LS1_Unleashed

iTrader: (12)

I have an '00 SS and its my daily driver. It has around 60,000 miles on it, and i wanna improve the ride quality. What are the best/cheapest direct replacement shocks and where can I find them?

ZaneO

The minimum replacements are Bilstein HDs. You can get them for around $320 from Sam Strano at www.stranoparts.com

96blackz28

iTrader: (3)

agreed

elite22xl

iTrader: (1)

i was looking to do the same with my 02 ws6. also was thinking about getting 1inch lowering springs from BMR. i understand that that is a decent setup to lower the car a little. will the ride be the same (just aprox. 1 inch lower)if i just do the "minimum" shocks and bmr springs, or will it handle like crap without doing full out suspension upgades?

ZaneO

Bilstein HD shocks are valved, damped, etc. for stock springs. Springs with higher rates and lower travel will be much more harsh on shocks not meant to handle those factors.

The Bilsteins will be better than stock, but still not optimum. The better options would be revalved Bilsteins or Koni SA shocks.

elite22xl

iTrader: (1)

whats the better option in your opinion, and where should i look to get them from?

ZaneO

Your best option would be the Koni SA. You need to call Sam Strano and discuss your needs with him. He'll set you up with exactly what you need, and he has some great prices.

elite22xl

iTrader: (1)

what would happen if i just put in the bilstein hds

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

Nothing ... it would be fine.

Like Zane said above, the Bilstein HDs are not OPTIMUM for the rate, travel and height of an aftermarket lowering spring.

But to attain the limits of this shock, you will probably need to install R compound tires and be running at near the limits of the car's suspension on a closed road course.

If that is your application, by all means, a revalved shock should be on your car.

If you drive it to school/work, hit an occasional on-ramp at higher than posted speeds ... the HD will be fine. Under those conditions, your tires or crap on teh road will limit your handling way before the shock will find it's limits ...

elite22xl

iTrader: (1)

when you say find its limits, do you mean like max out the shock?

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

Go beyond it's abilities to do the job it's supposed to perform, not bottom it out or over extend it ... that could happen with any shock if it's not sized properly.

elite22xl

iTrader: (1)

so then what exactly would happen, the ride would be good for a little while then crap out or?

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

It's more of a per incident thing than a long term degredation ... although taxing a shock does have some long term affects.

Shock would probably lose it's ability to dampen properly. After it cools, it might again work as normal or it might blow a seal and begin leaking.

Lots of things can happen ...

elite22xl

iTrader: (1)

how long do i have on the bilsteins before something goes wrong if i put them on?

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

I put mine on in '99, using Eibach Pros and G2s ... still seem to be fine after 80K miles

elite22xl

iTrader: (1)

who makes the g2s?

ZaneO

G2

www.lgmotorsports.com

badjuju342

iTrader: (3)

The Konis also have a lifetime warranty.

Racehead

I say go with the HD's. The price is pretty good and if you need something more later on you can have them revalved or step up to a Koni SA or DA. The HD's are a pretty good all around shock IMO

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

Ever tried to use that warranty?

It's nice to have, but you remove your shocks and send them in for a rebuild. And the backlog is rarely less than 30 days ...