Spidey944

Was wondering if anyone knew the valving on the HD shocks....

I planning on pairing with the Firehawk front struts from Lindsey, and see they are offered in 2 diff valvings. I already have the HDs on my car, and am just making sure the valving I have will correspond with the shock already on the car. Lindsey has them in 400/200 and 565/218. Hopefully the HD is one of those valvings as they look just like the ones in the Firehawk kit.... The part number I bought is:

B 36-2052

Also anyone who is running these Bilstein Firehawks have any input on them?

Thanks!

J Silverman

The firehawk rear shocks are much more agressively valved than the HDs. I dont have the HD valving numbers, call them and ask. Bilstein is very helpful. Dont they also sell the rear firehawk/escort shocks? If not you can have bilstein revalve your HDs for $65 per shock IIRC.

Spidey944

The shocks will come with the kit, but I was unsure if I even needed them since I have some on the car already. Was only going to purchase the Ft Struts if I could since my HD's are new.

The best thing about living in Race City USA is that Bilstein is right here in town, very convienient! The 400/200 valving is best for a dual purpose car correct?

J Silverman

Tha valving determines the spring rate that you can run. I would think the softer valving would be better for the street, but Ive never driven a car with either one so I cant say for sure.

Spidey944

As with anyone who is trying to decide on the best set up, and I don't mind a stiff ride as I am used to it with my previous cars, trying to find balance is the hardest thing to do. I am stuck on the Bilsteins though. Will have to call them on Monday as they are closed today to get the shock rate on the HD's from them, then I can decide on the front spring rates and tbar size, I hope. Then I can pick a rear swaybar, or will have to play around with a few rear bars to get the feel I am looking for. Unless someone has a 3 way one sitting around they dont need....

These are by far the hardest choices to make, as they are expensive, and tbar changes suck, I would love to make changes as few times as possible!

J Silverman

I had the same HDs on my 924S. They told me 300# would be the max on the rears, which means that 300 is probably even pushing it a little bit. I personally like the bilsteins better than the konis (which I have now) but the springs I run (400#f 30mm rear, totally streetable btw) are too much for the bilsteins, and the class Im going to race doesnt allow the firehawk shocks anymore.

The M030 rear bar is only $150 new... thats not bad at all compared to the welt bars. Personally I think that youd be ok with the 18mm bar. I have a 20mm non adjustable bar and Im happy. Luckily swaybars are an easy change.

Spidey944

Just for the record, and future searches, the Bilstein HD shocks are valved at 235/119.

Thank you, drive thru.

zoxx2004

did you read the article I sent you?Both set-ups are full race.They are going to be stiff,the rebound force on those shock are amazing.example escort series 600 newtons =1348.8 lps.a koni set at full stiff are @285 lbs.The rebound are set high to allow for softer spring rates(progressive rate).The soft the spring = larger mechanical grip.Rebound takes care of roll, allowing softer spring rate increased traction.proven older technology,very ,very fast without spending 4 grand just for 4 shocks.
Upside this setup will favors you tight cornering.Will come unstable at wide cornering.But both conditions will not be an issue until you are very ,very fast.

Spidey944

yes I read it, very informative! Am planning on re-reading when I get time again to make sure I got it all soaked in. Thanks again for that info, I never got around to thanking you.