Billstein suspension, too stiff, how do I.... |
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Billstein suspension, too stiff, how do I.... |
fly |
Jun 29 2004, 10:39 PM
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#1
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 38 Joined: 8-September 03 From: Walnut Creek, CA Member No.: 1,119 |
I purchased a brand new set of billstiens based on someones recomendation.
My car seems to ride too stiff, any ideas on how I can soften it a bit or do I need to start over? I realize now that i would have been better off getting adjustable koni struts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) I have 5 lug suspension and very little knowledge in this area. Any ideas? Thanks Mike |
Mueller |
Jun 29 2004, 10:42 PM
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#2
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914 Freak! Group: Members Posts: 17,146 Joined: 4-January 03 From: Antioch, CA Member No.: 87 Region Association: None |
Hi Mike, you can get them re-valved....not sure if the cost is more or less than completely replacing them with new shocks.
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fly |
Jun 30 2004, 12:25 AM
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#3
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 38 Joined: 8-September 03 From: Walnut Creek, CA Member No.: 1,119 |
Does anyone like these shocks, My car has been lowered, i wonder if that has some effect. I am not sure but I think the rear springs were shortened.
What will re-valveing do? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) |
Jeroen |
Jun 30 2004, 04:07 AM
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#4
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 7,887 Joined: 24-December 02 From: The Netherlands Member No.: 3 Region Association: Europe |
I guess you got the "sport" version?
These Bilsteins are known for a rough ride. They need big springs to make them work properly Re-valving means that you change the damping caracteristics of the shock Pretty much what the Koni's allow you to do by turning the knob, except the Bilsteins need to be changed internally (and you're still stuck with just one setting) cheers, Jeroen |
ChrisFoley |
Jun 30 2004, 05:42 AM
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#5
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I am Tangerine Racing Group: Members Posts: 7,925 Joined: 29-January 03 From: Bolton, CT Member No.: 209 Region Association: None |
I use the Bilsteins, and prefer them.
Sure they are a bit stiff. Their high pressure design adds spring rate to the suspension and will raise the car up a little too. Starting with a set of unknown rate, cut springs doesn't sound good to me. The rear should be a bit softer than the front. A set of 100lb springs would probably be better, and the ride height can be set at the rear by moving the clip on the shocks. Revalving the shocks is expensive, but they can set the damping characteristics to your preference, based on your application. |
EdwardBlume |
Jun 30 2004, 06:24 AM
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#6
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914 Wizard Group: Members Posts: 12,338 Joined: 2-January 03 From: SLO Member No.: 81 Region Association: Central California |
I've got the B's too and while the ride is stiff (with non-stock torsion and sways), I appreciate its virtues on the track. If the front end is too much, put a full tank of gas in your teen. By adding weight, you will counter some of the effects.
With the rear springs, get a pair of 140's and call it a day. Cut springs IMO are not what you want to establish a good suspension geometry... |
morgan_harwell |
Jun 30 2004, 07:35 AM
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#7
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Ha! Finally snuck up on a camera! Group: Members Posts: 126 Joined: 28-January 03 From: Santa Cruz Mtns., Ca. Member No.: 203 Region Association: Northern California |
If you think the Bilsteins are stiff, don't go to Konis! To "soften up" my 914, I removed Konis and installed Bilsteins. I tried Konis for a year, set on their softest setting, hated them. Found myself dodging shadows on the road because the Konis are so jarring. The Bilsteins are a firm ride, but will not knock your fillings loose.
Replace your Bilsteins with Boge(sp) for a more compliant ride. Might be cheaper than revalving the Bilsteins. Recover the cost of the Boges by selling your Bilsteins. --Moe-- |
jtf914 |
Jun 30 2004, 07:49 AM
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#8
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Member Group: Members Posts: 428 Joined: 31-December 02 From: Burlington, CT Member No.: 58 Region Association: North East States |
The revalving is cheaper than replacing. Cost me about $150 for the two front inserts, including shipping to and from the west coast, I had them back in 2 weeks.
-Justin |
fly |
Jun 30 2004, 07:26 PM
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#9
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 38 Joined: 8-September 03 From: Walnut Creek, CA Member No.: 1,119 |
Do you think bigger springs will help? If so any ideas where I can find them.
I do have some sort of after market sway bar. Mike M told me how to adjust them for a better ride in the front, no time yet. Does this look like it sits too low in the back? Thanks Guys Mike Attached image(s) |
Mueller |
Jun 30 2004, 07:35 PM
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#10
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914 Freak! Group: Members Posts: 17,146 Joined: 4-January 03 From: Antioch, CA Member No.: 87 Region Association: None |
Hey Mike,
we could test the rates of your rear springs at my place, takes about 10 minutes to remove them.... |
fly |
Jun 30 2004, 07:42 PM
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#11
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 38 Joined: 8-September 03 From: Walnut Creek, CA Member No.: 1,119 |
Cool!
Thanks Mike, Let me your schedule. Hopefully I can give you a hand with your project the same day. Mike |
Mueller |
Jun 30 2004, 07:51 PM
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#12
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914 Freak! Group: Members Posts: 17,146 Joined: 4-January 03 From: Antioch, CA Member No.: 87 Region Association: None |
I plan on working at home tommorow...I'm going to start on the fence....don't worry if you cannot make it, I have plenty of other projects I need help with, LOL
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Bruce Allert |
Jun 30 2004, 08:20 PM
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#13
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Hellions asleep Group: Members Posts: 3,289 Joined: 19-March 03 From: Eagle Creek, Orygun Member No.: 441 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
I run the adjustable Bils with 100# rear springs, front & rear sways & the ride is great. I had stock 60#'s with KBY shithings & was amazed at the difference the heavier springs & Bils combo did for the handling & overall feel. Got mine lowered as much as yers...
I LUV IT (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) .....b |
jporsche914 |
Jun 30 2004, 08:42 PM
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#14
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Member Group: Members Posts: 149 Joined: 9-March 04 From: colorado, springs Member No.: 1,769 |
Great looking car. It doesn't look any lower in the back to me.
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fly |
Jun 30 2004, 10:31 PM
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#15
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 38 Joined: 8-September 03 From: Walnut Creek, CA Member No.: 1,119 |
Thanks, I can see there is hope with the bil., I will try to find new springs and see if that helps.
Mike M, I have a crazy day tommorrow but I will see if I can sneak out. Mike |
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