Bilstein Advice Needed
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
Bilstein Advice Needed
Anybody had experience dealing with Bilstein's service department? Should I have the original shocks on my 96 rebuilt by Bilstein or would it be better to just buy new ones. I prefer factory original and want to keep the car all original and would not be looking for custom valving I guess.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I don't know from personal experience but from what I've read here on the Forum it will cost you almost as much to have Bilstien rebuild your shocks as new shocks would cost. Plus they don't repaint them, so you end up with old looking shocks after all that. Many of the vendors here have deals on them.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Do a thread search on me about Bilteins...In short, rebuilding 4 fx3 shocks with the Moracca valving was $580. They do not get repainted and wont put fresh bushings in them either. I guarantee you youll get hit for 4 new rods on each one too.
No warranty
No warranty
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 223
From: Northeast FL
I did the same thing. The set I sent them wasn't leaking but they insisted the rods had to be replaced because they were scored. Turnaround time was a little better than what they originally told me and they were nice enough to deal with. I probably would have went with coil overs but I can't in my class.
The Moracca valving is very nice in corner.
Last edited by jwt1603; Jun 7, 2007 at 03:38 PM. Reason: still learning how to spell
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,345
Likes: 230
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Money-wise, you are better off getting a new set from one of our fine vendors.
You'll get 'em quicker, they'll look nicer, and will only cost you a few dollars more than having your old units rebuilt.
Larry
code5coupe
__________
Not easily impressed....
You'll get 'em quicker, they'll look nicer, and will only cost you a few dollars more than having your old units rebuilt.
Larry
code5coupe
__________
Not easily impressed....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
I was considering getting my original shocks rebuilt but I guess Bilstein is not really in the shock restoration business anymore. Looks like from what you are telling me the rebuilding service is better suited for someone wanting special valving for a weekend racer or track car.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Go with new OEM...
Greg:
You should go with stock OEM replacements. This will keep your car stock, probably save you money in the long run and keep your car in compliance with the NCRS judging specs, if you are interested in that.
You should go with stock OEM replacements. This will keep your car stock, probably save you money in the long run and keep your car in compliance with the NCRS judging specs, if you are interested in that.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
Well, I realize this is **** but it's for a nice car and the originals all have date codes on them and I kind of wanted to keep it all together. I think the new replacements are a little different aren't they and the valving might be a little different too, not sure about that though.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,913
Likes: 48
From: Angier nc
the shocks on my 96 are not bilstein.the electronic adj. susp. is a delphi/gm collaberation.they no longer make them and delphi doesent rebuild them.i am not familiar with the non adj. susp. for 96.mine is f45 not fx3.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
Well, I realize this is **** but it's for a nice car and the originals all have date codes on them and I kind of wanted to keep it all together. I think the new replacements are a little different aren't they and the valving might be a little different too, not sure about that though.