Bilstein vs stock comparo
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 0
From: phila. pa .usa
Bilstein vs stock comparo
I have stock springs& zo-6 sways&end links& kumho(non-runflats) ,off the car,the stock shocks look puny next to the bilstein sports ,pushing down on floor (compression)the bilstein require a little more effort to compress,the stockers rebound almost twice as fast as the bilsteins,on the car very noticeable change much firmer but smooth(its a perfect medium)a spring change would probably be too stiff & more for autox or track,overall I like it way better than the floaty(scary at speed) caddy stock ride.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 0
From: phila. pa .usa
dont have z-51,dont think that option is floaty compared to my stock (standard) is what I was comparing it to,be interested how the ride is w/z-51(or zo-6)option& bilstein sports,I reached what feels to be the happy medium which is firm-smooth& not firm-harsh,I got my current setup as per recommendations from members here & I like it& is far as I wanna go.
Last edited by 88sk; Jan 16, 2005 at 12:46 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
The Bistein research facility is 20 minutes away, so before I buy shocks, I may attend one of their free plant tours. I had Bilsteins in my 68 and they were fantastic. Build quality is unsurpassed, IMO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 6
From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon
And your new Bilsteins can be reconditioned at some time in the distant future when they need it 
Jennifer .....With a new set of Bilstein Sports sitting here, just itching to get installed.
Save the wave
Jennifer .....With a new set of Bilstein Sports sitting here, just itching to get installed.
Save the wave
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Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Difficulty on changeout
I changed a friend's frt shocks on his '99 Coupe. He wanted Bilstens instead of the factory shocks. I had trouble compressing the Bilstens so I wrapped a clothing belt around the shock then slipped the shock in the tight space and unhooked the belt. I had trouble compressing the factory shock; wound up using the belt again to remove it from the car.