illini-heel

Can we still get Eibach springs for the '84 16v? I can't seem to find them. I just bought some Koni's (externally adjustable) for the front and would like to replace the springs at the same time.

Also, are the adjustable "coil overs" an option (with collar?) or do you have to purchase a different special shock?

I saw an old thread with an order from Roger for a limited run, but didn't see anything recent on it.

Thanks for the help.

Strat_928

Check with Roger, he did have some Eibachs recently, but not sure of the models they are good on. Likely a wide range of years if it is like the Bilsteins. But the Bilsteins need different springs on early model years... ask me how I know... So I an looking for some used S4 front springs now so my Shark does not look like it is hydroplaning.....
Good Luck

dr bob

There are more than a few folks who've installed and then soon removed Eibachs, especially owners who've put stiffer shocks in at the same time. I left the front Eibachs in but put newer stock rears back in, and lost a lot of the harshness and after-shake/rattle that I experienced with all 4 Eibachs. This is with new Boge shocks. Meanwhile, Jonathan (RL: Kelanel) installed new Koni's and new Eibacks on his '85, and has mentioned that they may need to come off since they are harsher than what he had in mind. Perhaps a telltale was that Rob E brough over a crate of Koni's and Eibachs that had been removed from one of his cars, in case we needed any spare bits while installing Jonathan's new parts.

Bottom line: find someone who has the spring/shock combo you are wishing for, and get a demo ride with them before you take the plunge. Then look for used/takeoff Eibachs if you can't find new ones. There are a few sets sitting around in garages.

Mrmerlin

IIRC Greg Brown also made a post about the Eibachs and how many he removes and then installs the factory springs,
Simply put the harsh springs will rattle your car apart, the stock springs work well for street driving as well as fitting good shocks

illini-heel

I need a bit stiffer ride (not track stiff) since I put 18" wheels on her. The original shocks were so saggy that I'd hit the tire on the right side on the tiniest of bumps or turns. I installed spacers in the springs as a temporary countermeasure.

illini-heel

I'll contact Roger, but I didn't see anything on his site.

GregBBRD

I'll take a look, for you, next week.

dr bob

So, what is the current ride height? Original springs do get tired, faster if the shocks are also tired. Restoring at least some of the ride height makes a huge difference, and new shocks will help a lot. Again, try to find a ride in a car already fitted with the springs/shocks on your list. Make sure it's really what you want.

ammonman

The thing that made the biggest difference in my 1990 with Eibach/Bilstien combo was new bushings in the rear suspension and refurbished lower control arms in front. The new rubber on the lower control arms in front required me to lower the height adjuster nuts about .5" to get the front back down into the bottom side (165mm Frt, 163mm Rr) of the "new" range from the WSM (180mm +/- 20mm Frt, 173mm +/- 10mm Rr). This took a significant amount of pre-tension off the springs and has made the ride very smooth over rough pavement while staying very precise and minimizing roll and dive.

Mike

kelanel

My experience with the koni eibach combo is mixed. I do like the front, on lowest setting for the shocks, how it is right now, however the rear end tends to rattle quite a bit (especially over bumpy pavement, hello LA!). I haven't played with the rear at all since i had them installed last year at dr.bobs. Last time I set the ride height, it was about 170mm on the lowest setting for the koni's. other things have been coming up (new job, financials, etc.) so I haven't really concentrated on it. Going to try turning up the setting on the rear to mid and see if that helps shortly and will report back if you like. I agree though that the rubber parts in the suspension definitely factor in, that could very well be part of my problem as well!

ROG100

My Bilstein/Ebach set up on my GTS is as near perfect as I want.
Initially even with new bump stops the ride was a little compromised but then settled to be smooth and pretty close to stock ride comfort wise.
I do have a few used sets of Eibach's in stock.

I also have Konies for $625 a set of 4 and Bilstein's for $928 a set of 4.

Red Flash

Maybe somebody can give a little deeper explanation on another aspect of this subject. I have happen to have Eibachs and Bilsteins on my GT. These were installed by the PO, so I never had a basis for comparison.

1.) I was under the impression that the Eibach's are progressive, whereas the stock springs are linear. Therefore, the Eibach's would probably be better for the life of the chasis, bushings, etc. What is the opinion of the people about this?
2.) My car is a little too stiff for me in fact, and also I find the suspension just a little nervous. I was thinking to Eibach's with Konis instead. Perhaps this is just an age issue of the seating of the springs or something?

@ Roger
Are the Konis you have in stock hydraulic or gas filled?

Cheers,

John

ROG100

Konis are low pressure gas filled - as far as I know there is no choice.

dr bob

"gas-filled" shocks add a pressurized gas blanket over the hydraulic fluid reservoir to help cut down on foaming of the fluid during hard use. These are all hydraulic dampers, most decent ones have the pressurized gas blanket. Higher-pressure means fewer smaller bubbles, and also might try to extend the shock some.