Harry L

I was on the Carnewal website today and noticed that they now list Bilstein "B6" and "B8" shocks as the Bilstein alternative for pairing with RoW M030 springs or H&R springs.

Are B6/B8s the new generation HDs, or simply what HDs are now called in Europe?

I tried to do a search on this, but came up empty.

Thanks.

911PERVY

The HD's were always B6, Bilstein have just released HD's B8 which are a little shorter than the B6, not really sure why as the B6's have been around for 15 years are seem to work OK!!

Spidey 993

Correct me....

B6 has the extra thread, to set ride height lower versus the B8 do not.

Gert

Bilstein B6 for the 993 have always been called HD (heavy duty).
The B6 for the US market always have the extra threaded fronts ("invented" by Carnewal btw).
B6 offered by the RoW dealers always have the limited threads on the fronts and is what we call the "normal" B6 shocks.

The B8 for the 993 has the same damping and threads as the "normal" B6, only the piston length is 20mm shorter.
This to eliminate the floating spring problem that might appear when you install shorter springs like for example the M033 springs. Mainly in countries with a strict yearly technical inspection like Belgium and Germany, inspectors don't like to see loose springs when the car is on a lift.

P-track

So Gert if I want to lower a ROW standard suspension with HD's I can use the B8's? The setup options are the same or will the B6 have more thread for more lowering? I am in Holland by the way hence my question, we have the yearly check as well.

Thanks

Gert

It depends on what springs you plan to use.
If you are using the RoW standard springs, then you better go with the B6 extra threaded.
With these you can even set the car a bit lower and still have plenty of threads for a decent corner balancing, which is very important on a 993.

stv951

Do B6 & B8 both have the same stiffness ?
If i understand correctly the B8s lower the car more, right ?

P-track

The B8 is specifically designed to be used with lowering springs and thus more suited if you want to lower to RS levels.

With the B8 you will not have a floating spring when the strut is unloaded. Both B6 ( with extra thread) and B8 allow lowering to RS levels or even lower.

Bilstein claims there is no difference in firmness between B6 and B8. In real life however using the same spring the B8 feels stiffer.