C3 Shocks

[Hollis H.]

Hi, new to this club. So I'm putting on new shocks and wondering what shocks are the smoothest ride. I'm looking at AC Delco in Ecklers catalog but says heavy duty. Sometimes that could mean a stiff shock? Any suggestions for a smooth ride.
Thank, Hollis 1969 Vette, 350 4-speed

[David H.]

Re: C3 Shocks

Hi, new to this club. So I'm putting on new shocks and wondering what shocks are the smoothest ride. I'm looking at AC Delco in Ecklers catalog but says heavy duty. Sometimes that could mean a stiff shock? Any suggestions for a smooth ride.
Thank, Hollis 1969 Vette, 350 4-speed

Hollis

Welcome to NCRS Tech Board!

Choice will depend on what you intend to do with your car. If you intend to have it Flight Judged, then you'll get answers directed in that vein. Intend to just drive, then you'll get a different set of answers.

If you don't already have a copy of NCRS 1968-69 Technical Information Guide & Judging Manual (TIMJG), I'd suggest you order a copy from our NCRS store. STORE link above on this page, then go to "C3 Library" menu. Also order NCRS 9th Edition of Judges Reference Manual (JRM).

TIMJG tells you what to judge. JRM tells you how to judge. JRM information has answers to most NCRS "How does this work?" type questions.

If you're interested in having your car judged, TIMJG for 1968-69 will have detail description of shocks you need. No point purchasing one set of shocks, only to learn later you need something else. In-any-case, that TIMJG is a very useful reference.

Take a look at NCRS Driveline magazine for ads/offers. Paper is mailed to you, Digital is On-Line Publications link above.

Again, welcome.

Dave

Consider joining a local NCRS Chapter. CONTACTS Link Above at: https://www.ncrs.org/contact/index.php

[Hollis H.]

Re: C3 Shocks

I don't show it or anything. I drive it as much as possible. So anyway I want a real soft riding shock.
Thanks, Hollis

[David H.]

Re: C3 Shocks

I don't show it or anything. I drive it as much as possible. So anyway I want a real soft riding shock.
Thanks, Hollis

Hollis

You might give "Van Steel" a call and ask about "QA-1" adjustable shocks. I put Bilstein on my C3, but I expect they would not give you desired ride quality.

What tires (radial, bias, etc) are you running?

Suspension rebuilt? Worn components have effect. Is your car fitted with a rear sway bar (F41 suspension)? Absence may improve ride quality.

Dave

[Jimmy G.]

Re: C3 Shocks

I like Delco modern gas shocks

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Shocks

I like Delco modern gas shocks

FYI current Delcos are reboxed Gabriels. I think they used to be a different brand, but the Gabriels have an unusual fatter shape to the front shocks which is easily spotted.

[Hollis H.]

Re: C3 Shocks

Right now I am are doing the shocks, coil springs, rear axle lower strut rods, control arms upper and lower. I did a lot of bushings last year and mechanical maintenance. So I decided to go with the delco brand that are "smooth ride".

I picked my car up from doing a lot of bushing and suspension stuff at the end of fall and drove it right into storage for winter. Omg, I did not like the way the car handled or felt. Really stiff like I was driving a different corvette I also owned with the stiffest ride imaginable....geeze can't remember what year so don't want to guess. I won't have car back til end of month or April and when I do I will let you know what I think.
Thanks for the help, Hollis

[Hollis H.]

Re: C3 Shocks

Thats what I'm pretty sure I'm getting!
Thanks

[David H.]

Re: C3 Shocks

Right now I am are doing the shocks, coil springs, rear axle lower strut rods, control arms upper and lower. I did a lot of bushings last year and mechanical maintenance. So I decided to go with the delco brand that are "smooth ride".

I picked my car up from doing a lot of bushing and suspension stuff at the end of fall and drove it right into storage for winter. Omg, I did not like the way the car handled or felt. Really stiff like I was driving a different corvette I also owned with the stiffest ride imaginable....geeze can't remember what year so don't want to guess. I won't have car back til end of month or April and when I do I will let you know what I think.
Thanks for the help, Hollis

Hollis

You might want to do a Tech Board search for "poly" bushings before rebuilding your suspension. Rubber (original) is what is overwhelmingly recommended. Many have experienced issues with cracked/deteriorated bushings.

Dave

[David M.]

Re: C3 Shocks

I have to ask the question...Did you tighten the bushings on the suspension with the weight of the car on the chassis? If not try that before you go any further.

[David H.]

Re: C3 Shocks

I have to ask the question...Did you tighten the bushings on the suspension with the weight of the car on the chassis? If not try that before you go any further.

Hollis

David Morland's post is very important.

Bushings, front and rear, are only tightened at ride height with car's weight on suspension. NUTS LOOSE, Bushings should have a chance to 'settle" after a short ride with bumps, then tighten with car at ride height and car's full weight on its tires.

If suspension was tightened with tires in the air, then that would explain your poor ride quality.

Dave