Bilstein PSS9 on swapped cars.
 

I'm considering getting the Bilstein PSS9 system for my swapped ti. Is anybody running the 318ti specific kit with a 6 cylinder swap? The Bilstein catalog lists the same part for the 318ti and the 323ti, but I know the Euro M52 was lighter than the M52 and S52 motors we got here. I'm just curious to see if any of you swapped folks are using the PSS9s and have had any problems with them handling the extra weight. I suspect it may be a wash given the overall lighter weight of the 318ti vs. an M3 anyway, but I thought I'd ask.

I have D2 coils up front for an 6cy and they work great.

For most coilover kits I have seen (GC, TCK, AST) they offer the same front coilover for all E36 models. Sometimes they differentiate between M and nonM but they don't really have 318 specific kits.

Most coils are also made to use a range of spring rates, which is ultimately up to the user based on street/track conditions.

With stock springs it makes sense to go with engine specific parts because they have a certain amount of compression built into the spring based on the load. Maybe the PSS9s have that as well? I'm not sure if they use progressive springs on that kit or not.

I just put H&R's on my car with an S50 under the hood. Granted I've never had these coilovers on a car with the stock 4 cylinder, but they seem perfectly fine. The weight difference is only about 100lbs anyway so if you're worried about it you can move the battery to the back to mitigate the weight difference.

Frequently, spring rates don't differ as much with weight as they differ in length. Of course with a coilover you can just move the perch up a bit to compensate.

Thanks for the input, guys. Based on the fact that the PSS9 kits are currently around $2000 from all the vendors I can find I think I'm going to go with the TC Kline single adjustables. I had a conversation with them yesterday about spring rates, etc. and I think their set up is going to be the most bang for the buck. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Nice, what rates are you going with?

They suggested 400 front, 500 rear.

Yeah, that's what I'm running. It is a nice setup.

Yes, yes it is. :biggrin:

Lol, now you know why I make such a big stink about how poorly the bilsteins are valved for our cars.