Bilstein HD/H&R red suspension update
#1
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After considerable research on Rennlist and lots of great advice from many members I chose to update the original OEM suspension in my '90 C2 with Bilstein HD's and H&R turbo springs. I picked up the car today and I am extremely happy with the upgrade. The car sits much lower and feels more planted. Ride quality is firm.
Here are before and after photos:
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7046695613_9a1c2cd686_b.jpg)
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6900599948_2b89465b94_b.jpg)
The photos exaggerate the ride height as I took them from a crouching position. From a standing position the car appears significantly lower than before. I wanted to avoid excessive negative camber in the rear wheels as well as any issues with speed bumps and driveways. I can see much more of the road when driving!
Here is one more photo taken at the shop when I picked up the car. The front wheel is turned in slightly.
Here are before and after photos:
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7046695613_9a1c2cd686_b.jpg)
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6900599948_2b89465b94_b.jpg)
The photos exaggerate the ride height as I took them from a crouching position. From a standing position the car appears significantly lower than before. I wanted to avoid excessive negative camber in the rear wheels as well as any issues with speed bumps and driveways. I can see much more of the road when driving!
Here is one more photo taken at the shop when I picked up the car. The front wheel is turned in slightly.
![](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/7046946589_4533dc48d3_b.jpg)
Last edited by 993James993; 04-05-2012 at 01:34 AM.
#2
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I just did mine recently with the Bilstein HD's and the H&R "Greens" (which come purple now) and really like it. The car feels much more controlled at high speed and over bumps while in a turn. It rides a little firmer than stock but not too bad.
#3
Three Wheelin'
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Looks very good. Mine are waiting for installation.
"I wanted to avoid excessive negative camber in the rear wheels as well as any issues with speed bumps and driveways. I can see much more of the road when driving! "
Can you explain what you mean by these 3 statements?
"I wanted to avoid excessive negative camber in the rear wheels as well as any issues with speed bumps and driveways. I can see much more of the road when driving! "
Can you explain what you mean by these 3 statements?
#6
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There was room to lower the front more, but this had the potential of causing the front end to scrape when bottoming out in a dip in the road or going over a speed bump or driveway lip.
While sitting in the car and driving the front is lower than previously and I can see the more of the road and less of the hood.
My mechanic commented that had he gone any lower he would not have been able to get the lift arms under the car.
All in all I am pleased with the stance and rake, with the front slightly lower than the rear. From standing height the car appears much lower!
#7
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#8
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But you are right, once I return this car to him I will quickly replace it with a similar 964.
#9
Rennlist Member
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Thanks for the suspension update; D90s really do look good on the car once it's correctly lowered.
What was the estimated "shop-time" required for the install...6-8 hours?
#12
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Thanks for all the replies.
I've driven the car some more and I like the new set up a lot. The view from the driver's seat is more road and no hood. The wings seem much lower, almost like my 993. I still get plenty of feedback from the road and I feel more like I am part of the car than before. (I know that is a very subjective observation.) The car is much quieter, with several rattles that used to bother me no longer an issue.
I guess I thought that the car would have less tilt in hard cornering but that doesn't seem to be the case. Maybe new sway bars are in my future. It is called a slippery slope for a reason!
The mechanic who did the work set up everything, including corner balancing the car and then took it to an alignment shop to have everything finalized. As it turned out the rear top shock mounts were bad and had to be replaced. This added quite a bit to the total bill for new parts and expedited shipping from Germany.
All in all I am very happy with the results!
I've driven the car some more and I like the new set up a lot. The view from the driver's seat is more road and no hood. The wings seem much lower, almost like my 993. I still get plenty of feedback from the road and I feel more like I am part of the car than before. (I know that is a very subjective observation.) The car is much quieter, with several rattles that used to bother me no longer an issue.
I guess I thought that the car would have less tilt in hard cornering but that doesn't seem to be the case. Maybe new sway bars are in my future. It is called a slippery slope for a reason!
The mechanic who did the work set up everything, including corner balancing the car and then took it to an alignment shop to have everything finalized. As it turned out the rear top shock mounts were bad and had to be replaced. This added quite a bit to the total bill for new parts and expedited shipping from Germany.
All in all I am very happy with the results!
#14
Three Wheelin'
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"All in all I am pleased with the stance and rake, with the front slightly lower than the rear."
that sounds right. Well done.
As for camber, I was under the impression that alignment could restore it and correct the toe. Also more aggressive driving benefits from some negative camber. What settings did you choose?
that sounds right. Well done.
As for camber, I was under the impression that alignment could restore it and correct the toe. Also more aggressive driving benefits from some negative camber. What settings did you choose?
#15
Three Wheelin'