Quick Easy Bilstein Shock Question?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Quick Easy Bilstein Shock Question?
The shocks that were part of my Zip total suspension package finally came last week. 
Front = F4-B36-0946-HO
Rear = F4-B46-0956-HO
Are these the "Sport" or "HD" version?
Extra credit for a sentence or two on what that means to me?
Thanks
-W
Front = F4-B36-0946-HO
Rear = F4-B46-0956-HO
Are these the "Sport" or "HD" version?
Extra credit for a sentence or two on what that means to me?
Thanks
-W
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Just so happen to have these numbers right in front of me because I've been discussing my new shocks with Bilstein tech support. The numbers you posted are for the Heavy Duty shocks. This information can also be found on their website. The difference according to Bilstein is that the Heavy Duty have a shaft that is 1/2" longer than the Sport. While there is some difference in valving, its is very small, again according to Bilstein tech support. The reason I called them is because after I installed the Heavy Duty my car rides 1" higher in the front and back. Tech support believes if I install the Sports the car will sit 1/2" inch lower, which would be a great compromise for me.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
OK... the plot thickens.. let's put my question aside for now. Your issue sounds more pressing and a little alarming (when compared to mine)
That height explaination sounds very, very, fishy to me.
Unless the shocks are totally bottomed out on the shafts, it does not seem that "shock shaft length" would be the final arbiter (or much any arbiter at all) of how high the car sits.
Last time I checked, the car's *springs* determine this. While the shocks have some spring rebound effect... they don't seem to have enough spring power to effect a ride height change, I can compress them by hand easily.
The way to test this would be to remove your left rear shock at least at one end. Bounce the car a few times and measure the height when it settles. Then re-attach the shock and bounce and measure again. Any *difference* between the two numbers is what the shock is adding. Simple elimination therapy as I call it.
All I remember hearing before now, is that the HD's were a little less "harsh" than the Sports. I was hoping someone could confirm or elaborate a bit.
Are you sure ALL that you changed were the shocks when you came up the inch?
Was this tech support line perchance in India?
-W
That height explaination sounds very, very, fishy to me.
Unless the shocks are totally bottomed out on the shafts, it does not seem that "shock shaft length" would be the final arbiter (or much any arbiter at all) of how high the car sits.
Last time I checked, the car's *springs* determine this. While the shocks have some spring rebound effect... they don't seem to have enough spring power to effect a ride height change, I can compress them by hand easily.
The way to test this would be to remove your left rear shock at least at one end. Bounce the car a few times and measure the height when it settles. Then re-attach the shock and bounce and measure again. Any *difference* between the two numbers is what the shock is adding. Simple elimination therapy as I call it.
All I remember hearing before now, is that the HD's were a little less "harsh" than the Sports. I was hoping someone could confirm or elaborate a bit.
Are you sure ALL that you changed were the shocks when you came up the inch?
Was this tech support line perchance in India?
-W
Last edited by Clams Canino; Aug 16, 2009 at 04:41 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
i'm not the only one who experienced this...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...in-shocks.html
i know the springs provide ride height and the shocks control spring oscillation. And that is the reason I called tech support. They are in california by the way. Hopefully you wont have the same problem.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...in-shocks.html
i know the springs provide ride height and the shocks control spring oscillation. And that is the reason I called tech support. They are in california by the way. Hopefully you wont have the same problem.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Hmmmm The other thread is unclear if Sports or HD's (or both) cause this early rise to a degree. But, the thread IS encouraging in that the cars seem to calm down after some miles.
Since mine will be a daily driver, and I miss it a lot... putting 500-1000 miles on it will be as easy as breathing. Hell.. I'd deliver pizza in it if I had trouble affording the gas.
-W
Since mine will be a daily driver, and I miss it a lot... putting 500-1000 miles on it will be as easy as breathing. Hell.. I'd deliver pizza in it if I had trouble affording the gas.
-W
Last edited by Clams Canino; Aug 16, 2009 at 07:25 PM.
