Hey guys. I recently (well, like a month ago) blew out my right rear shock, and can now finally afford to get it fixed (along with a couple other, bigger problems). I was wondering if it's worthwhile to upgrade from OEM and get the KYB GR-2 shocks. Will this actually make any difference for me?

Thanks much

 

If you have an IROC, the KYB's aren't exactly going to be an "upgrade". They don't seem to be as well liked as the bilsteins that come stock on IROCs. Since I have no idea what you actually drive, I can't really say much more than that.

On my sport coupe I installed a set of the cheaper KYBs ($28/pair) along with some IROC coil springs and I thought they were great. The rear of the car rode nice, and I didn't get the wheel hop over bumps that I get with my IROC. I really couldn't compare actual handling capabilities because the rest of the suspension was still stock (i.e. nowhere near as good as the IROC).

 

My car is the one in my sig:
1989 IROC-Z Convertible, 305 tpi

 

I went with the KYB Gas-A-just shocks on mine. $75 or so a pair at Advance Auto. I am pleased with them.

 

I have a set of 4 GR-2's on the way...they should be in Friday or Saturday. However, it's gonna be a while before I get them in because I'm rebuilding the whole front end. It'll probably end up being an over-the-winter project.

I already replaced the idler and centerlink because they were shot and eating tires. When I get all the parts together I'm replacing tie rods, ball joints, struts, bushings (with poly I think,) swaybar (1LE upgrade) and I'll probably lower it an inch or so. I'm also considering a front brake upgrade (LS1 F-body or maybe even C5 brakes,) so it's gonna be a pretty major project.

 

im pleased with mine i have the gr-2 struts and shocks and they seem to be nice, not to much of an up grade but there cool.

 

Well, I dont really care how much of an upgrade they are as long as they're not a downgrade I just needed new shocks anyway, and so I figured they'd be worth it if they're any better. And if not, no biggie, they were cheap, I wouldnt feel too bad about replacing them, but on a stock car, I wasnt gonna bother with adjustable shocks that are way above my head at this point.

 

I have the GR-2 struts and the Gas-A-Just rear shocks on my Iroc and I am very happy with them. Together with the Eibachs, they give a firm, responsive ride without being too stiff. I had Bilsteins stock but went with budget replacements this time. I will eventually go back to them, but for now the KYBs are great. You can't go wrong.


Ed