I have seen a number of posts related to performance shocks but... I have checked with Koni and Bilstein regarding shocks for my 1967 Riviera; but they say that they don't ones that fit the rears. I am wondering how any of you installed Bilsteins or Konis went about it. BTW my car is lowered about 2". Since it's lowered don't I need to get a custom set built up for me by the manufacturer? While I am at it; does anyone have any advice about spring rates and where to get them if not stock? Do most people cut the stock springs or do they need to be not cut just shorter? Regards.
First, it helps a lot if you fill out your profile, and create a signature so that members know your first name and your location. Second, you will get more feedback if you post in the right Forum. The proper forum for this thread is "The Whoa and the Sway", as it deals with brakes, and suspension questions. While the shocks will definitely have a shorter stroke, because your car is lowered, it does not mean that you definitely need a custom built shock. Monroe and AC Delco makes shocks for a 67 Riviera. Any reason why you wouldn't go with one of them. What exactly are you trying to accomplish? If you contact a spring manufacturer, they can probably make suggestions to you regarding spring rates and length. http://www.springsnthings.com/
LarryGS70, Thanks for your response. I added a little to my profile and will put more effort into finding the right forum next time. I feel like the ride is still a little loose; it floats a little and bounces a little at highway speeds. I thought that the Bilsteins may help to firm up and smooth out the ride. My experience has been that if I change something on the car, upgrade rather than just replace with something that I may not be happy with, i.e. Monroe and KYB - you don't think that this is a worthwhile upgrade? Regards, Phil
Phil, Sounds to me like your shocks are just worn out. That will cause the symptoms you describe. I just checked on www.rockauto.com and the shocks are very reasonably priced. Unless you have new shocks and they just aren't doing the job, if it was me, I'd try replacing them with new ones. I don't know if Bilstein or KYB are any better than Monroes. The Monroes I used on the back of my 98 Riviera were excellent, and very reasonably priced also. You were talking about spring rates, and I guess you want to replace everything, when maybe new shocks are all you need. In any case, here is what rock auto has listed. MONROE Part # 32067 More Information About this Part Monro-Matic Plus Front Part Image $11.84 Add Part Original Ride Quality ACDELCO Part # 520371 More Information About this Part {#88946216} GAS CHARGED ABSORBER,FRT SHK $16.67 Add Part ACDELCO Part # 520386 More Information About this Part {#88946231} GAS CHARGED ABSORBER,RR SHK $16.67 Add Part MONROE Part # 5815 More Information About this Part {#2067} Sensa-Trac Passenger Car One of our most popular parts Front Part Image $20.79 Add Part
Larry70GS, Wow; very impressed with your post. Thanks for the input. I spoke with the guy who sold me the car and check the rear shocks (couldn't get to the fronts last night); they are Monroe 32225s and he says that they are "new". The ride is really fine for 0-40 mph; I am wondering how much difference I would feel at 60-75 mph if I "upgraded". Regards, Phil
Not trying to hijack this but, are Bilsteins as good in the car game as they are in the motorcycle world? I know for bikes, bilstein is as good as they get.
Upgraded to what? If the ride is good at 40 MPH, why would that change at higher speeds. If you push up and down on a corner of the car, and get it going, and then let go, if the car stops, and doesn't keep bouncing, the shocks are good.
At 40 mph the car doesn't have a chance to bounce and float like it does at 70 mph. It's not bad but it's not good either. I am surprised that there are not more posts that are defending Bilsteins over Monroes...
It's a 67 Riviera. Your options are limited. The car was designed as a luxury car. The suspension is not going to be taut like a higher performance or modern car. If you go with higher rate springs, and heavier sway bars, it may help, but it may also destroy the ride, and you may not be happy. If you think Bilsteins will out perform the Monroes, then I would say you should try them. You should ask a moderator to move this to the proper Forum. I seem to be the only one that is answering you. Most guys on here will be looking to increase engine power, not trying to change the suspension characteristics. I've never known anyone of my Buick friends that used Bilsteins, and I certainly haven't. The shocks on my GS are Konis, and they were there when I bought the car in 99. They still do a great job.
I REALLY like the Bilsteins I put on my car this spring. Surprising upgrade from the KYB shocks I had on before. They are a bit pricey, but if you read around on the various A-Body discussion boards I think you will find they are the only shocks that nobody has a complaint about. regards
Koni and Bilstein are both great shocks. Most people go with KYB or Monroe because they are very good and cost considerbly less. But what I wanted to ask was about your statement that the car is lowered. How was that accomplished? That could be the cause of your ride issues, dependiong on the method. - Bill
my car was lowered by cutting the springs in the front and replacement springs in the back. however, the travel on the shock was not adjusted; I bottomed out hard when I had 4 people plus luggage in my car. working with someone to find bilsteins that will fit that also have the right (reduced) amount of travel.
You can try - thats what hot rodding is all about. But if your primary concern is ride then you should go back to stock. Cut springs are a compromise. I do not believe you will ever get it to ride as well as a stock system. Rebuilding the suspension with new parts will tighten everything up and adding high performance shocks and sway bars will give it the "sport" feeling. My 2 cents! - Bill
to follow up regarding the bilsteins. installed them a couple of months ago. they were about $100 a piece and they are truly worth every penny. dollar for dollar one of the best upgrades that i have done to my car.
If your still hitting bottom or getting body roll with passengers.... 1. Get some variable rate springs for the rear. They are soft until compressed on bumps and dips in the road, when they squeeze down to the tight coils to prevent bottoming. Get them in the shortest free height for a little lowering, like about 12-13" free height. 2. Otherwise, keep your springs, and add air bags with about 8-10 lb air to prevent bottoming. (no air shocks, ever) If needed, use the thick spacers with the air bags to make the air capacity smaller. This will cause the small amount of air to become compressed much faster on bumps and dips in the road, without jacking the car up with a large amount of air. 3. If all else fails, put a HR antiroll bar on back. No more floating like a boat, as big sway bars (front and rear) cause the shocks to work in pairs. You'll think you are driving a sports car, I guarantee.
A good shock manufacter (like Koni who has his factory here and is 30 miles from my house), can build any shock for your car if you want that. Price will be a little higher then a shock they have in stock, but they some much shock item pieces they can make one for you custom to satisfy your needs no problem. Just give them a call or email.
seems like you could figure the length and all and figure out a shock that could work for you of another car with a similar setup. i would imagine a same year b body may share suspension set ups even. as for bottoming out did you trim the bump stops any? when lowering any car your more likely to bottom up over bumps cure is trim the stops notching etc... if its doing it just cause of people in the back due to weight your springs prob arent strong enough.
As far as shocks, Gabriel makes gas charged shocks in the 'Classic" line- both front and rear. Monroe only lists fronts in gas. Im 99% sure they dont list anything for the rear. The rears are 25" long extended. Its a pretty big shock Im pretty sure those are the only choices in production shocks.
