question about Bilstein sports
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
question about Bilstein sports
i know theres quite abit of info out there on these, but theres one thing i cant seem to find.
everything ive seen, people seem to be running mono leafs and after market springs.
im looking at replacing the shocks when i replace my bushings, but i wont be replacing the leaf or coil springs. im assuming there wont be any problems with this, but id like to make sure first before spending the cash and time on them.
everything ive seen, people seem to be running mono leafs and after market springs.
im looking at replacing the shocks when i replace my bushings, but i wont be replacing the leaf or coil springs. im assuming there wont be any problems with this, but id like to make sure first before spending the cash and time on them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
Assuming your springs are in good shape (not worn out) you should be OK. I just installed Bilsteins (not the Sports as I was informed they were too firm) but re-used my front coil springs and steel rear leaf spring. The Bilsteins are very good, at least on my car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
CASE CLOSED.....
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I replaced my metal leaf with a VBP leaf. I then called VBP and talked to enginneering. they told me to put Bilsteins sport not HD. I was told the HD would be to rough of a ride. I put the sports on and love it. I know some have HD and love it also. I had gymkhana suspension and the VBP set up is much better. I went with 460 front springs 330 rear ans sport Bilsteins. This was the best upgrade for the bucks, next was 5 speed.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
I'm running Guldstrand rear 7 leaf,front coils springs with Bilstein Sports on the 69....on the 78,still have stock FE7 with new Delco HD shocks...
69...
Per Bilstein's website:
Shock stiffness settings are divided into three usage categories shown below.
SPORT (S)
For the performance-minded driver, Bilstein “Sport” shocks deliver absolute mastery of the road surface. Designed to push a car’s suspension to it’s performance peak, these shocks are well suited for use with special springs, antisway bars or other suspension upgrades.
HEAVY DUTY (HD)
For most vehicles including full-size sedans, SUVs and trucks. These shocks provide improved handling and stability without sacrificing ride comfort. They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for heavy hauling for occasional off-road use, while maintaining an exceptional “street” ride.
COMFORT (C)
For the driver who wants maximum ride comfort, with the virtual elimination of “bottoming out” and vehicle sway. These shocks generally maintain and, in many cases, enhance a vehicle’s original ride qualities while increasing
road-handling and overall stability.
69...
Per Bilstein's website:
Shock stiffness settings are divided into three usage categories shown below.
SPORT (S)
For the performance-minded driver, Bilstein “Sport” shocks deliver absolute mastery of the road surface. Designed to push a car’s suspension to it’s performance peak, these shocks are well suited for use with special springs, antisway bars or other suspension upgrades.
HEAVY DUTY (HD)
For most vehicles including full-size sedans, SUVs and trucks. These shocks provide improved handling and stability without sacrificing ride comfort. They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for heavy hauling for occasional off-road use, while maintaining an exceptional “street” ride.
COMFORT (C)
For the driver who wants maximum ride comfort, with the virtual elimination of “bottoming out” and vehicle sway. These shocks generally maintain and, in many cases, enhance a vehicle’s original ride qualities while increasing
road-handling and overall stability.
Last edited by rihwoods; Jan 28, 2008 at 08:53 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
I just replaced my front coil springs with the 460# (Many people who used the 550# springs said they were way toooo stiff and felt every bump in the road) and new H/D/ Bilsteins front and back after I talked to VBP several times.
They said to use the H/D Bilsteins with STOCK coil and leaf springs. The sports, etc where recommended ONLY with the advanced performance setups--the fiberglass springs. If you use sports with stock springs you will get a bouncy feel that you don't want. VBP also carries KYB shocks (kgb 4550-fronts & 45501 for rear) that they also recommend for stock--but again not with fiberglass springs or advanced performance setups. I am replacing the TA's, struts, etc in the rear but am using the original leaf spring so as I said H/D Bilsteins all around.
They said to use the H/D Bilsteins with STOCK coil and leaf springs. The sports, etc where recommended ONLY with the advanced performance setups--the fiberglass springs. If you use sports with stock springs you will get a bouncy feel that you don't want. VBP also carries KYB shocks (kgb 4550-fronts & 45501 for rear) that they also recommend for stock--but again not with fiberglass springs or advanced performance setups. I am replacing the TA's, struts, etc in the rear but am using the original leaf spring so as I said H/D Bilsteins all around.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
i cant believe i really am considering doing this, but ive got another question.
if i go with the GT+ kit, does that include all the for the rear suspension bushings with it, except for things like the diff. bushing and what not?
i guess what im asking is, if i get the GT+ kit, would i just need to order a front bushing kit to cover everything?
if i go with the GT+ kit, does that include all the for the rear suspension bushings with it, except for things like the diff. bushing and what not?
i guess what im asking is, if i get the GT+ kit, would i just need to order a front bushing kit to cover everything?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Before you buy the spring, why don't you just buy the bilstein sports, install them, and test drive them with your stock coils and leaf spring? You are already considering buying a new leaf spring anyways, so why not just try them first and see how you like it? If they don't work with the stock spring, well then it isn't such a big deal...then you should upgrade to the spring. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Before you buy the spring, why don't you just buy the bilstein sports, install them, and test drive them with your stock coils and leaf spring? You are already considering buying a new leaf spring anyways, so why not just try them first and see how you like it? If they don't work with the stock spring, well then it isn't such a big deal...then you should upgrade to the spring.
I have stock (old) springs and the Sports are fabulous with them!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 32,519
Likes: 1
From: central America
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Per Bilstein's website:
Shock stiffness settings are divided into three usage categories shown below.
SPORT (S)
For the performance-minded driver, Bilstein “Sport” shocks deliver absolute mastery of the road surface. Designed to push a car’s suspension to it’s performance peak, these shocks are well suited for use with special springs, antisway bars or other suspension upgrades.
HEAVY DUTY (HD)
For most vehicles including full-size sedans, SUVs and trucks. These shocks provide improved handling and stability without sacrificing ride comfort. They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for heavy hauling for occasional off-road use, while maintaining an exceptional “street” ride.
COMFORT (C)
For the driver who wants maximum ride comfort, with the virtual elimination of “bottoming out” and vehicle sway. These shocks generally maintain and, in many cases, enhance a vehicle’s original ride qualities while increasing
road-handling and overall stability.
Thanks for the info.
