I recently had the opportunity to install a set of Bilstein HD shocks from Gert with my existing Eibach sports springs in my 993 and I just wanted to give the group my impression of the setup.

So far my suspension experiences in a 993 have been:

Eibach springs + standard 993 factory shocks
Eibach springs + M030 shocks and M030 sway bar
Eibach springs + Bilstein HD shocks and M030 sway bar

So far I am very impressed and happy with the Bilstein HD shocks compared to my M030 shocks. The Bilstein HD shocks feels more firm, but not harsh. The car is not as bouncy as before and the shock rebound is a lot quicker than before.
The ride quality going over bumpy rail road track or uneven surface is about the same as the M030.
The front shocks do not require external bump stops unlike the factory shocks, and the shock shaft body is much large in diameter compared to the factory M030 shocks. Prior to the installation I matched up the Bilstein HDs to the same height as my factory M030 shocks and I noticed that the Bilstein HD shocks definitely rides a little higher than the factory M030 shocks. I am guessing the reason is because that the Bilstein HD shock shaft when compressed with the car's weight does not go down are far as the M030 shock shaft. But it actually worked out perfect for me, because I have always thought that the Eibach springs lowered the car too much. Right now my 993’s ride height is almost exactly to the factory RS ride height. After the installation I had the opportunity to compare my ride height to Hank’s 993 which is set up with factory RSCS shocks and springs and the exact RS ride height, and both car looks almost identical in ride height. I have heard some people comment about the Bilstein HD shocks not allowing lowering of their 993 to the desire ride height, So I feel that the Bilstein HD shocks is better combined with Eibach or H&R in order to provide the lower ride height instead of combining them with the factory M030 ROW springs.

I see the immediate following advantages of using the Bilstein HD shocks compare to M030 shocks:

Can be corner balanced, threaded shock body for all 4 shocks.

Shock rebuild only cost $55 each, so you never need to buy new shocks again. Potentially when the shocks gets worn it will only cost you $220 to send it to Bilstein and have them renewed again. (Price not verified)

Better handling

I would definitely recommend the Bilstein HDs as a great upgrade from a standard non-sport shocks, or worn M030 shocks.

Of course you will find the best deal on the Bilstein HD shocks at <a href="http://www.carnewal.com" target="_blank">www.carnewal.com</a>


<a href="http://p-car.com/temp/aug02/images/L37K2993.jpg" target="_blank">
Bilstein HD package</a>

<a href="http://p-car.com/temp/aug02/images/L37K2996.jpg" target="_blank">
Bilstein HD + Eibach ride height</a>


<a href="http://p-car.com/temp/aug02/images/L37K3001.jpg" target="_blank">
Bilstein HD + Eibach rear ride height</a>

<a href="http://p-car.com/temp/aug02/images/L37K3003.jpg" target="_blank">
RS rear ride height</a>

<a href="http://p-car.com/temp/aug02/images/L37K3000.jpg" target="_blank">
Bilstein HD + Eibach front ride height</a>

<a href="http://p-car.com/temp/aug02/images/L37K3002.jpg" target="_blank">
RS front ride height</a>

 

Robin,

Thanks for the informative post. I have the H&R M030 setup and will probably switch over to Bilstein next. Do you know if I can install RS swaybars with the current setup? I did an archive search and it appears that I can't without special droplinks. Is this correct? If this is the case what bars would you recommend?

Thanks,
Sam

 

Sam,

You will need a different drop link in order to install the RS sway bar with the Bilstein HD shocks, but I am not exactly sure which link you would need.

I guess to avoid the headache you could always go with M030 sway bar.

Below is a picture of the rear shocks drop link position to the RS sway bar on Hank's car.

<a href="http://p-car.com/temp/aug02/images/L37K3012.jpg" target="_blank">
RS front ride height</a>

 

I just put RS sways and PSS-9s on my car. The shock bodies and sway bar mounts look the same on PSS-9 as on the HD Bilstiens. The special drop links came with the sway bars (got them from Gert).


Eric