Bilstein B8
10-26-2018, 12:35 PM
#1
Bilstein B8
Hi All,
I’m about to buy buy a set of Bilstein B8 shocks and a set of H&R or Eibach lowering springs for my 2002 ROW 996 turbo. I rarely track the car and as it’s now on 90k miles - I just fancy a refresh with, hopefully, some improved performance and ride. The alternative is the adjustable Konis. Don’t want to get in to coil overs as they’re more expensive and, in previous applications, I was foreever adjusting them.
Are there any alternatives to the B8 worth considering (would be interested in anyone’s views on Konis), or are these the best bet?
Thanks in advance.
Matt
I’m about to buy buy a set of Bilstein B8 shocks and a set of H&R or Eibach lowering springs for my 2002 ROW 996 turbo. I rarely track the car and as it’s now on 90k miles - I just fancy a refresh with, hopefully, some improved performance and ride. The alternative is the adjustable Konis. Don’t want to get in to coil overs as they’re more expensive and, in previous applications, I was foreever adjusting them.
Are there any alternatives to the B8 worth considering (would be interested in anyone’s views on Konis), or are these the best bet?
Thanks in advance.
Matt
Last edited by mat59; 10-26-2018 at 03:19 PM.
10-26-2018, 05:25 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Do your springs seem bad? Broken or sagging? I'd be surprised if they are, you might as well reuse them and just add the Bilsteins. I really like the Koni Yellows for street cars, they ride and handle very nicely, Bilsteins tend to ride more harshly.
10-26-2018, 06:24 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
I wouldn't advise anyone to keep the US-spec springs, which seem "engineered" simply to meet US crash specs and were not actually Porsche's intended design. Unless you go rallying.
10-26-2018, 07:46 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
I have the B8s and H&R springs. They ended up being quite low, too low for me. I ended up adding spacers to get it up to GT2 height. After a year and 3 front Aero lips i have gotten the hang of not destroying the front lip. Definitely much more crisp handling, ride is comparable to stock on normal smooth roads. When you do get big dips and G-outs it is much stiffer. If i had it to do over again i would have held off, saved up and gotten the Ohlins R&T
10-26-2018, 08:40 PM
#5
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B8's paired w H&R reds is the "perfect" ride/handling/stance/cost combo going, for a street or dual duty car on a budget. approximates the MO30's and an x73/gt2 "stance" perfect. but watch your driveways. about an inch below US oem height.
10-26-2018, 11:57 PM
#6
Thanks, guys.
Currently have the ROW springs, but a little lower would be good. Was also going to add an aero front lip as my OEM one is original and has seen better days. Are there any springs out there to give me just a little lower than ROW?
Currently have the ROW springs, but a little lower would be good. Was also going to add an aero front lip as my OEM one is original and has seen better days. Are there any springs out there to give me just a little lower than ROW?
10-27-2018, 01:05 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
mat59, I'll happily take those ROW springs off your hands. The H&R and Eibachs should sit a bit lower than the ROW springs. From US ride height the H&R/Eibachs lower around 1.25", the ROW springs lower 0.80" or so...
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10-28-2018, 03:37 PM
#8
Remember also that H&R makes at least two sets for our cars. The H&R reds ( sport ) are traditionally used to lower our cars. If memory serves? its roughly a 40mm drop. but memory, along with springs, sag over time. Still a decent drop that makes city driving only marginally more challenging ( height ) and or "harsh" ( ride quality ).
10-29-2018, 03:01 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Check out Elephamt racing for good price on stock top mounts. If you install the H&R springs you will most likely need rear toe links or eccentric bushings to get it to align propetly.
10-29-2018, 03:19 PM
#11
10-29-2018, 03:31 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
I had X73 on my 996 turbo (which are Bilsteins valved to porsche spec). I have B8s w/ GMG springs on my 997 turbo.
I would say B8s are very similar to X73 ride and handling. Sporty; firmer and lower than stock. Less body roll.
I don't scrape at all - should be o.k. w M030 springs too. (I scraped all the time in RS)
I would get X73 top mounts if you can.
I would say B8s are very similar to X73 ride and handling. Sporty; firmer and lower than stock. Less body roll.
I don't scrape at all - should be o.k. w M030 springs too. (I scraped all the time in RS)
I would get X73 top mounts if you can.
10-29-2018, 08:12 PM
#13
plus 1 on r&r the top mounts. they are a common "wear" item for sure. also agree on some torque solutions ( or similar ) toe links to mitigate the "sag" and inner tire wear produced by the lowered stance. ( wot *squat* kills inner tread ). these'll get 'er done https://www.torquesolution.com/Produ...TS%2DPOR%2D003
12-19-2018, 11:56 PM
#15
I purchased everything to upgrade my suspension but was unable to find b8's for the rear and they are back ordered until late Feb. It turned out to be perfect timing because I changed my mind about the H & R springs. I don't want to go lower and have to worry about scraping. Not possible to pull into every driveway side ways. What is the best upgrade option but still keep stock height or not go much lower?