<VV> Bilstein shocks

[Dale Dewald]

Hello Folks,  Comments follow in text:

At 09:34 AM 12/12/06 -0500, Crawford Rose wrote:
>Anyone else using Bilstein shocks on their Corvair?

Yes, I have installed a set (part number B46-0925 -fits Dodge B100 van 
front) on the front and rear of our '65 Greenbrier.  They produce a nice, 
firm, controlled ride--similar to my dad's '06 Grand Caravan (except for 
the greater F-R polar overhang).

>  I just purchased some Bilstein sport shocks for the 63 Corvette front 
> end application to try out. The Bilsteins have holes, not slots!! How 
> great is that? I'm looking forward to installing them this week on the 64 
> rear suspension. I'll write if there are any problems along the way.

I found that the OD of the shocks caused interference with the "hole" in 
the rear arms.  I used a blunt punch in an air hammer to slightly "open up" 
the holes.  The lower mounting holes may also need to be slotted to match 
the Corvair lower arm bolt spacing.

At 09:34 AM 12/12/06 -0500, Bill Elliott wrote:
 >>snip<<
>When you are using shocks designed for another application, you need to
>be concerned about more than the physical fit as Bilstein uses very
>specialized valving for the application. Still, I'd suggest that even a
>"wrong" Bilstein would still be a vastly superior shock to the majority
>of what's in use out there.

I am fairly comfortable with the substitution described above for the FC 
line considering that the Bilstein application is for a full size van and 
1/2 ton pickup with a similar A-arm suspension.  I would suspect that they 
would be too firm for use in the EM car.

>Corvairs are undersprung and underdamped in general for today's tires
>(particularly if you use performance tires) and if you are running HD
>springs (especially cut HD springs) then you really need a shock that
>give you a lot of control... especially on rebound.

I should note that our Greenbrier is also equipped with 215/65R15 tires on 
15X6 wheels.

Dale Dewald
Hancock, MI


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