Bilsteins
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
The B6 or HD is what came on many of our base suspension C4's.
The B8 or SP is what came on many of our Z51 optional suspension C4's.
However, I have put the Z51 shocks on my base suspension '94 and liked it. Enough that I also did the same on my '95. I like a firmer ride and these are perfect for me. The ride is still not harsh, but seems more controlled.
There are differences between them. The advertising says they Z51 for lowered cars, however the rear shocks are the same fully extended and fully compressed lengths (9.61" / 14.69") The fronts are the same fully extended (13.56") slightly different (9.43" / 10.18") fully compressed with the Z51 being able to go a little lower. So the end result is they are exactly the same rear lengths and the same front for fully extended. The only difference is the front fully compressed.
The damping rates are about double the damping forces on the Z51 compared to the base B6 shocks.
This data is from the selection I used for my '95.
24-020534 B6 front
24-184861 B8 front
24-020541 B6 rear
24-184878 B8 rear.
Either one is a good choice, just your preference. Bilstein is one of the best shocks for our cars and they last a long time. ( I think the aftermarket ones have a lifetime warranty although I have never needed it.)
The B8 or SP is what came on many of our Z51 optional suspension C4's.
However, I have put the Z51 shocks on my base suspension '94 and liked it. Enough that I also did the same on my '95. I like a firmer ride and these are perfect for me. The ride is still not harsh, but seems more controlled.
There are differences between them. The advertising says they Z51 for lowered cars, however the rear shocks are the same fully extended and fully compressed lengths (9.61" / 14.69") The fronts are the same fully extended (13.56") slightly different (9.43" / 10.18") fully compressed with the Z51 being able to go a little lower. So the end result is they are exactly the same rear lengths and the same front for fully extended. The only difference is the front fully compressed.
The damping rates are about double the damping forces on the Z51 compared to the base B6 shocks.
This data is from the selection I used for my '95.
24-020534 B6 front
24-184861 B8 front
24-020541 B6 rear
24-184878 B8 rear.
Either one is a good choice, just your preference. Bilstein is one of the best shocks for our cars and they last a long time. ( I think the aftermarket ones have a lifetime warranty although I have never needed it.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
I put new Bilstein B6 (HD) on my 1995 coupe about a year ago. These are the standard replacements. The ride is comfortable but a bit too soft, wish I'd gone with the B8 instead. This is not my DD car and I would sacrifice a bit of the comfort for more sporty/aggressive handling. I knew the later C4 cars have softer springs but I was not aware they are this soft.
Last edited by DGXR; Apr 20, 2018 at 02:26 PM.
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