to change them from now on. (if that made sense)

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

thanks, i too leaned toward the bilstein's since as you mentioned i will not need to adjust the shocks. so i think i will buy the bilstein's.

do you have a 94-96 LT1 caprice impala SS?

WHITEBOY_ZACH

iTrader: (2)

yessir i do lol



i go to impalassforum when i need an answer about my paint or somethin like that lol


i come here to go fast.



they both help a ton tho

chavez885

iTrader: (12)

Uh....I say go with koni's, they are a MUCH better shock, adjustable and have a lifetime warranty. Just my 2 cents.

WHITEBOY_ZACH

iTrader: (2)

i didnt know koni had the warranty.....that makes a big difference. its still up to you.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

what do you mean by a much better shock? do you mean the Koni's will handle on the street much better than the bilstein's?

or the Koni's are just adjustable and have a lifetime warranty?

chavez885

iTrader: (12)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...=bilstien+koni

slomarao

iTrader: (6)

Koni's for sure.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

My understaning is that while Konis are good in many applications they are not good for this one.

I have a mix of Bilsteins and Monroe Severe Service. Bilsteins are like 7 years old with at least 100K and last I had them disconnected from the axle were still stiff and pressurized.

If you go Bilstein just make sure to older them for a 80s Caprice. They are valved for better handling where the 90s Caprice Bilsteins are valves a bit goofy and floaty. Excuse was police landings as the Bilsteins were an option on police cars.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

will the 80's Bilstein's shocks bolt-in my 1996 LT1 caprice impala SS?

and are they stiffer than the Bilstein's for 1996 LT1 caprice impala SS?

thanks.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

Yeah they boltin just fine. The chassis is little changed from 78-96 so lots of stuff can be used. Yes they are stiffer than the 94-6 shocks.


Biggest fittment issue between 80s and 90s stuff would be the 91-2 cars with skirts and the 91-6 roadmastersand wagons with skirts need a longer rear shock to make room for tire changes. Since you have a Caprice/Impala sedan with rounded wheelwells you have nothing to worry about.

Really it is amazing how many parts can interchange, the front caliper rebuild kit for these cars dates back to applications in the 60s and not just General Motors vehicles.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

so i can use the Bilstein shocks for the 78-90 caprice shape on 93-96 caprices?

correct?

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

yes you can

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the info 96capricemgr.