BealeAss

I've had them done once on my car already, curious on average how often mileage wise are you guys having them done by sending back to Bilstein?

Mike K.

I think you mean rebuild. Revalving is not necessary unless you change spring rates or are looking to alter performance. Race shocks are usually rebuilt ( change seals and fluid , minimum ) at least once a year. On a GT3(Bistein) , depending on use, I don't see why you would need to touch them for two or three years.
Check for leaks and make sure the shock doesn't move freely without weight. Just my opinion.

BealeAss

My bad totally meant rebuild, thanks for the info above!

993GT

+1

The DareDevil

After a little more than one season, my front dampers are toast. In their defence, I do drive that car to and from the track (and our roads a atrocious). That, or the bus stop at WGI.

Mike K.

That's not normal. Are they Bilstein? Fresh rebuild or revalve? Stock springs? Are they leaking?

The DareDevil

Bilstein, rebuilt at the start of 2012 and all stock. No sign of leaks but I'll take a closer look once it's all disassembled. Front left is dead, front right hasn't been inspected yet.

cello

If you dont mind me adding on....

Who are you re-valving with?

I tried Hairy Dog but despite calls and emails no one there seems interested in returning contact re their 6GT3 're-valve/spring' package ..

I've also heard some negative things on Bilstein direct re timing and turn around .. If someone has had recent exp on turn around times, etc, pls let me know.

Thoughts/recs?? I think i'd like to first re-valve/match springs before going to adjustables simply to get to know the car a bit more before jumping in $$$ wise (without the background/basics) ...

The DareDevil

I sent them to Bilstein. It took a few weeks without rush service.

rodneyr

Cello, I had my shocks done at the place you mentioned and the car felt much better. They usually have an extra set on-hand so no waiting. Otherwise, it is a luck of the drawl of when you get your shocks back from Bilstein.

cello

Thanks for the data point.

Still, I really would like a re-valve/spring rate symbiotic package as it takes away a variable/guesstimate assuming the Shop knows what they are doing; i.e., agree with the thoughts here generally: https://rennlist.com/forums/racing-a...bilsteins.html

Lucky for you rodneyr, you live nearby (and in a great place) .. I, for whatever reason, cannot get anyone there interested in talking to me re same and cannot 'stop by'/do a face-to-face....

If you don't mind me asking, what spring rates did they rec for you F/R ?? TIA!

blockhed

Cello I can say I have never done business with Dan Jacobs aka hairy dog but every time I call with questions they never have a problem answering. I had Dan call me back a few times on some serious questions I had and even asked about the revalved gt3 stuff and they said they try to always have at least one set on hand.

The DareDevil

If you specify your spring rates, Bilstein will valve the dampers accordingly.

cello

Yeah I've heard a lot of good things about them so I think I've just fallen thru the cracks and prob called/contacted them at bad times (ie, before a major DE or CR event or the like when they are jammed)..

Thats what I've heard too. I might start another thread on spring rates as I think that is where the 'knowledge' of the Shop(s) comes in - how best to set up the car for your predominant track and your preferred driving style, etc... Be interesting as a data point to see what guys are using and what tracks they mostly run...

cfjan

I chatted w/ Dan a couple of months ago at the track and I remember that he mentioned that someone didn't return the core to them. So I wonder if that's the reason why they are not getting back to you regarding the shock/spring package.