Notices
928 Forum 1978-1995
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: 928 Specialists

When to replace shocks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-20-2010 | 07:23 PM
  #1  
vanster's Avatar
vanster
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 178
From: Oakland CA
Default When to replace shocks

My '80 928 feels a bit soft to me and the odometer
says 90k. The shocks are original as far as I can tell.
If pushed hard into a turn I get a bounce that does not inspire confidence to go deeper.
Hoping for a stiffer suspension and about to replace the front
springs with a later model "S" which should lower it a bit and stiffen it some but ......
Question is should I replace the shocks and with what?

Vanster
Oakland CA
1980 5sp
Old 10-20-2010 | 10:13 PM
  #2  
Mike LaBranche's Avatar
Mike LaBranche
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 969
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz, California
Default

Well... 30 years old, 90k miles, I'd say those shocks are toast. Fer sure. As for putting S springs in there, I just did that on an 80 5spd, and it's an improvement but nothing remarkable. Fresh shocks will make a huge difference, most are generally only fair after 20k miles. If you want stiffer and lower, go with the Eibach's. Shocks: buy the best ones you can afford for what you're doing with the car. Just commuting to work... boges. Track days... bilsteins,konis, etc.
Old 10-20-2010 | 10:23 PM
  #3  
ALKada's Avatar
ALKada
Race Car
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,016
Likes: 157
Default

I think Roger is still running a Bilstein special for $750 for 4. www.928srus.com
Old 10-21-2010 | 12:26 AM
  #4  
toofast928's Avatar
toofast928
Addict
Rennlist Member

 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 1
From: N NJ
Default

I have used adjustable Gas Boge shocks, Green. $100.00 with the adj nut and perch
PM me if interested
Old 10-21-2010 | 01:38 AM
  #5  
GregBBRD's Avatar
GregBBRD
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,230
Likes: 2,481
From: Anaheim
Default

Put in a set of Bilsteins, with a set of later front springs (which are required for your application). Best money you will ever spend on your car. People suffer with the stock shocks for way too many years, because they don't seem to leak and they don't bounce multiple times when you push on the fender.

Stiffer springs are fun for about a week and then you will start to dislike the ride, as it slowly beats you and your car to death. I take aftermarket springs out way more often than I install them.
Old 10-21-2010 | 05:15 AM
  #6  
BIMMERMIKE's Avatar
BIMMERMIKE
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 16
From: Ontario, CANADA
Default

"Stiffer springs are fun for about a week and then you will start to dislike the ride, as it slowly beats you and your car to death. I take aftermarket springs out way more often than I install them. "

Interesting comment, I'm ready to replace my stock Gray Boge's and springs with Bilstien and Eibach springs. What springs are you suggesting; stock?
Old 10-21-2010 | 06:08 AM
  #7  
danglerb's Avatar
danglerb
Nordschleife Master
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,575
Likes: 3
From: Orange, Cal
Default

Bilsteins and stock springs were made for each other.
Old 10-21-2010 | 10:38 AM
  #8  
BIMMERMIKE's Avatar
BIMMERMIKE
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 16
From: Ontario, CANADA
Default

Anybody interested in my Eibach Springs(NIB)?
Old 10-21-2010 | 11:36 AM
  #9  
dr bob's Avatar
dr bob
Chronic Tool Dropper
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 20,506
Likes: 549
From: Bend, Oregon
Default

If your car is a weekend driver, the Eibach springs and Bilstiens will bring a smile to your face, particularly in spirited driving. The car corners amazing flat with the Eibachs. Simpls is that double the spring rate halves the body roll. The progressive nature makes the stiffe ride tolerable. The Bilstiens give great control with the stiffer springs. Combo is much more sports-car than grand touring as far as ride quality.
Old 10-21-2010 | 01:02 PM
  #10  
Mrmerlin's Avatar
Mrmerlin
Team Owner
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 28,627
Likes: 2,657
From: Philly PA
Default

and if your going to use the car as it was meant to be used,
aftermarket springs will have you wanting for a smoother ride,

As Greg points out I also put the Bilstiens with stock springs on my 88,
it rides great,
handles great
and for long distances is just about perfect
NOTE long distance is over 1000 miles or 3 states
Old 10-21-2010 | 01:38 PM
  #11  
Tom in Austin's Avatar
Tom in Austin
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 5
From: Deep in the Heart of Texas!
Default

For those planning the stock spring + Bilstein setup, would you do new springs at 141k miles? Not sure I ever heard a consensus on whether springs wear out, and we can adjust ride height to compensate for any shortening ...
Old 10-21-2010 | 03:32 PM
  #12  
BIMMERMIKE's Avatar
BIMMERMIKE
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 16
From: Ontario, CANADA
Default

Thats a good question, I have approx same miles 130k.



Originally Posted by Tom in Austin
For those planning the stock spring + Bilstein setup, would you do new springs at 141k miles? Not sure I ever heard a consensus on whether springs wear out, and we can adjust ride height to compensate for any shortening ...
Old 10-21-2010 | 03:54 PM
  #13  
vanster's Avatar
vanster
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 178
From: Oakland CA
Default

Thanks everyone
Bilstein's it is with the stock later springs. Thanks everyone for your input. I am more a long distance driver/ SF-LA and planing a trip this spring across country SF/Maine
I am an ex vintage racer (Lotus Cortina - Alfa- F Fords) Cars set up for racing and driving on the streets (pot holes) is not fun. But driving with spirit and knowing that
your car is going to go where you point it is great fun, even better when the tail comes around a bit
Onwards and sideways!
vanster
Old 10-21-2010 | 08:53 PM
  #14  
jpitman2's Avatar
jpitman2
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,283
Likes: 49
From: Australia
Default

Mine car had M474 Sport Suspension from factory. I replaced the front shocks before I knew they could be rebuilt, then a bit later rebuilt the rears. As said above, beautiful set up. A bit firm on rough suburban streets, but out on the road, absolutely great.
jp 83 Euro S AT 52k
Old 10-21-2010 | 09:00 PM
  #15  
GregBBRD's Avatar
GregBBRD
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,230
Likes: 2,481
From: Anaheim
Default

Originally Posted by BIMMERMIKE
"Stiffer springs are fun for about a week and then you will start to dislike the ride, as it slowly beats you and your car to death. I take aftermarket springs out way more often than I install them. "

Interesting comment, I'm ready to replace my stock Gray Boge's and springs with Bilstien and Eibach springs. What springs are you suggesting; stock?
Yup. Thats what we do, even on our Uber cars.


Quick Reply: When to replace shocks



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 09:07 PM.