Bilstein B6 or B8
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 339
Likes: 56
Bilstein B6 or B8
Hello. I would like to get some opinions on Bilstein B6 or B8 front shocks. My car is a 69 small block, stock front springs and a VanSteel #330 composite rear spring with Bilstein B8s. I installed the B8s due to the composite spring. I have a chance to get a free set of one year old B8,s for the front. My questions are if the B8s are warranted on the back with only the addition of the composite spring and would the B6s or the B8s be the beast choice for the front with the springs that I have front and back. What if any difference would either shock make, height, ride, feel? Thanks in advance for your help.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
The composite rear spring needs B8 shocks. I had an old set of B6s at first and it was 70's Cadillac in the rear. Not kidding, it was so soft it felt dangerous.
I have B6s up front and they are great. I think B8 would be too harsh/stiff in the front unless the car is more track focused but I don't know for sure since I haven't tried them.
I have B6s up front and they are great. I think B8 would be too harsh/stiff in the front unless the car is more track focused but I don't know for sure since I haven't tried them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,291
Likes: 1,334
From: Fleming Island, FL
According to Bilstein the B8 valved the same as the B6. The B8 series of shocks is for a lower ride height on car, higher ride height on trucks. You can go to Bilstein website and read it for yourself. I have the B6's all around on mine with a composite spring.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Racer
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 304
Likes: 87
The composite rear spring needs B8 shocks. I had an old set of B6s at first and it was 70's Cadillac in the rear. Not kidding, it was so soft it felt dangerous.
I have B6s up front and they are great. I think B8 would be too harsh/stiff in the front unless the car is more track focused but I don't know for sure since I haven't tried them.
I have B6s up front and they are great. I think B8 would be too harsh/stiff in the front unless the car is more track focused but I don't know for sure since I haven't tried them.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
I would have to disagree. I had KYBs in the past and the Bilsteins are on a different level. But if you're happy with the KYBs it's all good.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 304
Likes: 87
very happy . The bilsteins give you a decent ride as well . However at 160 bucks per shock there isn’t that a noticeable difference
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 339
Likes: 56
So, I assume that the B8 would be a stiffer, not as soft as B6s. Is there any difference in the way they respond going over bumps as in to their response time to stop the up/down movement or the amount of up and down between a B8 and B6? Or is that what makes them stiffer. Sorry never really thought about what makes one shock different from another. Thanks again.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,138
Likes: 4,505
From: Marlton NJ
You have stock front springs. So I would recommend the B6s.
When the B8s say they are for common lowering springs, they are also assuming those springs are stiffer, and that is why they need the stiffer valving of the B8.
The composite spring is stiffer, and has drastically quicker rebound than a "sticky" steel one, and many C3 owners say the B6 is too weak in that application, and the B8 works well. The too-soft B6 gives a pogo effect.
Since the same owners also say the B6 works well, even with the stiffer 550# F41 springs, I would not go the other way and put the stiffer shocks on the weaker 280# stock springs.
But if you are getting a deal on the B8s, why not try them. You can report back here and say how well they work. If they are too stiff, it will hit hard on bumps, cracks, bump strips, etc.
Ride quality is 75% based on the rear suspension, and you already have that covered, so you may be fine.
Let us know!
When the B8s say they are for common lowering springs, they are also assuming those springs are stiffer, and that is why they need the stiffer valving of the B8.
The composite spring is stiffer, and has drastically quicker rebound than a "sticky" steel one, and many C3 owners say the B6 is too weak in that application, and the B8 works well. The too-soft B6 gives a pogo effect.
Since the same owners also say the B6 works well, even with the stiffer 550# F41 springs, I would not go the other way and put the stiffer shocks on the weaker 280# stock springs.
But if you are getting a deal on the B8s, why not try them. You can report back here and say how well they work. If they are too stiff, it will hit hard on bumps, cracks, bump strips, etc.
Ride quality is 75% based on the rear suspension, and you already have that covered, so you may be fine.
Let us know!
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
I'm running B8 (sport) on the rear with a 355# composite rear spring. Then B6 (HD) on the front with my original Gymkhana coil spring. Went with that combo based on recommendations in previous threads. I was trying to best replicate the original ride, more performance based instead of comfort. I'm happy with it.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,335
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
exactly as above. Original gymkhana springs up front. (Cut 1 coil). B6's.Fibreglass spring in the rear, B8's. Very happy.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Post #2 is on the money with regard to composite rear springs needing the stiffer shocks. What you use up front depends on how you use the car and/or what kind of "ride" feel you want. I would highly discourage putting the softer shocks on the rear of a C3 with a composite spring.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 339
Likes: 56
I think the plan will be as leigh1322 has suggested. Once driving weather has returned I'll try the B8s and compare them to the B6s. I'm getting the 8s for nothing if I want them and they are easy to change out so what the heck. Take care.