rusnak

Does anyone know for sure if the Bilstein RSR struts use the typical Bilstein strut cartridges?

It's getting time to look at rebuilding them. I know, Bilstein offers a mail-in rebuild service, and so does Smart Racing.

I want to avoid the downtime, and would rather just order new cartridges and change them out in a weekend.

One more question: How often do you replace the plastic bushings that are in the strut tube, and can you do these at home, at least the upper ones? Do you need special tools? Thanks! These specific questions are not covered in Wayne's book.

Ed Hughes

Call Jae @ Mirage Intl, in San Diego, he's the Bilstein shock wizard with a hotline to Bilstein.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

If I might offer another, different viewpoint,........ .

Bilstein inserts are all interchangable. What you really want to do is not only have them rebuilt (or replaced) but you should have them revalved (or use custom valved inserts) as the original RSR valving (161/160) is truly awful.

I'd kindly suggest that for best results, you should deal with a Porsche specialist; someone with proven expertise with 911 suspensions and not simply a "shock wizard".

The bushings inside the tubes do wear out over time and especially when they are infrequently lubricated. One can buy them from Bilstein if you know what you are doing or have them rebush the strut housings for you.

rusnak

Thanks Steve

I would like somewhat stiffer shocks. I just assumed that they were worn or wearing out. I didn't think that maybe the valving is just plain bad.

I'd like to ask you to feel free to post any candid viewpoints or further advice/pointers/ that you can offer. The more the better I say.

Toby Pennycuff

I had Steve W. rebuild my RSR struts and shocks as well as re-valve them. He did a GREAT job and the results were worth every penny. OBTW, those roll pins used on the front struts are VERY difficult to find. I had to go direct to Bilstein for replacements - I bought spares!

Toby (no affiliation with Steve W. and Rennsport Systems. I am just a very satisfied customer.)

Ed Hughes

Steve obviously is a great source for this work. For the record, my reference to the "shock wizard" is truly a Porsche 911 suspension "wizard", and is well known in SoCal track circles.

rusnak

Thanks Toby, that is very good to know!!