?'s about Sport Springs

[DeadpaN]

OK, now I hope this has not already been asked....but here goes. I've decided on H&R springs, are Bilstein Sports compatible with the H&R OE Sports? or only with the H&R Sports? If not compatible with the OE sports then Bilstein HDs should be, right? Look, I've finally decided to go with Bilstein instead of Koni--->a Major Decision!--->but now another consideration or not depending if the parts are appropriate for each other. ugh.

[clex2]

I am also currently doing my research in to shocks and springs. I have my springs, OEM Sport springs which will drop me 5/8" from stock. Not much. I was considering Bilstiens, and there are many, many people who swear by them, but I had two reservations. First, although lots say ride is good, I have heard the ride can be stiff. No one ever said Konis are too stiff. Second, due to the pressurized nature of the monotube shock design (more pressure than twin tubes), some people report a raise in ride height. I'm sure this is not the case for everyone running Bilsteins, but is has been reported. I don't want to lower my car with springs only to have it raised by the damn shock and end up back where I started.

Now I called Bilstein on two sepaate occasions and spoke to two different techs. One said HD's would be OK with oem sport springs, the other guy said definitely go with sports. In my case, having such a minimal drop, I'm sure both would be ok. If you drop more than an inch, you will need sports. The difference between sports and HD's, as I was told by both Bilstein techs is not, in the valving (same), but that the sports are 1" shorter, so the shock works in range for lowered cars. these techs also have heard reports of raised ride height.

Why am I going with Koni? Well, 1) from my experience running them on my 911, they have litereally lasted as long as the car (about 30 years). 2) Never heard any bad things about them on the boards, 3) Lifetime warranty, but Bilstien has this too, but OEM Sachs which I'm sure has the best ide has no warranty, 4) most reports indicate a relatively comfortable ride. Adjustablity is a benefit to some, but in reality, I'm going to put the shock on and forget about them. Maybe in another 10 years I look at them again. Yes, twin tube may not be as new or technical as the Bilstein monotube design, but if the shock works well, who cares.

As a side note, Koni just came out with a new shock called the FSD which is like two shocks in one. It has special valving and by velocity dependent bypass channels that firm up the ride when aggresive body motions are detected (autocross, twisties, HPDE, etc) but are very plush when cruising. Problem is they so far only have them for newe cars, and I haven't heard back from them if they are going to make them for our cars.

[DeadpaN]

Well that's why I'm going with the Bilsteins. As tech-geeky as I am, I'm probably not going to ever adjust the Koni's-->even though the option is very appealing. I've decided to just go with installing new shocks and forgetting about 'em!

[Cristian G in Oz]

Originally Posted by clex2

As a side note, Koni just came out with a new shock called the FSD which is like two shocks in one. It has special valving and by velocity dependent bypass channels that firm up the ride when aggresive body motions are detected (autocross, twisties, HPDE, etc) but are very plush when cruising. Problem is they so far only have them for newe cars, and I haven't heard back from them if they are going to make them for our cars.

Two of the local agents out here in Oz have told me that Koni do intend to attack older cars but it may be some time before they make the FSD shocks for our cars. I am inclined to trust these guys as they have both been around since my dad was rallying in the Capital and also they both responded to my request quickly following up a couple of days later with the answer on FSD items.

Cristian in Sydney

[cossieturbo]

I have HDs with my Clubsport springs and the ride is at the same level as a Base Ti so I can say for sure that Bilsteins do raise the car up. If you are running H&Rs only get the Sports not the HDs. The HDs will wear out quickly with any of the H&Rs on the market. I'm thinking of trying this package for myself or maybe the Bavarian Auto springs??? not sure yet. I do love the ride and handling of the ClubSport front springs with the HDs though. Best to all.

cossieturbo

[aceyx]

Sachs-Boge does have a lifetime warranty. BMW now even advertises this (though I don't know if it applies to labor as well).

Twin-tube designs don't have to run as high pressure as monotube to achieve the same damping/rebound effect. That could be the source of the raised ride height. However, twin-tube is susceptible to aeration (bubbles) so they're best not used on the track.