Bilstein HD Shocks - Solution For More Lowering
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From: So Cal
Bilstein HD Shocks - Solution For More Lowering
As most of you know, the Bilstein HD front shocks have a limited number of threads compared to stock shocks. And, in some cases, they do not allow the front spring perch to lower as much as the factory shocks.
When I had my set installed, the front spring perches sat at the lowest point. This brought the car to about the same height it was before which was approximately 7/8" lower than factory US height. Since many of us have a desire to lower their cars more than that, I decided to look for a solution.
I had my Porsche shop come up with a fabricated aluminum threaded sleeve with a perch support designed to lower further. There were special tools needed, one of which was custom fabricated. The following picture gives you an idea of what this looks like:
And, here's the car sitting at about ROW M030 ride height. I had my front lowered a tad bit more. Due to the black color, it is difficult to see the gaps.
The car rides extremely well and handles beautifully. I strongly recommend the Bilstein HD / ROW M030 setup to anyone who is not looking for a full-on aggressive setup. If anyone is interested in this front upgrade to their Bilstein HD, email me and I'll give you the name of the shop that has the tooling and can do it for you.
When I had my set installed, the front spring perches sat at the lowest point. This brought the car to about the same height it was before which was approximately 7/8" lower than factory US height. Since many of us have a desire to lower their cars more than that, I decided to look for a solution.
I had my Porsche shop come up with a fabricated aluminum threaded sleeve with a perch support designed to lower further. There were special tools needed, one of which was custom fabricated. The following picture gives you an idea of what this looks like:
And, here's the car sitting at about ROW M030 ride height. I had my front lowered a tad bit more. Due to the black color, it is difficult to see the gaps.
The car rides extremely well and handles beautifully. I strongly recommend the Bilstein HD / ROW M030 setup to anyone who is not looking for a full-on aggressive setup. If anyone is interested in this front upgrade to their Bilstein HD, email me and I'll give you the name of the shop that has the tooling and can do it for you.
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From: So Cal
Viken,
If you don't mind i have a not directly related question since you've just changed yours to Bistein HD and that's what i want to go for for my next set. The question is when. My mechanic told me my shocks were fine (95 with 55k miles)and i think they were until recently. When driving on the freeway on uneven surface, the car was rocking side way, like driving in the strong wind and pretty scary. Is it the sign of old worn shocks or it's just normal p-car due to the wide rear tires (255x4017) of the car? I just thought you may have experienced worn shocks before changing yours.
Thx
Thx
If you don't mind i have a not directly related question since you've just changed yours to Bistein HD and that's what i want to go for for my next set. The question is when. My mechanic told me my shocks were fine (95 with 55k miles)and i think they were until recently. When driving on the freeway on uneven surface, the car was rocking side way, like driving in the strong wind and pretty scary. Is it the sign of old worn shocks or it's just normal p-car due to the wide rear tires (255x4017) of the car? I just thought you may have experienced worn shocks before changing yours.
Thx
Thx
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From: So Cal
[quote]Originally posted by hn:
<strong>If you don't mind i have a not directly related question since you've just changed yours to Bistein HD and that's what i want to go for for my next set. The question is when. My mechanic told me my shocks were fine (95 with 55k miles)and i think they were until recently. When driving on the freeway on uneven surface, the car was rocking side way, like driving in the strong wind and pretty scary. Is it the sign of old worn shocks or it's just normal p-car due to the wide rear tires (255x4017) of the car? I just thought you may have experienced worn shocks before changing yours.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I am not sure if worn out shocks would contribute to tramlining (I think that's what this is called). What could cause this is a drastic difference in tread depth between front and rear tires and/or aggressive alignment settings. My car does this only on grooved freeways but never on a smooth surface.
<strong>If you don't mind i have a not directly related question since you've just changed yours to Bistein HD and that's what i want to go for for my next set. The question is when. My mechanic told me my shocks were fine (95 with 55k miles)and i think they were until recently. When driving on the freeway on uneven surface, the car was rocking side way, like driving in the strong wind and pretty scary. Is it the sign of old worn shocks or it's just normal p-car due to the wide rear tires (255x4017) of the car? I just thought you may have experienced worn shocks before changing yours.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I am not sure if worn out shocks would contribute to tramlining (I think that's what this is called). What could cause this is a drastic difference in tread depth between front and rear tires and/or aggressive alignment settings. My car does this only on grooved freeways but never on a smooth surface.
