What shocks should i go with?

[darthvegagt]

Hi, I was kinda curious on what everyone thinks about shocks for a 69 camaro. I need front shocks to begin with (have gas rear shocks) but I am somewhat on a budget. Meaning I can't pay $300 per shock.
Either way I just want a nice shock that isn't outrageously expensive. I am building this car to be a cruiser and not a drag car, something to drive everyday. I am running a BBC with BB hotchkis front springs and have been looking at the bilstien shocks? They are a little more than I want to spend but if they are worth the money then I would get them. What are you thoughts on Bilstiens? Or should I just buy a standard set of gas shocks from my local auto store. Not looking to get real technical but would spend extra money to get a nice ride if possible. Any other brands that anyone has had good results from, please post. thanks for your help.

[Jeremy]

If you have the Hotchkis springs, the best would be the matched Hotchkis Bilstein shocks. They are on sale right now so the price is better. I think I saved over $13 a shock when I ordered mine.

From what I have found in my search for shocks, is that if you are running a stiffer spring you need a shock valved to match it. Believe me, the auto store shocks won't cut it. I have Edelbrocks right now and they cannot effectively damp my higher spring rate. To save money in the long run, do this right the first time as there is no way to spread the cost of a good shock out over time. Hope this helps.

[darthvegagt]

Thanks Jeremy,
that was my main concern. Is that I am running a stiffer BB front spring now and I don't want a crappy shock that won't even help out. I think I will do like you say and get the bilstiens, I have always heard great things about them anyways. What did you pay for you shocks and where did you order them from? thanks

[BonzoHansen]

If you have the Hotchkis springs, the best would be the matched Hotchkis Bilstein shocks. They are on sale right now so the price is better. I think I saved over $13 a shock when I ordered mine.

From what I have found in my search for shocks, is that if you are running a stiffer spring you need a shock valved to match it. Believe me, the auto store shocks won't cut it. I have Edelbrocks right now and they cannot effectively damp my higher spring rate. To save money in the long run, do this right the first time as there is no way to spread the cost of a good shock out over time. Hope this helps.Where are they on sale right now?

[Jeremy]

Hotchkis has a sale on selected items through 12-31-06, 15% if I recall correctly. I ordered mine directly from them. They seem a little understaffed right now as I had to hold a long time to get through by phone. I would have ordered on the website, but something was wrong with the site and would not let me adjust the quantity.

The salesperson was helpful and the order seemed to go okay. The worst part is they are out of stock and won't be in until mid January, at least the 1st gen shocks.

[TD509EFI]

BonzoHansen,

I ordered the Hotchkis HPS1000 shocks 2nd Gen Camaro from Summit and had them match Hotchkis sale price of $76.46. Ran into the same problem as Jeremy, shocks wont be in until mid January.

John

[BonzoHansen]

Thanks. I didn't realize the shocks were up to $90 at Summit. Might have to get some.

Edit: Bilstein offers lifetime warranty on shocks. Does anyone know if the hotchkis valved ones are LT warrantied too?

[6'9"Witha69]

You can still get better than Bilstein, but you are in the land of diminishing returns for a cruiser occasional track car. Get the Bilsteins as anything cheaper will be just that. Cheap.

[fast Ed]

Bilsteins or Konis are the way to go. (Not sure if Koni offers an application for the 1st gen. Camaros.) You're adding a bunch of unsprung weight with the large wheels & tires.


cheers
Ed N.