I am looking for some input regarding the various shock manufactures for my 70 Chevelle with a big block. As expected, all the manufactures claim to be the best and their advertising describes the various hi-tech systems they employ to improve ride and control.

I have gone with the fancy ads in the past only to be disappointed and found that word of mouth is truly the way to go. Having said that, I would like to know what shock everyone is running and why.

I am looking for comments on the following stock height shocks:

• KBY Gas-A-Just
• KYB GR-2 Gas
• Edelbrock Classic Series
• Edelbrock Performer IAS
• Monroe Sensamatic

I would rather be a happy follower :D than a disappointed leader graemlins/sad.gif .

Thanks
Brad Howard
1970 Chevelle
BB402

Brad, I've had good luck with the KYB gas-adjust. Don't care much the Monroe. I've used the sensatrac and didn't like it at all. Very soft shock and had to modify rear mount to make it fit right. Kyb rides firm but not harsh, good shock.

Brad I am running KYB Gas-A-Just currently, went from Monroe Air shocks and I like the KYB's much better. I think KYB shocks are worth the money!

Of guys, now is your chance to sound off and share your experiance and hard learned lessons with the rest of us. Dennis69 and Spawn22 have weighed in, thanks guys. Were waiting for the rest of you.

I have the Edelbrock IAS shocks. Seems to ride about as well as my '96 Audi A4. Firm but not harsh. The other thing is that they reduce unsprung weight by mounting them "upside down" I know it probably doesn't amount to a hill of beans but I still like the idea.

Jeff

I've tried Monroe's, KYB Gas-a-Just, Koni's, and the Edelbrocks on my car.

The Monroes are just garbage. (What do you expect from a $20 parts store replacement?) Far too soft, "floating" over dips, and wallowing in corners.

KYBs were a good step up, much better at controlling float and wallowing, but a little firm when you're just going down the road. Also they lost a lot of their effectiveness after a few months.

The Koni's kicked butt for handling, the adjustability was nice, but they were tooth rattling in normal driving, and EXPENSIVE.

I'm now running Edelbrock IAS shocks, and very happy with them. Firm but controlled and not kidney busting normal ride, very good cornering/handling/float control (not as good as the Koni's, but almost). An excellent all round shock for a good price. I've had mine for almost 2 years now and I haven't notice any degredation in ride/handling quality, also, as Jeff mentioned the upside-down mounting saves a bit of unsprung weight, and the accordion boots will help them live longer.

Troy

I am using KYB GR-2s and I am very happy with them. It depends what you are using the car for. Mine is a weekend cruiser and the KYBs are great for that.

We have GR-2s in the 68 NovaSS and the 68 CamaroSS. We have been very happy with them, but I have to admit I haven't ever had another set of good shocks. This is the first set better than a $100 set of Monroes.

Been running Sensortracs on all four corners on my 70 and love 'em! I drive the Chevelle over a 100 miles a day and it handles very nicely with these shocks, especially coming off highway ramps at high speed. Car does not "float" as other people have complained about. Had no problem with fit either. Last weekend my son and I installed a set on his 86 Olds and he's happy with them too.

Put the KYB Gas-A-Just all around on a 69 Corvette and luv em.

I'm going to put them on the front of Amyes Z28 and will probably put them on the Chevelle when it comes time.

Dwayne

I have the Edelbrock classic, btw the Performer IAS is the same just gray in color. I barely feel the road with these shocks, but when i hit a bump thats about it, i hit it once and don't feel it again. I really love these shocks. They were pricey though but if i don't spend money on my car what else am i going to do with it smile.gif

OK guys, I appreciate all the comments. It really looks like beauty; shocks are in the eye of the beholder.

I broke down two days ago and purchased a set of KYB Gas-A-Just and bolted them in. I immediately noticed a difference from the Gabriels that I was running.

The handling improved dramatically although a little stiffer ride. However, judging from some of your experiences I would now go with the Edlebrock.

I suppose in the future when I ask for your advice I should wait until everyone has commented.

Thanks all
Brad Howard

Yea, then you'll install a set of HAL QA-1's
Yes very expensive. But worth it IMHO

Not on your list, but Bilstein shocks are a great shock. I run a set on my 71 Chevelle and on my 94 Impala SS. I think they are way better than KYB's, Edelbrock, or Monroe. Depends what kind of ride quality you want.

I'll second Bilsteins... more expensive, but worth it!
those HAL shocks are awsome too, but very expensive.

My car has custom valved Carrera shocks with spherical ends on them, but I havn't got it off the jackstands yet, so I can't comment on how they behave.

I third the Bilstein's. I have them on all 4 corners.

Regards,