Bilstein Don't Make Shocks for 71 GS, What Else Should I Use?

I tried to order Bilstein HD shocks online for my '71GS, but could not find any vendors that carry them.

I called Bilstein to get a part #, but was told that they don't make shocks for my car.

I'm using KYB's right now, and was hoping to upgrade to Bilsteins.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

try this link, dirt cheap:
http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/show_shocks.asp?make='CHEVROLET'&model='Chevelle, Malibu, El Camino'&year='1971'

This is for a 71 Chevelle and the 71 Cutlass brings up the same results. Should be the same for all A-bodies of that year.

Tom

 

Hi Tom-Thanks for the reply. Are you sure these will fir a Skylark/GS?

Why do you suppose none of the online vendors, or even Bilstein themselves, don't have a Buick part #?

Thanks

 

The 68-72 GM A-bodies all use the same frame so everything is interchangeable. Knowing this makes it much easier because no one ever seems to list the Buick in their application.

 

But remember Buick motors are lighter than everyone elses.
If i remember,Koni makes the fronts & Bilstin makes the rears.I have a post with numbers somewhere here....

 

Springs will have different rates but will still interchange. Shocks will all be the same.

 

Check KYB's

 

Have them, don't like them.

 

I would think they would be stiffer for the heavier front end weight?

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BSN-F4B460929H0/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BSN-F4BE3D150H0/

They also have ones that Hotchkis had specifically made for the TVS suspension kit. They should fit as said earlier.

If ever the option is given, you choose SBC as an engine.

 

As other's have mentioned, the springs are different rating and you should go with SBC springs for the front as a comparison for A-bodies as the 455 is slightly heavier than a SBC 350. Much lighter than a 454.

The shocks are all the same for 68-72 a-bodies.

KYB's are junk. Bilstein is the way to go. Koni and Bilstein are preferred choice for pro-touring as well.

 

Thanks for the part #'s. Arte you sure these will fit a '71GS?

 

I love my KYB's - been on the car for 4+ years now.

They're well damped for handling but not rough

 

You may want to quote summit on that, or even bilstein. The application chart suggests they fit a 70-72 chevelle. They should be the same application.

 

When I spoke to Bilstein, they said that they don't make a shock for a 71 GS or Skylark.

 

It doesnt matter what they say the chevelle, cutlas, gto and skylark are the same.

 

This might be because bilstein is aware of the engine difference. But as mentioned above the 455 is almost the same weight as a 350 chev.

I can get you the part numbers for the bilsteins that fit our cars that were specifically built for the hotchkis TVS system. Recommended by Prodigy Customs.

 

Don't know whats wrong with KYB's as I love them! Guess it depends what you are looking for. Edelbrock also makes some nice shocks for the 71 Skylark but they are $$$$.