Unhappy with my Bilstein HDs - any suggestions for a substitute
11-01-2007, 12:08 AM
#46
Rennlist Member
With several other options being discussed, I'm wondering if the need for extra threads will apply to the other manufacturers as is the case with the Bilsteins if ROW springs are used; and do the extra threads come on the other manufacturer's shocks as they do on the Bilsteins?
My understanding was that the extra threads were needed on the front if ROW springs were used.
My understanding was that the extra threads were needed on the front if ROW springs were used.
11-01-2007, 04:06 AM
#47
Rennlist Member
Green are Boge OEM M033 I had
Red are Monroe M030 I have now.
Tried several bILSTEIN setup cars, HD's and PSS9 installed by porsche.
In my personal opinion, ALL the setups hit like hammer on irregular roads.
To me HD's, M033 boge and M030 monroe hit hard, PSS9's are a tad harder. (monoballs and level was at softest)
If you have HD's and shift to Boge or monroe with M033 or M030 springs, the bat in the butt will still be there IMHO
I lived with M033 for years, They hit hard as well.
Bilstein HD M030 and OEM M033 are very similar in handling, to me.
I always felt I could take a turn a good deal faster with 'NEW' M030 and PSS9.
I always felt I could brake closer with 'NEW' M030 and PSS9.
So more driving confidence with those, in MY own personnal experience.
I haven't read about boge or monroe shocks NOT being shot after 30-40k
I haven't read any review about bilstein's longevity after 30-40k
I posted the pictures for autobonrun to see the extra thread (a good 10mm) you will have with
the ride height (both) at ROW M030 134mm
still insist, it is my personal opinion and experience.
reason I got new monroes in picture is that I bought them very cheap strut by strut, on fleabay germany. Total cost was really low, all brand new.
Red are Monroe M030 I have now.
Tried several bILSTEIN setup cars, HD's and PSS9 installed by porsche.
In my personal opinion, ALL the setups hit like hammer on irregular roads.
To me HD's, M033 boge and M030 monroe hit hard, PSS9's are a tad harder. (monoballs and level was at softest)
If you have HD's and shift to Boge or monroe with M033 or M030 springs, the bat in the butt will still be there IMHO
I lived with M033 for years, They hit hard as well.
Bilstein HD M030 and OEM M033 are very similar in handling, to me.
I always felt I could take a turn a good deal faster with 'NEW' M030 and PSS9.
I always felt I could brake closer with 'NEW' M030 and PSS9.
So more driving confidence with those, in MY own personnal experience.
I haven't read about boge or monroe shocks NOT being shot after 30-40k
I haven't read any review about bilstein's longevity after 30-40k
I posted the pictures for autobonrun to see the extra thread (a good 10mm) you will have with
the ride height (both) at ROW M030 134mm
still insist, it is my personal opinion and experience.
reason I got new monroes in picture is that I bought them very cheap strut by strut, on fleabay germany. Total cost was really low, all brand new.
Last edited by geolab; 11-01-2007 at 05:42 AM.
11-01-2007, 04:15 AM
#48
RL Technical Advisor
They fall into the same category as any "limited-life" component and are not recommended, aside from the earlier caveat.
11-01-2007, 06:24 AM
#49
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Joe have you tried driving the same route on 16" or 17" wheels?
I've got 16" cups and 18" hollow spokes and as you would expect, the 16" are much better at coping with a bumpy road surface, meaning that I can enjoy certain stretches of road rather than enduring them as I would on the 18".
I've got 16" cups and 18" hollow spokes and as you would expect, the 16" are much better at coping with a bumpy road surface, meaning that I can enjoy certain stretches of road rather than enduring them as I would on the 18".
11-01-2007, 11:16 AM
#50
Rennlist Member
I have 85K miles on the HD I installed with the M030, No leak, no bounce, no harsh ride. Handles the way it did when installed.
11-01-2007, 12:49 PM
#51
Rennlist Member
If I found the M030/HD too firm, I'd definitely run stock M030 shocks. My '95 came with the M030 package, and I found it ideal for street driving. Frankly, I loved it. 10 years and 75k miles, and the shocks were FINE. A local friend also had a '95 with 90k miles, and its M030 shocks were fine too.
So I simply don't accept that the OEM M030 shocks were garbage. I'd run them.
(OTOH, my former '96 993 had blown shocks at 35k miles. So there is an element of inconsistency.)
So I simply don't accept that the OEM M030 shocks were garbage. I'd run them.
(OTOH, my former '96 993 had blown shocks at 35k miles. So there is an element of inconsistency.)
