Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Here's the thing with stock shocks. They are soft at times.. the car will kind of float and bob around even at speed. But have you notice how hard it hits the really sharp bumps? That gets worse and worse with stock shocks as the miles pile on. Also the rear end will jump and skip around a lot more than it should too.

Better shocks make the car firmer in the sense things are more controlled and less floppy.... but the impact harshness generally improves a great deal at the same time. You'll find most report the ride got better--not worse--when compared to stock shocks.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

hello mr strano

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

I can, but it's not cost effective for the SLP versions @ $114 each plus shipping. Much better deal in total to get all 4 at the same time.

If I go via Bilstein direct and run the HD rear (which is very similar valving, almost the same but not quite) then the rear shocks are less, but the fronts are more (and we still have shipping added as well).

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Reason I ask is bc my rears were replaced not even 1k ago. I really only need the fronts to match. I saw the HDs on at Summit for like $140 or something. I thought I remembered them at like $105 a while back...

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Fronts would be $110 each plus shipping.

Revelation Z28

iTrader: (10)

yea ive noticed a little wanering feeling up front on the freeways, i thought that was from the poly sway bar endlink bushings the previous owner put in. and when going over tracks the struts will comress all the way and bottom out, so they have to go soon.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

My car is running the OEM SLP Bilstien set-up. I replaced the rears with the SLP Bilstiens bc one blew out. Now I dont see the SLP fronts available at summit only the Bilstien HDs. Which is my better choice, SLP valved Bilstien or Bilstien HD or does it really not matter much???

Jrp1978

iTrader: (10)

I was getting ready to order your Koni on my 2002 camaro ! I like to see it a little lower as well!
What all do i need to do shocks and springs (yours) if in stock! Do you recommend lca brackets , control arms bars , and panhard bar as well! If so i would just like to buy all from you !

egott_91

iTrader: (1)

You'll definitely want an adj. PHB to recenter the rear. You only need to relocation brackets for the LCA if you have wheel hop. There's no sense in buying a part that you don't need...if you have wheel hop after lowering it, then that's the time to order the LCA relocation brackets, otherwise there's no use for them...

JCS30TH

iTrader: (1)

soft feel of the stockers? My WS6 suspension is prettty harsh. I want to upgrade but not sure what route to take. High Speed and hard turns the suspension is either floating or edgy, not sure what it wants to do. Normal driving typically puts my ***** under my chin.........

JD_AMG

X10, this was EXACTLY my problem with the stock shocks on my WS6. I went with konis on otherwise stock suspension (and then later went with strano springs and bars) and couldn't be happier. The konis were such a huge difference and the car was unbelievably planted and stable where the stock shocks would make the car unpredictable.

JCS30TH

iTrader: (1)

I don't have the bank for koni's, might give the Bilstiens a shot. I have them on my 2003 Ford Ranger EDGE and they made a noticable difference all around. Not to mention my truck rides like a caddy compared to my bird.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

I have Koni's in stock. Spring will be back in around the end of March. I sold the last sets about 2 weeks ago.

I don't automatically recommend LCA brackets, or LCA's... In fact my cars have neither. The more launching you do, the more you'd want those things--but they are not required. I would recommend an adjustable PHB!

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Stock shocks are funny. They ride short, sharp bumps like steel rods.... all the while lacking rebound control which makes for a sort of vague, Cadillac kind of feel at speed. That's what most consider "soft" about the stock shocks--not that they ride well, just soft on the control side.

FWIW, you know how you see folks post how good shocks not only improved handling, but ride too? That's because they address both issues, lack of rebound damping and the terrible impact harshness stock shocks tend to have.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Where's the Jeopardy theme when you need it

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

I thought I read that the differences between the SLP's and the HD's were very small on the rear shocks. Hope I'm right, lol

Striker

iTrader: (1)

Another thing I read on the forums related to the infamous shock debate is that the Bilstein's will supposedly ride a bit smoother/softer than the Koni shock's.

ThumperNC24

iTrader: (1)

on stock springs, yep.

that has been said in this thread even.

Striker

iTrader: (1)

Didn't catch that, thanks. As for lowering springs with them?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

The Bilsteins are by no means perfect, but they do work surprisingly well even with lowering springs.
If Koni's aren't an option then bilsteins are a good compromise, and have been so for many.