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Bilsteins getting a re-valve

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Old Apr 15, 2008 | 07:07 PM
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Default Bilsteins getting a re-valve

I am running 600/400 Hypercoils and Bilsteins. I have found the rebound to be just a bit quick to be 100% happy, and would also like some more bottoming resistance, so I sent all 4 to Bilstein in CA.
I have asked for 40% more low speed compression to hold the car up in G-outs and dips, and 50% more rebound to keep the bounce to a minimum.
The tech you have to talk to is "Ramon" and I was able to find out that the Bilsteins we get have just one spec for valving. I am pretty sure that it works perfectly with stock springs (like 300/200 lb/in front and rear) so even the Eibach springs overpower the rebound a bit.
I have found the 600/400 set up to be absolutely great in keeping the car settled and planted, and minimizing roll. With 265 tires at both ends you can push pretty hard and start to find the suspension too soft for aggressive driving.

I am hoping for the best, and will keep everybody posted on how it drives re-valved. Suspension work/adjustment and dialing-in is constant in my old sport of racing MX, so I am pretty sure I am on the right track here.
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Old Apr 15, 2008 | 07:25 PM
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That's going to be interesting to hear more about.

/Peter
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Old Apr 15, 2008 | 07:48 PM
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I've been searching old threads looking for input to help me decide on what way to go for new shocks and springs. So many differing opinions on the varying suspension options, and it obviously all boils down to personal preferences and intended use. Be interested to see what kind of ride you end up with. I'll give you a call.
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Old Apr 15, 2008 | 07:49 PM
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Don't want to know how much it cost to ship them heavy shocks to CA and back.

So are they changing the valving? Since you said they only have one spec for the 928 valving.
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Old Apr 15, 2008 | 08:06 PM
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Please let us know how the car feels when you get them back. Even with stock springs, I think the shocks could be a bit stiffer on both compression and rebound. Some people think they are already pretty stiff and somewhat harsh, but they don't feel that way to me. They're pretty comfortable under regular street driving (with stock springs), while fairly competent but not exactly right-on for more aggressive driving.

As regards of bottoming, what is your ride height?
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Old Apr 15, 2008 | 08:48 PM
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So that's what you've been up to. Looking forward to getting your feedback and getting a ride when it's all done!

Now all you need is a supercharger.
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Old Apr 15, 2008 | 11:23 PM
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Ernest: $50 to ship ground, should have tried Fed Ex. Bilstein is $65 each for the revalve, but add $35 if you want 2 day turn around instead of 2+weeks...$$

Bill: as far as ride height, I am not sure. I have to finally start doing it right measuring to the factory points. It corner balanced well last fall and seems to have pretty good front to rear height.
I don't think I have a bottoming problem, I just want to be able to go faster in situations that use up suspension travel.
Chris: you maybe should run normal Bilsteins living in the city. You really don't want what I have driving in Boston.

Af: if you make the coffee, maybe we will converge on your place some time for a 928 gtg to see the "queen". p.s. I don't think I need a supercharger.
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Old Apr 16, 2008 | 04:35 AM
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I had my rears refurbed a year or two ago. My local wrench sent them out to the Bilstein dealer, quoting 'Monte Carlo Valving', so I would guess there are different set ups available. Look up the test in the wsm for failed gas shocks - push piston rod against a wall until it bottoms, and if more than Xmm is still outside, its stuffed. One of mine came back not right so I had to take it back and push them to fix it. They gave me some waffle about the offset bottom eye (not at right angle to body) making things difficult.....doh, that what we pay you for isnt it?
jp 83 Euro S AT 51k.
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Old Apr 16, 2008 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by 928andRC51
Af: if you make the coffee, maybe we will converge on your place some time for a 928 gtg to see the "queen". p.s. I don't think I need a supercharger.
Sounds like a great idea, I was planning on hosting a BBQ at some point this summer and get all the local sharks together. I also considered doing some type of detailing seminar but I'm not sure how much interest there would be.

I thought I'd throw the supercharger out there since your car already has everything else upgraded.
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Old Apr 16, 2008 | 10:08 AM
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Hey, speaking of rebuilding Bilsteins ... is it reasonable to think you can send them in with the lower spring perch in place to avoid having to readjust the ride height after they come back?
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Old Apr 16, 2008 | 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Marine Blue
I also considered doing some type of detailing seminar but I'm not sure how much interest there would be.
I would be up for a detailing seminar. I'm really not even the 'show car' type and my car is light-years away from that condition, but would be interested to learn how to clean and take care of a car from somebody who really knows that stuff.
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Old Apr 16, 2008 | 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom in Austin
Hey, speaking of rebuilding Bilsteins ... is it reasonable to think you can send them in with the lower spring perch in place to avoid having to readjust the ride height after they come back?
Just measure the compressed spring lengths and record them.
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Old Apr 17, 2008 | 09:14 PM
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Got a call from Bilstein, and they are in shipping now. $400 ($65 each + $35 for 2 day turn around) plus shipping. I will have them on in a week and see how it is.

I just want the ultimate BRP experience...like every year!!
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Old Apr 17, 2008 | 10:21 PM
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I thought I was having trouble keeping up with you before
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Old Apr 18, 2008 | 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom in Austin
Hey, speaking of rebuilding Bilsteins ... is it reasonable to think you can send them in with the lower spring perch in place to avoid having to readjust the ride height after they come back?
I think it is reasonable to expect at best that they will come back with the spring perches removed and loose in the box, and at worst they will come back but the spring perches won't.

Just measure the exposed thread length below the perch. or measure from the ring at the bottom to the base of the perch. Reset the perch to this measurement before you fit the springs and shocks back together. Measuring the compressed length of the spring only works if you adjust the spring perch with no weight on the spring (wheels off ground)
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