Are KYB's really that bad?

[CamaroJesse]

i want to get the bilsteins but they are too much for my budget right now. i get a hook up on KYB's so should i go wth those then get bilsteins later? if kyb's are just fine ill just get those. wehat do you think?

thanks
Jesse

[vanzuuk1]

Yes, they are that bad.

[6'9"Witha69]

That bad!

[eville]

Worse.

[TPI Monte SS]

You can get Bilsteins through Autozone for about $60/piece, which is not really expensive. I'm not sure why some vendors choose to mark them up $15-30 a piece. I just put 'em on my Jeep and paid under $250 shipped to my house for all four from the 'Zone.

[68sixspeed]

kyb=

[CamaroJesse]

How are koni shocks?

[Rantheman]

you see i have kyb mono shocks on my chevelle but i bough them a decade ago now there is more to offer in a shock i will end up trading mine in or tossing them know on my mustang i had kyb AGx shock those were great but thats it.

[LowBuckX]

If Bilsteins fit my budget they should fit anyones..lol Autozone $75 each.. Im not going to knock KYBs though I know a few people running them with no issues and the price is nice. Price is not a guide on everything

[OneslowZ28]

Bilsteins would be my choice!

[NOVA]

Anyone got a crossover guide from KYB'S to Bilsteins? I would like to try them,but I have run KYB;S on my Nova (2nd set?) doesnt seem so bad? but I have never had Bilsteins so I am not sure what to expect?

[Bandit]

Shocks are one of the most important components of your suspension system! If you skimp there, you might as well forget getting any results out of any other parts you may have installed. If it were me, and I couldn't afford the Bilsteins, I would sideline the whole project while saving up for the good shocks. Why waste money on cheap shocks only to spend even more on good shocks later?

[zbugger]

My view is, KYB's are ok for a worn stock type suspension. Any upgrades and you may be better off upgrading. I ran them on my stock sagging suspension in my '77 Camaro and I know with the new Hotchkis stuff it's gonna be horrible. I may be stuck with it till I can afford something else.

[6'9"Witha69]

The ride on KYBs is bouncy and overall terrible. Simply using Bilsteins can wake up the suspension. ANd hell, they aren't even at the top of the shock food chain, but for the money, are the best place to start.

[Lowend]

You get what you pay for... KYB's just plain suck on most muscle car applications

[pitts64]

My KYBs leaked. I replaced them with cheep Monroes before buying my Bilstines and the Monroes were better!

[Tony_SS]

Went from Monroe's to Bilsteins... HUGE improvement. Pony up for them, you'll be glad you did.

[ssracer8]

How about the Koni's from DSE? I was just getting ready to order a set for my 68 Camaro.

[vintageracer]

How important are shock abosorbers?

Consider the following facts: Most professional race car shock abosrobers cost between $1,000-$4000 each. Each racing team will employee at least 1 dedicated shock abosorber engineer. Each team will have multiple shock abosorber dynomometers for shock abosorber testing and setup. The teams will inventory multiple SETS of differently valved shocks absorbers. Race teams will change shock abosorbers many more times than springs during on-track testing to get the car to handle to their desire. Do not forget all the other suspension fine tuning ability that shock abosorbers provide to suspension tuning and you now can get the picture of just how important shocks absorbers are in tuning the handling/performance of a race car AND most importantly YOUR CAR!

For whatever reason, shock abosorbers seem the be the ONE area in a street car owners suspension rebuild and amatuer race car owner's suspension where EVERYONE wants to go cheap when building their car.

Bad mistake!

[fast Ed]

I can't comment on Konis for GM applications, but I've been very pleased with them in my 87 Mustang 5.0 track car, my T-Bird SC, and the Koni Classics we put in my 68 Cougar (which replaced KYBs). My old car rides fantastic, even on 45-series 18" rubber, and handling is flat, with only small upgrades to the springs and stab. bar.


cheers
Ed N.