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From: So Cal
Thx Viken,
Yes, my front tires are nearly gone and my rear ones are almost brand new. I also had an aligment not too long ago and a strut brace installed (strut brace would increase sensitivity of the steering, wouldn't it?)
Thx again.
Yes, my front tires are nearly gone and my rear ones are almost brand new. I also had an aligment not too long ago and a strut brace installed (strut brace would increase sensitivity of the steering, wouldn't it?)
Thx again.
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From: So Cal
[quote]Originally posted by hn:
<strong>(strut brace would increase sensitivity of the steering, wouldn't it?)</strong><hr></blockquote>
It would increase your steering response ever so slightly but would not contribute to the tramlining referred to herein. I would first change the front tires and see if that changes anything.
<strong>(strut brace would increase sensitivity of the steering, wouldn't it?)</strong><hr></blockquote>
It would increase your steering response ever so slightly but would not contribute to the tramlining referred to herein. I would first change the front tires and see if that changes anything.
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From: Redondo Beach, CA
HN,
on a previous car I experienced the car rocking side to side on the freeway, to the point I pulled over thinking I had a flat tire. It was very severe, so much I had to lower my speeds considerably. Also note, it didn't do it on the driveup, but on the drive back after only a few laps (due to torrential rain) at a track day. I had a wheel alignment done and it was gone completeley. But, you did mention having the alignment done already. Another thing I think is that these cars are susceptible to cross winds, not that you mentioned it was windy that day. Although you had an alignment, due to the size of the wheels/tires on my other car, I had to re-do the alignment every 6-9 months.
Worth trying the alignment again if the tires don't help.
Cheers,
Dylan.
on a previous car I experienced the car rocking side to side on the freeway, to the point I pulled over thinking I had a flat tire. It was very severe, so much I had to lower my speeds considerably. Also note, it didn't do it on the driveup, but on the drive back after only a few laps (due to torrential rain) at a track day. I had a wheel alignment done and it was gone completeley. But, you did mention having the alignment done already. Another thing I think is that these cars are susceptible to cross winds, not that you mentioned it was windy that day. Although you had an alignment, due to the size of the wheels/tires on my other car, I had to re-do the alignment every 6-9 months.
Worth trying the alignment again if the tires don't help.
Cheers,
Dylan.
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From: Austin TX
Just a thought. If you haven't had an alignment done lately have the toe setting checked. If it there is toe out the car would get darty on an uneven road.
Viken,
Is this a part the shop will sell seperately? Or do you need to buy the shocks from them also?
Thanks
Greg
Viken,
Is this a part the shop will sell seperately? Or do you need to buy the shocks from them also?
Thanks
Greg
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From: Nashville TN
Viken
as many on the board have done Gert's Row M030 Bilstein HD enhancement let me take a moment to thank you for your elegant solution to the lowering "issue" and your generousity in sharing it w/ the board. NICE JOB!
as many on the board have done Gert's Row M030 Bilstein HD enhancement let me take a moment to thank you for your elegant solution to the lowering "issue" and your generousity in sharing it w/ the board. NICE JOB!
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From: Northern NJ
[quote]Originally posted by Viken:
<strong>The car rides extremely well and handles beautifully. I strongly recommend the Bilstein HD / ROW M030 setup to anyone who is not looking for a full-on aggressive setup. </strong><hr></blockquote>
Viken,
How do you think the Bilstein HD's would work with the stock USA springs?
Tom
<strong>The car rides extremely well and handles beautifully. I strongly recommend the Bilstein HD / ROW M030 setup to anyone who is not looking for a full-on aggressive setup. </strong><hr></blockquote>
Viken,
How do you think the Bilstein HD's would work with the stock USA springs?
Tom
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From: So Cal
[quote]Originally posted by Tom T.:
<strong>How do you think the Bilstein HD's would work with the stock USA springs?</strong><hr></blockquote>
I can only imagine they'd be just about perfect. They were designed to work both with stock and aftermarket lowering springs. If you want to keep your stock springs and only want to change shocks, I can't think of a better shock. Also, the fact that you have threaded bodies gives you the opportunity to lower the car a bit and have it corner balanced better than before.
<strong>How do you think the Bilstein HD's would work with the stock USA springs?</strong><hr></blockquote>
I can only imagine they'd be just about perfect. They were designed to work both with stock and aftermarket lowering springs. If you want to keep your stock springs and only want to change shocks, I can't think of a better shock. Also, the fact that you have threaded bodies gives you the opportunity to lower the car a bit and have it corner balanced better than before.