Bilstein question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Bilstein question
I've been reading all the multitudinous threads about suspension here and am ready to pull the trigger on some Bilsteins but don't know what to order. I don't see anything labeled 'Sport' or 'HD' on Bilstein's or on other vendor's sites - I see "B4 OE Replacement", "B6 Performance" and "B8 Performance Plus". Are these new names for HD and Sport or new products?
Last edited by C3Newb; Jul 20, 2018 at 11:09 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Bilstein B4 shocks are what we call "Heavy-Duty"; B6 shocks are the "Sport" version. Their B8 shocks are shorter and designed for vehicles which have been lowered (cutting springs or swapping to shorter springs).
B4 shocks are better than the original oil-filled shocks; the ride 'comfort' is similar but the Bilstein's make it more stable, IMO. B6 shocks are much firmer; they don't give a harsh ride, but stiffer and allow much less body roll in turns. If you have a monoleaf spring installed in your rear suspension, I suggest that you put B6 shocks in the rear, even if you put B4 shocks on the front. I found the monospring/B4 shock combination a bit "spongy" for my tastes.
B4 shocks are better than the original oil-filled shocks; the ride 'comfort' is similar but the Bilstein's make it more stable, IMO. B6 shocks are much firmer; they don't give a harsh ride, but stiffer and allow much less body roll in turns. If you have a monoleaf spring installed in your rear suspension, I suggest that you put B6 shocks in the rear, even if you put B4 shocks on the front. I found the monospring/B4 shock combination a bit "spongy" for my tastes.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Bilstein B4 shocks are what we call "Heavy-Duty"; B6 shocks are the "Sport" version. Their B8 shocks are shorter and designed for vehicles which have been lowered (cutting springs or swapping to shorter springs).
B4 shocks are better than the original oil-filled shocks; the ride 'comfort' is similar but the Bilstein's make it more stable, IMO. B6 shocks are much firmer; they don't give a harsh ride, but stiffer and allow much less body roll in turns. If you have a monoleaf spring installed in your rear suspension, I suggest that you put B6 shocks in the rear, even if you put B4 shocks on the front. I found the monospring/B4 shock combination a bit "spongy" for my tastes.
B4 shocks are better than the original oil-filled shocks; the ride 'comfort' is similar but the Bilstein's make it more stable, IMO. B6 shocks are much firmer; they don't give a harsh ride, but stiffer and allow much less body roll in turns. If you have a monoleaf spring installed in your rear suspension, I suggest that you put B6 shocks in the rear, even if you put B4 shocks on the front. I found the monospring/B4 shock combination a bit "spongy" for my tastes.
Any suggestions on what hardware should be replaced while I'm replacing shocks/springs?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
Thanks! I am planning to follow that advice about B4 front/B6 rear I've seen all over these forums. I currently have the original 7-leaf steel spring and have been looking at monosprings - I'm looking to get rid of the boaty feeling and at least reduce the number of times my rear exhaust hangers scrape when going over undulating pavement at speeds above 30 mph.
Any suggestions on what hardware should be replaced while I'm replacing shocks/springs?
Any suggestions on what hardware should be replaced while I'm replacing shocks/springs?
Bilstein HD's
550 springs..1 inch shorter than the stock springs
Spreader bar
1 1/8 inch Gymkhana sway bar with poly bushings everywhere
Poly Upper and lower control arm bushings
Rear:
360 monospring
Bilstein Sports
Competition adjustable heim jointed strut rods
Ultra high performance 17/18 inch W/Y summer only tires
This ^^^^^^^^^^ will give you modern riding, handling, and steering C3.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Front:
Bilstein HD's
550 springs..1 inch shorter than the stock springs
Spreader bar
1 1/8 inch Gymkhana sway bar with poly bushings everywhere
Poly Upper and lower control arm bushings
Rear:
360 monospring
Bilstein Sports
Competition adjustable heim jointed strut rods
Ultra high performance 17/18 inch W/Y summer only tires
This ^^^^^^^^^^ will give you modern riding, handling, and steering C3.
Bilstein HD's
550 springs..1 inch shorter than the stock springs
Spreader bar
1 1/8 inch Gymkhana sway bar with poly bushings everywhere
Poly Upper and lower control arm bushings
Rear:
360 monospring
Bilstein Sports
Competition adjustable heim jointed strut rods
Ultra high performance 17/18 inch W/Y summer only tires
This ^^^^^^^^^^ will give you modern riding, handling, and steering C3.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The only 'heads up' I would offer is that you need a metal heat shield under the [plastic] monospring to shield heat from the exhaust pipes. Your spring may come with one. If not buy one or make one. A simple sheet of stainless steel will do the job.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jul 20, 2018 at 04:32 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
[QUOTE=C3Newb;1597635045]Thanks. I found that same description from you another thread and am aiming for it. Just focusing on the shocks and rear spring at the moment, though. My hardware question is about the nuts/bolts/screws, etc - are there items that are considered wear items that I should replace when doing shocks and the rear spring?[/QUO
Sometimes the lower shock mount will be worn. If worn you will see the wear and then it should be replaced. The upper bolt is a special bolt with a half nut on inside, it has a non threaded area for the bushing area and short threads7/16 NF. My suggestion that when purchasing your new composite spring is to get the longer bolt kit for the ends and buy the spring in kit form cuz it comes with new bolts and pads. T
Sometimes the lower shock mount will be worn. If worn you will see the wear and then it should be replaced. The upper bolt is a special bolt with a half nut on inside, it has a non threaded area for the bushing area and short threads7/16 NF. My suggestion that when purchasing your new composite spring is to get the longer bolt kit for the ends and buy the spring in kit form cuz it comes with new bolts and pads. T
