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IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.

I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.

Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.

You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.

So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.

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IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.

I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.

Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.

You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.

So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.

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Steve, had to get something quick for the front of the GTX and haven't gotten a response so I ordered a front set of Monroe gas-matic shocks for $20 each and got them within a day (this evening) from Advance Auto and best part is they are MADE IN USA

If I'm going to spend $120+ each for a shock absorber I wish someone would tell me they are valved for a stock application........I think there is a market for a high quality, premium shock absorber for stock application..



MikeR

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IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.

I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.

Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.

You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.

So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.

---

Steve, had to get something quick for the front of the GTX and haven't gotten a response so I ordered a front set of Monroe gas-matic shocks for $20 each and got them within a day (this evening) from Advance Auto and best part is they are MADE IN USA

If I'm going to spend $120+ each for a shock absorber I wish someone would tell me they are valved for a stock application........I think there is a market for a high quality, premium shock absorber for stock application..



MikeR

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The only Bilstein shocks that I know of for a '68-'69 B-body seem to be valved for high performance driving (road course/autocross) and not for general use so will they be too stiff/firm for everyday cruising? I've used Bilsteins since the '70's on everything from BMW 02'S, VW Scirocco, Jetta GLI (lowered factory struts/springs) and even have them on a Ford E350 van. Also used them on my race dirt bikes when they sponsored our team back in the '70's so I kind of feel I know how they work depending on the valving. So how do they work if I'm not changing anything and just adding the Bilstein Hotchkis shocks???

I'm torn between the Hotchkis Bilstein's (Dr. Decarbon floating separator) and the old Koni-been around for decades, air/oil emulsion shock which you would think would be a no-brainer with how good a Bilstein is but not if the valving is too darn stiff? I guess I wrote this fro Hotchkis to answer

MikeR

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The big advantage with the Konis' and Bilsteins is that they provide incredible 2-way damping especially for the rebound action. Most OE shocks do OK in the downward action but poorly in the extended action. I have been running the Konis' for about 5 years on my RoadRunner and have been very satisfied with their handling. But then I don't do the Willow Springs road circuit loops and sand-spinners like Steve does in the Cuda..

I have had Bilsteins on other vehicles with great sucess and would have purchased those for the RoadRunner if available @ the time..

Just my $0.02...

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IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.

I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.

Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.

You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.

So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.

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Steve, don't get me wrong I really like Bilstein shocks and have used them since they first came out but even their same shock for the same application there is a difference for their standard, HD and "Sport" settings when it comes to ride quality if you don't match them with other components like springs, camber adjustments or ride height/stroke. Put a set of "Sport" settings on my wife's Scirocco once and she hated them....changed to a set of HD and loved them. On the Koni's at least at the worst I can back off the "wear compensator" if the stock setting is too stiff or I can increase the damping if I think it needs it but with the Bilstein's you live with the base setting or have it re-valved. I don't know how a "Sport" or race setting Bilstein can or would work well just bolted onto a stock '69 GTX? Does Hotchkis offer a base "HD" valved Bilstein shock?


MikeR

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IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.

I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.

Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.

You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.

So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.

---

Steve, don't get me wrong I really like Bilstein shocks and have used them since they first came out but even their same shock for the same application there is a difference for their standard, HD and "Sport" settings when it comes to ride quality if you don't match them with other components like springs, camber adjustments or ride height/stroke. Put a set of "Sport" settings on my wife's Scirocco once and she hated them....changed to a set of HD and loved them. On the Koni's at least at the worst I can back off the "wear compensator" if the stock setting is too stiff or I can increase the damping if I think it needs it but with the Bilstein's you live with the base setting or have it re-valved. I don't know how a "Sport" or race setting Bilstein can or would work well just bolted onto a stock '69 GTX? Does Hotchkis offer a base "HD" valved Bilstein shock?


MikeR

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The Hotchkis tuned Bilstein shocks are not as firm as you think. They offer a nice controlled ride that certainly cuts down on float and roll, but are not jarring at all. That said – while our shocks will work well with a stock setup and will certainly improve driving dynamics, we do not offer a second series for vehicles without performance mods. So, if you’re looking for something a little firmer than stock that will help improve handling and may one day add sway bars and a few other mods like bigger wheels/tires, you’ll find our Bilstein is a great choice.

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Thanks Hotchkis for the reply and information. I think I'll wait until you or Bilstein comes with a set of stock suspension based shocks. If I bought them and didn't like them I wouldn't expect you to take them back and I wouldn't want to do that anyway. I currently have five cars that I have put Bilstein shocks on and I've been happy with them. Some I put on for Sport driving and autocross and the others for ride quality and I selected them accordingly. My wife hates the sport settings and don't want to end up with that on the GTX. Thanks again for your reply and pm.


MikeR

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You have to ask yourself... What would Adolph Weil have used?

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I'm sure he would have gone with the right set-up BILSTEIN's

http://motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/GODSPEED-ADOLF-WEIL-7908.aspx

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FWIW, I had Konis on the A12 RR & w/ the redline radials it rode OK. I still wouldn't have wanted to try autocrossing it, though.

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Thanks Hotchkis for the reply and information. I think I'll wait until you or Bilstein comes with a set of stock suspension based shocks. If I bought them and didn't like them I wouldn't expect you to take them back and I wouldn't want to do that anyway. I currently have five cars that I have put Bilstein shocks on and I've been happy with them. Some I put on for Sport driving and autocross and the others for ride quality and I selected them accordingly. My wife hates the sport settings and don't want to end up with that on the GTX. Thanks again for your reply and pm.


MikeR

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