Bilstein HD or Sport
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson City Missouri
Bilstein HD or Sport
I really hate the descriptions that the manufactures use on the products. There is no real meat there to help make a decision. Does anyone know more about the compression and rebound characteristics between the two? I assume the Sport has more compression and rebound then the HD.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 334
Likes: 6
I can totally relate to this issue. I had to compile a lot of sources to reach a decision. Never found specific numbers for the 2.
Having said that, I went with the HDs all around. These with my 330# composite spring give me a ride I am happy with.
Having said that, I went with the HDs all around. These with my 330# composite spring give me a ride I am happy with.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 476
Likes: 37
From: Lynnwood WA
I really hate the descriptions that the manufactures use on the products. There is no real meat there to help make a decision. Does anyone know more about the compression and rebound characteristics between the two? I assume the Sport has more compression and rebound then the HD.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson City Missouri
In the off-road world, they scrutinize every aspect of the shocks and suspension. As soon as you go to on-road vehicles, the best information you are provided from shock manufactures are "Smooth ride...". There are many factors one should consider when purchasing shocks such as you guys mentioned the spring rates, BB vs SB, driving style among other things.
My wife's truck OEM shocks were leaking and gone in the first 30K, rode like crap bouncing all over the place. Same issue here, you just buy the first set you find for the best price. They worked better then nothing, but I hate the rebound in the new shocks. My 1000' gravel driveway is nothing but a washboard because of the *** end of that truck and the terrible shocks put under a bed that also are made for some completely different vehicle.
My wife's truck OEM shocks were leaking and gone in the first 30K, rode like crap bouncing all over the place. Same issue here, you just buy the first set you find for the best price. They worked better then nothing, but I hate the rebound in the new shocks. My 1000' gravel driveway is nothing but a washboard because of the *** end of that truck and the terrible shocks put under a bed that also are made for some completely different vehicle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
I have used both Sport & HD's on my 82.....IMO Sport as mentioned or implied above is not suited for the street, especially if used as a "dd" like I have. I ended up selling them to another member to help offset the cost for the HD's which I have had on for the last few years. Very happy with them and they handle just as good as the Sports IMO on the road. I never thought to use a combination of the two as "as jb78L-82" has, and depending on your use may be a good combo for you also. But for me the HD's are just fine......Tom
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
This may also help you out, was posted when we were trying to find more info on the shocks....
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave pawlowski
This is from Bilstein:
The lengths are the same.
The damping rates are:
front HD 1525/855 (rebound rate/compression rate, in newtons)
front sport 1810/1050
rear HD 2595/865
reat sport 2725/980"
that was really a good find....
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave pawlowski
This is from Bilstein:
The lengths are the same.
The damping rates are:
front HD 1525/855 (rebound rate/compression rate, in newtons)
front sport 1810/1050
rear HD 2595/865
reat sport 2725/980"
that was really a good find....
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I have used both Sport & HD's on my 82.....IMO Sport as mentioned or implied above is not suited for the street, especially if used as a "dd" like I have. I ended up selling them to another member to help offset the cost for the HD's which I have had on for the last few years. Very happy with them and they handle just as good as the Sports IMO on the road. I never thought to use a combination of the two as "as jb78L-82" has, and depending on your use may be a good combo for you also. But for me the HD's are just fine......Tom
Last edited by jb78L-82; Aug 13, 2015 at 03:27 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
This may also help you out, was posted when we were trying to find more info on the shocks....
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave pawlowski
This is from Bilstein:
The lengths are the same.
The damping rates are:
front HD 1525/855 (rebound rate/compression rate, in newtons)
front sport 1810/1050
rear HD 2595/865
reat sport 2725/980"
that was really a good find....
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave pawlowski
This is from Bilstein:
The lengths are the same.
The damping rates are:
front HD 1525/855 (rebound rate/compression rate, in newtons)
front sport 1810/1050
rear HD 2595/865
reat sport 2725/980"
that was really a good find....
Thanks
Last edited by jb78L-82; Aug 13, 2015 at 05:10 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Glad you like the info, it helped me make my decision at the time.
