pierre_l

Dear all,

I have eibach springs and need to change my shocks.

It looks like Konis are the best deal, but I can't seem to find rear koni shocks (it looks like they discontinued them as per past posts), so I figured I'd put koni's to the front and bilstein to the rear.

How does that sounds?

By the way, I bought my springs used and there is a little bit of rust on two of them, is that an issue?

Thanks,

Pierre

Crimson Nape Racing

IMO, I would not mix shocks. As for the rust, it could become a problem. Get rid of it and repaint the springs for protection.

kkim

I wouldn't mix shocks, either. IMHO, suspension is the last place you want to save money on with these cars.

I'd go Bilstein HDs w/ RoW m030 springs.

pierre_l

I agree that mixing doesn't sounds optimal, but the koni go for 170 when bilstein go for about 350 a piece - that's almost 400usd together...
Is there any "hard facts" against it?

kkim

Not that I've seen. You asked for feedback, you got some... do what you want at this point, it's your car.

Good luck.

pierre_l

sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, I did appreciate your feedback (english is not my native language, my words don't always come out as intended). what I meant was wether there were differences in the way they are built or something like that.

STLPCA

I doubt you hurt Kelly's feelings. I'm sure he was reacting to your asking a question, getting what I think you'll find to be a consensus answer & then debating.

Suspension design is very complex, especially on a high performance car. The components should be matched. When you mismatch shocks you don't know what you'll get, e.g., how the car will react if you hit a bump at high speed. It might be fine, or it might put you into a ditch. Like running w/2 different shoes. The same is true for mismatched springs, tires, etc. Simply, it's your car & you're free to ruin it as you wish.

BTW, I would never consider buying a 993 w/mismatched suspension components unless the price were low enough to pay to make it right. Even then, I'd question the owner's "attention to detail." It would also make me worry about other problems where the owner may have diminished the car by having chosen the cheapest way rather than the right way. Obviously, my opinion.

kkim

Dan is correct, as usual... My apologies if you took my last post the wrong way.

Again, I reiterate... suspension is the last place I would try to save money on for these cars. My opinion is to select the very best that will work for your needs and buy that. If it means forgoing doing the job now to save a bit to do it right, I'd elect to wait. Do a search of past suspension threads and you will see how involved a process it is to select what is "right" for you.

Also, I honestly mean for you to have good luck with your car. For many of us on this board, these cars are a very special part of our lives and they get treated as such.

And most of all... welcome to Rennlist.

Mark in Baltimore

Shock manufacturers have a great deal of experience with the valving, rebound, compression, etc. of their products and have spent considerable time and money testing these products. IMHO, you're doing your own beta testing by mixing two brands of shocks, hoping it all works out.

Don't cheap out on your 993; it deserves better.

911XTC

Pierre, DON’T DO IT!
It would be a little like playing Russian roulette. If you were ever to push your car near its limits things could get real ugly, real fast. You wouldn't put different tires on from front to rear, would you?

pierre_l

OK you guys sold me on this one.

I'll put 4 bilsteins (or another brand? - it doesn't seem like there is anything else if I don't consider pss9 and the like).

Thanks for the feedback.

Pierre

TroyN

You might try contacting Boris Teksler, he had Koni custom build some rear shocks and was quite happy with them. PSS9's are nice, go for those! Good luck...

STLPCA

Although I wouldn't, some here would. It's been hotly debated several times w/a few strong defenders of the practice.

911XTC

I know, But I learned the hard way. two tow trucks later(2nd one to un stick the 1st one) and damaged pride. I wont be doin that again.

chris walrod

Like others have mentioned, dont mix and match suspension components. One could mix them if you could get the damper manufactures to give-up their valving rates etc., then one could compare etc. But that would be similar to pushing rope

Stick with Bilstein HD's (or PSS-9's if you really desire adjustability). I would also strongly recommend the factory ROW M030 springs as well.