Best Shocks and Springs for the $$$??

**TerribleTed** · 08-25-2010, 05:45 AM

BS to all that say they dont notice a STB doing anything,,

the STB was my first install and I took it out on the curvey roads in my area and I felt a diff,,

Was it lots,NO,,it was not like a comparison of coffee to meth,,was it a diff,,,YES,,

Also,,,to those that dont feel it,,,no problem,,like I said,,I felt a diff,,which means its doing something to tighten up things,,does this equate to better handling,,WHO can really say,,,since on the back roads (not a nice smooth race track) what makes your car tighter cant be bad...

**shady milkman** · 08-25-2010, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by TerribleTed

BS to all that say they dont notice a STB doing anything,,

the STB was my first install and I took it out on the curvey roads in my area and I felt a diff,,

Was it lots,NO,,it was not like a comparison of coffee to meth,,was it a diff,,,YES,,

Also,,,to those that dont feel it,,,no problem,,like I said,,I felt a diff,,which means its doing something to tighten up things,,does this equate to better handling,,WHO can really say,,,since on the back roads (not a nice smooth race track) what makes your car tighter cant be bad...

that is the key right there...your first install...how many miles were on the car when you did it...decarbons suck ..you will feel a difference when you slap it on a subpar suspension set up..or at least think you feel it.....you put real shocks,springs and sway bar end links on and you wont notice shit from the stb..on or off...it has been proven again and again that the suspension setup and design of the car makes the stb pointless on late 4th gen cars...period...that is why the people who race and make their lifes about suspension for these cars 1. dont run stb..and 2. laugh when people come in and say a stb works and ignore their posts and such...

**xmarkx** · 08-25-2010, 08:51 AM

**Roryh19** · 12-23-2017, 06:13 PM

Hello,

Ran across this old post when trying to determine which height to set my Koni SA's. I currently have Tekico shocks/struts with Eibach springs on my '95 Z. I like the ride height but wasn't sure this would change with the Koni's. Should I leave the snap ring at the top setting or lower one? Any thoughts/comments?
Thanks.
https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthA...117&mk=10&mt=1

**pajeff02** · 12-24-2017, 12:58 PM

Running Koni D/A's on the front of our car -- no snap ring setup on those.

**Roryh19** · 12-24-2017, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Running Koni D/A's on the front of our car -- no snap ring setup on those.

I have the Koni S/A's which have a snap ring under the spring perch.
I'll take a pic

**Roryh19** · 12-24-2017, 01:40 PM

Wasn't able to upload a pic (is there a trick?) but here is the link to Koni.
Looking at the yellow strut you can see a grove made for the snap ring.
The black perch is covering the top one which I assume is normal ride height?
https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthA...117&mk=10&mt=1

**pajeff02** · 12-26-2017, 04:21 AM

Ok - snap ring for the spring perch. I honestly do not recall that option on my D/A's. Will have to look -- in 4 months when the weather lets me get the cars back out of the building.

**Roryh19** · 12-26-2017, 07:47 AM

Haha, we don't have the weather problems on TX. As long as you can handle the summer heat.
I'll probably just experiment with the 2 settings. Although compressing the springs is not my fav.

**pajeff02** · 12-27-2017, 02:27 AM

Definitely something you want to do in a safe manner. I modified our external spring compressors for better grip, always wear safety glasses, and never point the top or bottom at me when working on one.

**LS6BLACKHAWK** · 01-16-2018, 11:35 PM

Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice. I've got a 2000 Firehawk that I purchased with mods already done. It needs better shocks and springs for sure ! Dude did SLP SFC's and STB but left the stock DeCarbons and springs. Odd feeling for sure, stiff but soft at the same time. I had Eibachs and Konis in my 3rd gen, great set-up. I don't need cheap but also don't want to spend thousands. Also, I don't want the car too low because of where I drive, clearance issues. Any advice would be great.

**pajeff02** · 01-18-2018, 03:11 AM

Stranos and Konis are the most recommended setup on here.

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-18-2018, 05:48 AM

If you want the best Viking coil overs

**LS6BLACKHAWK** · 01-18-2018, 08:31 AM

Strano and Koni is my likely route but I've never done coilovers in an F-Body. I'm guessing adjustability is the main benefit ?

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-18-2018, 08:45 AM

For a daily and mild track then yes Koni's, Bilstein's and Strano are good to go.

Vikings are for serious track and autox use where you need to dial in the suspension as much as possible.

**LS6BLACKHAWK** · 01-18-2018, 09:00 AM

That's what I thought. My area has great roads but also lots of bumps and pot holes in between. There is no perfect set-up for everything but I figure Koni or Bilstein should suit me well. If I went Bilstein, do you think HD's would be to harsh on bumpy roads ? Does Strano do different amounts of lowering ? I don't want to go more than an inch, half would be preferable. I will go research their site.

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-18-2018, 09:11 AM

Springs matter more in the lowering then the shocks in regards to height. I have Hotchkis 1" drop springs and I did before and after measurements. I went from the stock 98(non-WS6) springs to those and my front dropped about 3/4's of an inch and the rear about an inch. I also at that time found out that depending on the yr of your car and region it was bought in you may have different springs. IIRC there where 3 different ratios. Norther cars were given one that elevated the cars slightly higher, about an inch more clearance. Cars that were getting shipped to Europe were also given these springs as well. WS6 package had their own type of spring as well as IIRC the 98's were different from the other later yrs.

With the Hotchkis and running OEM shocks (for the time being) along with my current suspension setup it handles nicely. Even on bumps it's not too bad. I worry more about clearing speed bumps and high center driveway entrances.

If you do go with a lower setup make plans for an adjustable torque and lower control arms. You need to make sure your pinon angle is at the correct angle. Otherwise you'll have drive line issues.

**LS6BLACKHAWK** · 01-18-2018, 09:30 AM

Yeah, I have no idea which springs I have. Canadian model 2000 Firehawk with Decarbons. Springs are black and look factory. The car actually sits quite nice as is. I would like it to be a little lower and a good amount stiffer.

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-18-2018, 09:46 AM

The Hotchkis are definitely stiffer over stock, I'm able to hit the turns harder (faster) then I was with the stock ones. With my LT headers and ORY the bottom edge of the door panels sit about 3.5" off the ground and you can't fit a soda can under the ORY.

I will say my car sits more level across the body lines over stock springs. The stock springs kinda had the rear sit a tad higher, just not like the old school muscle car look.