AGX's out and Bilsteins in!!!
06-07-2009, 04:43 PM
#21
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...Yes the agx's are adjustable but the compression/rebound are set by one **** to a fixed ratio that (to me) was never comfortable for an driving situation. It felt like I had no shock on it at all with a low setting and felt like it was an iron rod on a high setting. There was no in between...
Whilst the AGX's are definitely "less expensive", KYB also cuts many corners concerning the design, including the overall quality of parts internally. Even though the Bilsteins for the Camaro aren't adjustible, their design is simple, yet works very well for their respective valving.
I'd like to mention that even some of the Bilstein designs for other cars that are "single-action/double-adjustible" are made much better than AGX's and have much more "usable" settings. It also doesn't hurt that they're also modifiable with a compression check valve in order to maintain a static compression setting.
I believe some issues that came up though with Camaro Bilsteins some time ago is the fact that Bilstein had a shortage on them and when they finally were available again, they had a less-than-optimal valving that people like myself and Sam Strano disapproved of. Also, I remembered spefically from the Bilstein will call in Poway, CA mentioned that any revalvings, even on new shocks will void their standard factory warranty.
Just my 2 cents.
06-07-2009, 05:09 PM
#22
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This is an interesting post... I just got some kyb agx in the mailbox from strano. Will be installing them on my bmr lowering springs. I was told that they were a much better option than the bilsteens for my lowered/road race application. I have ridden in bilsteen-equipped cars and know how they feel. I am going to keep my mouth shut until I get them installed and see how they feel.... should be interesting.
06-07-2009, 05:31 PM
#23
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That, and at summit you can pick up the slp bilsteins for $313. Was a lot cheaper than any of the others that carry them. Part number sle-70008.
I went with the Hotchkis springs because I felt they came in pretty close to SLP Eibach/ SLP level 2 specs except with a little more lowering. I really like the ride...My car is not a DD, but it could be very comfy one with this setup.
As far as difference in the SLP Bilsteins compared to the HD. The fronts have a tad lower rating for compression with a considerable higher rating for rebound. Rears are the same.
Last edited by Alex212; 06-07-2009 at 05:49 PM.
06-07-2009, 06:30 PM
#24
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ls1zfast.....Im with you to I bought this from a member on here Big__Mike. He told Sam Strano that he was on a budget and sam pointed him to the kyb agx's. I have not heard back from sam on his thoughts about them compared to koni and Bilstein so i will just have to see what he says and test them out my self.
06-07-2009, 06:50 PM
#25
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Yea, I know. There is so much disinformation out there on shocks. It is unbelievable. If I have learned anything, it is that you must take everything you hear with a grain of salt. This includes info from sponsors, mods, and other "experts" out there.
Our cars are called "custom" for a reason. Everyone has different preferences. Beware of anyone who always thinks their way is right and who always has the answer.
Nick
Our cars are called "custom" for a reason. Everyone has different preferences. Beware of anyone who always thinks their way is right and who always has the answer.
Nick
06-07-2009, 07:11 PM
#26
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nick how soon will you have the shocks on. I wont have mine on for a couple weeks and be able to drive it till then. Will you post your results when you get them on please.
06-07-2009, 07:22 PM
#27
i have bilsteins and had been eying a set of agx shocks except that my experience with them (in a friend's camaro convertible) is that they're pretty damned stiff at the best setting.
the ride on the bilsteins isn't too bad, but rough enough for my wife to complain (most likely due to using racing tires with reinforced sidewalls). thing about the bilsteins is that if you hit the right bump, you get a feel of how bad the rebound dampening is. if you're taking a high speed corner and hit a good dip/bump, they'll keep you on your toes for sure.
the ride on the bilsteins isn't too bad, but rough enough for my wife to complain (most likely due to using racing tires with reinforced sidewalls). thing about the bilsteins is that if you hit the right bump, you get a feel of how bad the rebound dampening is. if you're taking a high speed corner and hit a good dip/bump, they'll keep you on your toes for sure.
06-07-2009, 07:23 PM
#28
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Don't get me wrong.. I think there's a difference between dampening a spring correctly and a spring/shock combo to satisfy one's ride quality preferences. Some people might take that as a cocky response, but I don't think they should. I have no experience with various Bilstien shocks, but my research has pointed toward "no" for lowering springs and most of all the Bilstiens available.
06-07-2009, 09:34 PM
#31
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Sure thing.... I work tomorrow and tues.. will probably start the install on wednesday. I will post up results when done.
06-08-2009, 08:14 AM
#35
So which Bilsteins should we pick if we choose to go with a lowering springs that has a 1+inch drop? HD's or SLP's? I just dont want them to take a crap on me after one season of use due to having lowering springs on them
06-08-2009, 10:03 AM
#38
With no bottoming out over bumps or that floaty feeling I keep hearing people get once they install a lowering springs on the stock shocks? Just a lil concern since they weren't designed for a large drop at all.
06-08-2009, 10:11 AM
#39
Well, summit did have the best deal by far. I checked last night and sure enough they went up in price. Even at a little over $400 they are more than worth it. Actually I think they still have the best deal and their shipping is only $11. Everywhere else I looked they were about 420-475. And as I'm sure you know you could always browse thru the clasifieds on here.
