Hal Shocks vs Bilstein Sports
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Oviedo Fl
Hal Shocks vs Bilstein Sports
I'm lookin ginto the Hal 12 way adjustable shocks and was wondering how they differ from the bilstein sports in ride quality and stiffness. Also if any of you have the Hals do you like them? Do you like the adjustment etc.? Thanks in advanced
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Bethlehem PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'08-'10
Re: Hal Shocks vs Bilstein Sports (jaysal555)
I had them both (mine were HDs) and can tell you the main reason I changed to HALs was for the adjustment feature. Taking advantage of the adjustment capability makes for a more versatile shock for different applications (street, strip etc.)IMO. By my SOTP, having them set at 5 is comparable to the Bilstein Sports. As for their on-the-road feel/performance, there isn't much difference...it's all in the adjustment feature.
Joe :seeya
Joe :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
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From: Novi MI
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Vet
CI-X Auto-X Champ (street tires)
Cruise-In IX AutoX Winner
Re: Hal Shocks vs Bilstein Sports (C54FUN)
I had them both (mine were HDs) and can tell you the main reason I changed to HALs was for the adjustment feature. Taking advantage of the adjustment capability makes for a more versatile shock for different applications (street, strip etc.)IMO. By my SOTP, having them set at 5 is comparable to the Bilstein Sports. As for their on-the-road feel/performance, there isn't much difference...it's all in the adjustment feature.
I found the Bilstein Sports were too stiff for my daily driving. I was driving about 40 miles a day on rought roads :eek: and the Bilsteins were not comfortable. I only put about 2,000 miles on the Bilstieins, before going to the HAL Q1s. My experience is that a setting of 6 on the HALs is about what I got with the Bilsteins. The rebound on the Bilsteins felt better than the HALs.
I currently set the HALs at 3 for normal driving. For the strip I set the fronts to 1 and the rears to 6. For autocross I set them to 8 all around. I hope this information helps with your decision.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 746
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From: salem or
Re: Hal Shocks vs Bilstein Sports (01Pewter)
Aren't the HAL's drag shocks? If they are they wouldn't have an appropriate dampening range for a road course car.
You need to look at both the high speed dampening range (usually marked on the shock) and the low speed dampening range (usually not referenced) of bump/rebound. A road course car wants a little firmer slow speed dampening than a drag car.
I'd call up Bilstein west and ask the tech's.
If you want adjustability, the Penskie adjustables are an expensive shock, but I think a superior choice for driving the twisties. sj
You need to look at both the high speed dampening range (usually marked on the shock) and the low speed dampening range (usually not referenced) of bump/rebound. A road course car wants a little firmer slow speed dampening than a drag car.
I'd call up Bilstein west and ask the tech's.
If you want adjustability, the Penskie adjustables are an expensive shock, but I think a superior choice for driving the twisties. sj
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Dubai
Re: Hal Shocks vs Bilstein Sports (01Pewter)
Thanks for the info. I was also :confused: between both & needed more info before choosing. This clears my doubts. I will go with the Hals for my '04 upgrades. :seeya
