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Need shock recommendations...

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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 04:50 PM
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Default Need shock recommendations...

Looking for a good shock recommendation for my 98 Formula WS6. The factory shocks went out like 12 years ago and at the time I just needed something to replace them with quick and cheap, so I went to the nearest AutoZone and picked up some cheap Monroe shocks. They were junk from the start but they made it work. Well, all these years later and now the cheap Monroe's are finally ready to be replaced. This time I have more time to order something better.

I'm not looking for drag shocks, as the car is used more for taking corners than it is drag racing (although it is drag raced every once in a while). I don't mind spending some money here. Certainly more than I paid on the Monroe's years ago, but don't want to drop big $ either. Looking to spend under $500 if able, closer to $400 would be preferred, but I want something decent so if I need to save up a little more I can.

What do you all recommend in that price range for the car?
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 04:54 PM
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I should have added, the car is lowered 1".
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 05:11 PM
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Koni STR.T's is what I would recommend
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by HCI2000SS
Koni STR.T's is what I would recommend
I was looking at these on Sam Strano's website. What would the difference be between the Koni STR T's and the Bilstein HD's?
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by CALL911
I was looking at these on Sam Strano's website. What would the difference be between the Koni STR T's and the Bilstein HD's?
Not much from what I've seen, except the valving on STR.T's are a tad better on lowered cars
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 06:00 PM
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Originally Posted by HCI2000SS
Not much from what I've seen, except the valving on STR.T's are a tad better on lowered cars
They seem similar however there's really no description on the HD models from Sam's website.

I also was considering the SLP version. The description on those seem to fit more what I am looking for.

I had Bilstein shocks a long time ago. No idea what model they were on a different car. They did a good job for sure. I'm not brand dependant here by any means so I'll go with whatever the consensus thinks, but would like some more input.

I would love some adjustability, but I don't think that's gonna be an option without spending $700+.
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by CALL911
They seem similar however there's really no description on the HD models from Sam's website.

I also was considering the SLP version. The description on those seem to fit more what I am looking for.

I had Bilstein shocks a long time ago. No idea what model they were on a different car. They did a good job for sure. I'm not brand dependant here by any means so I'll go with whatever the consensus thinks, but would like some more input.

I would love some adjustability, but I don't think that's gonna be an option without spending $700+.
Yep I hear ya. I'm very happy with my STR.T's for the money. At the time they were even cheaper than the Bilstiens, and I like how they are a little better on lowered setups
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by HCI2000SS
Yep I hear ya. I'm very happy with my STR.T's for the money. At the time they were even cheaper than the Bilstiens, and I like how they are a little better on lowered setups
Have you had the Bilsteins before?
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by CALL911
Have you had the Bilsteins before?
No I haven't, but several of my friends have ran them on their fbodys
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Old Jan 30, 2018 | 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by HCI2000SS
No I haven't, but several of my friends have ran them on their fbodys
I have had them before, and had several combos on different F-bodies and I can say if the suspension is any different, the springs are different or anything at all it can be a different feel beyond the shocks. Even then I would prefer to hear from more people as the feel of suspension is fairly opinionated at times and it's good to have more than one.
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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 06:07 AM
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These are the part numbers for the Koni offerings.

Koni STR.T shocks
KON-8250-1005
KON-8250-1006

Koni Sport Shock
KON-8241-1140SPT
KON-8241-1139SPT

I have the Sport shocks (yellows). Enjoy them, made a world of difference. Quality components from Koni. Have had the Bilstein HD on other cars too, also good quality and performance. For a performance based vehicle, Koni's are preferred

Lots of Koni distributors too:
https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...HUzeCeIQ2SsIDw
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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 08:12 AM
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I've had the slp bilsteins that came on my car and now have koni sa. Although you can adjust the sa for specific situations.....i feel the bilstein is better overall.all round shock.
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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 11:07 AM
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I have the Koni SA and used them with both the stock springs and Strano lowering springs. I think they are superb in either situation. On stock springs, the soft setting was good on the street, full firm really seemed extra firm, almost harsh. With the lowering springs, I can keep them on full hard all the time and the ride is fine on the street, wonderful at autocross.
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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 11:37 AM
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As others have stated, Koni Strt shocks (out of the box) are valved to work a little better with lowering springs. They are still available at a very respectable price. Plenty of users out there. That said, I still feel Bilsteins have alot to offer as well, depending on the setup. . My current combo has Bilstein HD's Re-valved by Sam Strano to match Hotchkis spring rates. Love the ride, the look, and the simplicity. Call me crazy, but I feel this setup rides somewhat close to Koni SA territory...minus the adjustability of course. Which I personally don't need. If I were to go all out one day...Ridetech for sure. Super nice guys and a great product.
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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 05:50 PM
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I have Koni STR.T's in the front and Koni yellows in the rear. I'm currently saving up for Koni yellows for the front. I'm doing this purely for comfort.
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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Chris Paveglio
I have the Koni SA and used them with both the stock springs and Strano lowering springs. I think they are superb in either situation. On stock springs, the soft setting was good on the street, full firm really seemed extra firm, almost harsh. With the lowering springs, I can keep them on full hard all the time and the ride is fine on the street, wonderful at autocross.
Last bit, a perfect example of how more spring rate wants more rebound control. What was a bit too much with the softer springs isn't with the stiffer and shorter springs because they require and want that extra control.
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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by black sky
As others have stated, Koni Strt shocks (out of the box) are valved to work a little better with lowering springs. They are still available at a very respectable price. Plenty of users out there. That said, I still feel Bilsteins have alot to offer as well, depending on the setup. . My current combo has Bilstein HD's Re-valved by Sam Strano to match Hotchkis spring rates. Love the ride, the look, and the simplicity. Call me crazy, but I feel this setup rides somewhat close to Koni SA territory...minus the adjustability of course. Which I personally don't need. If I were to go all out one day...Ridetech for sure. Super nice guys and a great product.
Two things, working form bottom up. I'm a Ridetech dealer too. Remember, I have more variety of offerings than most anyone else. Find someone who has Koni, Bilstein, (two types), Viking, Penske, KYB, Monroe (not that I would recommend), Strano/AFCO/UMI, Tokico, Ridetech, KW and others that exist for things beyond F-bodies.

I haven't revalved shocks in years because it was no longer cost effective with the change in Bilstein rear valving that required a revalve of 4 to get what I wanted, plus hikes in valving costs. A set of 4 gets to within about $200 of Koni SPORTS, and far beyond STR.T which retain a lifetime warranty.
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