To the OP....All-in-all, choosing shocks is just like anything else out there, its basically a trial & error period. Granted we all can't go buy different types of shocks just to try and hopefully sell them if they don't work out. I was fortunate to be able to that with my 82. Remembering that what works for one doesn't mean it will work for you.
Taking into consideration what your use for your C3 will help you determine what will be the best shock for your type of driving. Mine being my "dd" and driving it at least 2 hours per day, I tried to find the balance between ride comfort & handling. The HD's do that for me, but on rougher side roads you do feel it somewhat. On the highway, on & off ramps, I fell you can't beat them.....as the Vette is firmly planted on just about any ramp or curve I can find. Ride is great on the highways and local good roads.
But again to the OP, if your C3 is for different purposes and only slightly used, you may want the Sports instead of the HD's. It all depends on what your preferences are and how you will be driving your C3.
Also remember that tires and suspension pieces also play a part in the ride and comfort that you would expect from your Vette...Good Luck!!!
To the OP....All-in-all, choosing shocks is just like anything else out there, its basically a trial & error period. Granted we all can't go buy different types of shocks just to try and hopefully sell them if they don't work out. I was fortunate to be able to that with my 82. Remembering that what works for one doesn't mean it will work for you.
Taking into consideration what your use for your C3 will help you determine what will be the best shock for your type of driving. Mine being my "dd" and driving it at least 2 hours per day, I tried to find the balance between ride comfort & handling. The HD's do that for me, but on rougher side roads you do feel it somewhat. On the highway, on & off ramps, I fell you can't beat them.....as the Vette is firmly planted on just about any ramp or curve I can find. Ride is great on the highways and local good roads.
But again to the OP, if your C3 is for different purposes and only slightly used, you may want the Sports instead of the HD's. It all depends on what your preferences are and how you will be driving your C3.
Also remember that tires and suspension pieces also play a part in the ride and comfort that you would expect from your Vette...Good Luck!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson City Missouri
Glad you like the info, it helped me make my decision at the time.
To the OP....All-in-all, choosing shocks is just like anything else out there, its basically a trial & error period. Granted we all can't go buy different types of shocks just to try and hopefully sell them if they don't work out. I was fortunate to be able to that with my 82. Remembering that what works for one doesn't mean it will work for you.
Taking into consideration what your use for your C3 will help you determine what will be the best shock for your type of driving. Mine being my "dd" and driving it at least 2 hours per day, I tried to find the balance between ride comfort & handling. The HD's do that for me, but on rougher side roads you do feel it somewhat. On the highway, on & off ramps, I fell you can't beat them.....as the Vette is firmly planted on just about any ramp or curve I can find. Ride is great on the highways and local good roads.
But again to the OP, if your C3 is for different purposes and only slightly used, you may want the Sports instead of the HD's. It all depends on what your preferences are and how you will be driving your C3.
Also remember that tires and suspension pieces also play a part in the ride and comfort that you would expect from your Vette...Good Luck!!!
To the OP....All-in-all, choosing shocks is just like anything else out there, its basically a trial & error period. Granted we all can't go buy different types of shocks just to try and hopefully sell them if they don't work out. I was fortunate to be able to that with my 82. Remembering that what works for one doesn't mean it will work for you.
Taking into consideration what your use for your C3 will help you determine what will be the best shock for your type of driving. Mine being my "dd" and driving it at least 2 hours per day, I tried to find the balance between ride comfort & handling. The HD's do that for me, but on rougher side roads you do feel it somewhat. On the highway, on & off ramps, I fell you can't beat them.....as the Vette is firmly planted on just about any ramp or curve I can find. Ride is great on the highways and local good roads.
But again to the OP, if your C3 is for different purposes and only slightly used, you may want the Sports instead of the HD's. It all depends on what your preferences are and how you will be driving your C3.
Also remember that tires and suspension pieces also play a part in the ride and comfort that you would expect from your Vette...Good Luck!!!
I assume it's so the comp doesn't just copy their product. I will probably start out with the HD since I just cruise with it. But it's good to know that I can go up.