11-01-2007, 01:05 PM
#52
Rennlist Member
After having owned 993s with HD/RoW M030, RoW M030 shocks/springs and PSS9s, I would say that the HD/M030 is the harshest of the three. I can relate very well to the comments made on the first post regarding the combo...harsh on small bumps, possibly overdampened. The RoW M030s are fantastic for street but you're stuck at sport height and though the info I've come upon is that euro shocks are better than the US ones, they still have a relatively short life span. Mine have ~30k mi so far and they feel perfect. PSS9s are the best solution and can feel more compliant than RoW M030 option if in full soft. Ultimately though you have to take comments with a grain of salt as each car will vary. Tires and wheels alone can make a big difference, which might be a good place to start for you. Are you running 18s and have you thought about going back to 17s? What brand/model tires are you running?
11-01-2007, 02:06 PM
#53
Banned
Thread Starter
After having owned 993s with HD/RoW M030, RoW M030 shocks/springs and PSS9s, I would say that the HD/M030 is the harshest of the three. I can relate very well to the comments made on the first post regarding the combo...harsh on small bumps, possibly overdampened. The RoW M030s are fantastic for street but you're stuck at sport height and though the info I've come upon is that euro shocks are better than the US ones, they still have a relatively short life span. Mine have ~30k mi so far and they feel perfect. PSS9s are the best solution and can feel more compliant than RoW M030 option if in full soft. Ultimately though you have to take comments with a grain of salt as each car will vary. Tires and wheels alone can make a big difference, which might be a good place to start for you. Are you running 18s and have you thought about going back to 17s? What brand/model tires are you running?
11-01-2007, 02:19 PM
#54
Rennlist Member
I totally disagree. Generally speaking, the performance reduction in going from 18" to 17" is minimal, but comfort goes up a LOT. IIRC, the problem is that Porsche's 17" wheels are too narrow for 225/265 tires. Since you're obviously concerned about comfort AND looks, the ideal setup for you would be aftermarket 17" wheels wide enough to run 225/265 tires. Best of both worlds!!
11-01-2007, 02:50 PM
#55
Banned
Thread Starter
I totally disagree. Generally speaking, the performance reduction in going from 18" to 17" is minimal, but comfort goes up a LOT. IIRC, the problem is that Porsche's 17" wheels are too narrow for 225/265 tires. Since you're obviously concerned about comfort AND looks, the ideal setup for you would be aftermarket 17" wheels wide enough to run 225/265 tires. Best of both worlds!!
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have a problem with the shocks, not the wheels. Before I got the HDs (and before my shocks wore out), the car was fine on 18s. You're right about wheel width, this was one of the motivations for going to 18s. And I love the functionality (light/strong) and looks of the MY02s on my car. So the wheels are staying
11-01-2007, 02:53 PM
#56
Addict
Rennlist Member
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I have HDs with H&R springs. Autocrossed it a couple of times in the last month. It actually feels pretty decent even compared to my coilovered and stiffer sprung light dedicated autocross car.
So... I'm not sure what the scoop is for Joe, but I feel that my car is pretty stable. Than again, there's no such thing as a "small bump" n Boston. They are all large. Very large. Huge.
So... I'm not sure what the scoop is for Joe, but I feel that my car is pretty stable. Than again, there's no such thing as a "small bump" n Boston. They are all large. Very large. Huge.
11-01-2007, 02:56 PM
#57
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I totally disagree. Generally speaking, the performance reduction in going from 18" to 17" is minimal, but comfort goes up a LOT. IIRC, the problem is that Porsche's 17" wheels are too narrow for 225/265 tires. Since you're obviously concerned about comfort AND looks, the ideal setup for you would be aftermarket 17" wheels wide enough to run 225/265 tires. Best of both worlds!!
I have 225/255 combo on the stock Cup 2 wheels and can certainly put 265 on the rears if I felt it was needed (it's not).
11-01-2007, 03:14 PM
#58
Rennlist Member
I agree with Eric's comments but before going to 17s (and it sounds as though that's not an option), I would first look at your tires. If your tires have stiff walls, the ride will be harsher. Your tire pressues could also be on the higher side and that alone could cause you to feel a harsher ride.
11-01-2007, 04:18 PM
#59
I'm Still Jenny
Rennlist Member
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Steve, is there any way to get some personal counseling over the phone if I don't plan on having work done by you (I'm in NY)? I'd be more than happy to order whatever parts we decide on from you. Feel free to take this to PM if that's more appropriate.
