To add to what I experienced with my other builds, I think another contributing factor to impact harshness was chassis flex on the 2nd gen cars.
The 1989 Camaro chassis impacts seemed to be abated once I installed Spohn subframe connectors and a strut-tower brace. When it was new I had Monroe GP shocks, then KYB GR-2's, and the best ride it had was with Bilstiens combined with the chassis reinforcement. I also switched from the IROC 16" wheels to a 17x9's, using the same brand of tire, and it was better still. I'm assuming that it was the additional volume of air in the tire acting to quell some of the bumps.
My new 1970 Firebird project will have subframe connectors welded-in, downbars with a firewall reinforcement plate, seam welding, and possibly a 4-point cage. I'm hoping that will give me enough structural strength to allow the suspension itself to do all of the ride control, that is why I'm so focused on bushing compliance. Based on the input here perhaps I need to focus more on shock valving, I had planned on using the Bilstein products again.
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