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Replacement for DeCarbon shocks

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Old 07-30-2016, 09:18 PM
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Default Replacement for DeCarbon shocks

New Owner--My Firehawk has 67K miles and seems to drive a bit jittery. Can I replace the original DeCarbons with the Bilstein HD without messing around with replacing springs and be OK.
Old 07-30-2016, 09:18 PM
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Yes you can
Old 07-31-2016, 04:51 AM
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OK Thanks !
Old 07-31-2016, 08:51 AM
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I recall that the Firehawk came with the same custom SLP versions of the Bilstein shocks that the Camaro SS did. (Slightly different from the regular Bilsteins.)

What kind of car is this?
Old 07-31-2016, 12:37 PM
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2002 Firehawk Conv.
the SLP upgrade was the bilsteins with lowered springs...I just want to replace the shocks only.
Old 07-31-2016, 01:58 PM
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I thought the 2002 Firehawk came from SLP with their package that included the Bilstein shocks. Did they keep the stock DeCarbons and springs on the convertibles?
Old 07-31-2016, 02:32 PM
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If the shocks are orange, they are DeCarbons, and 67k is right around the time when they're done. If they're yellow, they're Bilsteins, and still should have life in them.
Old 07-31-2016, 02:43 PM
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My car '02 Hawk Vert --ORANGE- stock original deCarbon comes on a Firehawk unless you paid another $800 for the SLP level 2 option- Bilstein and springs. I JUST want to replace the shocks with Bilsteins for $380 and NOT do the springs . ASKING if this will be OK to do, weekend and pleasure driver car.
Old 07-31-2016, 05:08 PM
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Yes, you can run the bilstiens (or any other shock for that matter) with your stock springs.
Old 07-31-2016, 09:32 PM
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And I'll add, I think you'll be pleased with the results
Old 08-06-2016, 08:15 PM
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Got them in and much improved. The original DeCarbon shocks were toast. Got New Firehawk Tires...all suspension parts and trans mount look good...next will put in a shock tower brace, although many have said it doesn't do much I think it sure couldn't hurt being a convertible. Thanks for the response all.
Old 08-06-2016, 08:26 PM
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Good deal! So how does it feel different exactly?
Old 08-06-2016, 08:48 PM
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I did the tires first and that solved the problem of the car wanting to track all over the place with grooves in the asphalt. With new shocks it is not all jittery at roll from stop and low speeds. Most vibration through the steering wheel is gone. I did not get up to higher speeds yet, was just starting to rain, I expect it to be nice, over the train tracks was firm yet comfortable like it should be. I took an old shock and compressed it on the ground and oil shot out of it- no surprise.
Old 08-06-2016, 09:51 PM
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Nice! Sounds like it was worth it. I'm about to do some Koni STR.T's next week. My DeCarbons have about 90k, and while it's normal bouncy per se, it does feel harsh. So I'm anxious to feel the difference
Old 08-07-2016, 02:46 PM
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I replaced my DeCarbons with Bilsteins at about 40k and the difference was huge.
Old 08-10-2016, 08:29 PM
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I've not run Bilsteins on a Fbody, but I can say that on all the vehicles I have run Bilstein HD shocks on that they are an excellent replacement shock for a vehicle using OEM springs. They are very hard to beat as an all-around, do everything well shock for an otherwise factory suspension setup and they're priced right. My truck has them.

If I was just using OEM springs I would of just bought some Bilstein HD instead of spending likely more than double on my Koni 4/4's. They're not the best for a lowered vehicle though as Bilstein seems to make the HD's to work at stock ride heights.
Old 08-17-2016, 01:30 PM
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I can't recommend anything less than Strano springs and Koni yellows. Stock springs are meh and probably have sagged by now, and stock shocks are a big effin problem even newish.

Two rules of thumb for the new f-body owner:

Expect to replace your shocks and 10-bolt rear-end. It's almost required even if working right (it won't for long).



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