to strut or not to strut, new or used struts Options

[pete-stevers]

Just want your opinions on new or used struts for my bros fourteen...
we have a line on some new bilstiens w inserts for 375ea but he is wondering if it would be cheeper to buy used, un-bent ones and the next question is where, these strut are for a fivebolt conversion with SC calipers..... (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

[ArtechnikA]

QUOTE (horizontally-opposed @ Feb 3 2005, 09:55 PM)

Prevailing wisdom on the rear Bilsteins vs. Koni Reds? My Koni Reds are shot, I'd like another pair of reds (don't want firmer Yellows, or does it really matter that much?). Better to rebuild these or just buy Bilsteins? Or are those significantly stiffer than Koni Reds on full soft?

there are at least 2 different valvings of rear 914 Bilsteins - probably 3.

the 'Rallye' (race) will be quite stiff and suitable only for very stiff springs. there's a 'Sport' which is probably suitable for most of us wo do spirited street driving on reasonably smooth roads (or are willing to put up with harshness over rough spots) and the occasional DE/AX with mildly uprated spring rates, tires, and antiroll bars. there will be an 'HD' which is usually an 'upgrade' from OEM but still work okay with OEM spring rates, and there may be an OEM valving.

last i looked at the Bilstein application page for 914's there was no OEM valving listed...

ultimately - it is PREFERENCE.

i prefer Bilsteins and the way they feel. i could have bought any Koni for my 911 but i got a set of '73RS-spec Bilstein dampers instead. some people prefer Konis, which is why i'm glad we have choices.

i've run mixed sets (externally adjustable Koni front/Bilstein Sport back) and once i got the fronts where i liked them it worked okay, but the conventional wisdom is to use the same front and back to avoid handling differences as things change temperature.

IMO it's a bit of a waste to have to adjust a damper the way you like it and then leave it there, as you'd bought the right Bilstein in the first place.

some people believe they will change the settings before and after track events. if that works for you, go for it. my philosophy is to set up the car right and leave it alone - i have enough to do on track-day morning to prepare without tinkering with the car any more than i have to ...

PREFERENCE. pick one you like.