Bilstein shocks

Green Dragon · #1 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 02:25 AM

I thought I'd share my experience with shocks and IAP springs. I hope it helps some of you. First, I have an '84 Spider with IAP springs and the Ereminas chassis brace.

I installed the Koni Reds with the IAP springs and was immediately impressed with the improvement over the stock springs and shocks. Over the last 8 months, I have experimented with various settings with the shocks, from soft to full-hard and areas in between. I never could get a satisfactory setting. I found the shocks to be too soft in stock form and stiffening rebound did not help. I have felt that the springs would be better suited to stiffer compression valving. At this point I was considering the Koni Yellows or the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks. I have Bilsteins on all my other cars so maybe I am biased. But it came down to finding the Bilsteins on shox.com for less than wholesale ($74 each).

A couple of days ago, I replaced the Konis with the Bilsteins and can say that it is a night and day improvement. The softer Konis, were twice the price and the compression was probably better suited to the stock springs. The suspension feels tighter and smoother with the Bilsteins. A side benefit turned out to be that dips in the nearby mountain roads that used to hammer the sump guard now are no concern. On only the worst dip (a real killer, all the way across the road) did I hear the slightest scrape but with the Koni's the same dip at similar speed has caused me to have to put the guard in a vise to straighten it.

I just thought I'd share my experience in the hope that it may be of use to somebody else.

Green Dragon · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 03:11 PM

When I initially modified the suspension, my mechanic practically refused to install Bilsteins claiming that they were way too stiff for Alfas in general and he'd had too many complaints years ago. He also said that the high pressure gas Bilsteins would raise the car ridiculously. I don't know if they have changed but if they raised the car then it was by no more than 1/2 an inch all the way around. I was trying to avoid shimming the springs but was about to do it to protect the sump guard which was really taking a beating. I was scraping speed bumps and now I cruise right over them.

I was more of a VW and Porsche nut before being introduced to Alfa Romeo. I have always enjoyed stiff suspensions that are well suited to street/track duty. I like being able to drive to track days and not have to change things too much before charging onto the track (well maybe brake pads and tire pressures). I don't know how Bilstein does it but the ride is quite a bit stiffer without being harsh. I felt that the Koni Reds at full hard were quite harsh and still wallowed trying to keep up with the springs

I am sure that the Koni Yellows are a much better choice for IAP's spring rate than the Reds were. I look forward to hearing how you feel about them, Murray.

**endel** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 05:49 PM

I've got the IAP "red" springs and use Bilsteins all around. I think the ride is firm, sporty and not anything that may be described as harsh. The Bilsteins on the car are old, and I'm sure the rears are shot. Replacemants on all 4 corners this spring.

Green Dragon · #4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 06:16 PM

endel,
You used the best word to describe the ride, "sporty". I am not sure why so many people seem to think that Bilsteins are too stiff. I think Bilstein has gotten an undeserved reputation with our cars. You may want to check for replacements on the shox.com website soon. I had to call in because I had trouble ordering from the site. When I did, they couldn't believe that the website was listing them below wholesale, nonetheless, they honored the website price. They said they needed to change the price on the website. Not sure if they got around to updating it yet.

**endel** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 06:22 PM

Hey, I just checked, and it shows $294.00 for a set of 4 shocks. Seems to be much better than most places. Thanks for the tip.

Green Dragon · #6 (**permalink**) 08-28-2006, 12:23 AM

endel,
Better grab them while you can. Who knows when they will correct the price.

wyoming_alfa · #7 (**permalink**) 08-28-2006, 10:13 AM

I bought my Bilsteins from eshocks.com. very fast total was 274 I think. the only part that scares me is tht it tells you on the sight these shoks can't be used with lowered springs.(I read this only after reading a post on this sight) but you guys are saying I an use with my lowered springs? that would be very good news. I like a very stiff setup. I live in Jackson Wyoming nd we have some of the best twisty roads I've ever seen

Green Dragon · #8 (**permalink**) 08-28-2006, 11:15 PM

wyoming_alfa,

You got a great deal. The bad news, eshocks now has them for $299 for a set of four. The good news is that the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks work great with lower stiffer springs on my spider and endel seems happy with his. The Bilstein Touring shocks are not meant for lowering springs at all but I don't even know if they make that line for Alfas.

What shocks are you using now? Endel said it best, calling the ride, "firm, sporty and not anything that may be described as harsh." I found them to be a huge improvement over the Koni Reds. I heartily recommend the Bilsteins with stiffer springs, in my cas the IAP sport springs. Hope it helps.

bianchi1 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-29-2006, 01:33 AM

my front springs are 9.5 inches free, at 750 inch pounds, front shocks koni, at 3/4 hard, rear springs125 inch pounds, 5 x13 inch free, and stock spica rear shocks( these things never ware out, took them off the car, to have them tested for fun

and the the guy who tested them asked how old they were,he said they still have exc. rebound and compession, will change them to konis later this year, i guess the rear shock really do not work all that hard on our cars.)my front tyres are ( top of the tyres) are leavel wiht the wheel wells the rears ane nicely tucked into the rear wells by 1 1/2 inch.i have no problem in bottoming my car in fast nomal driving, but she doe's sit low,only in parking lots i have any problems with my set up, some speed bumps scrape my poor cat.converter, i am carefull when i drive , the roads here in n. cal. are pretty good, so no real suprises when i drive.but i do drive aware of the road in front of me... the my car looks good, sort of like a low fling cruse missle..

Green Dragon · #10 (**permalink**) 08-29-2006, 11:14 PM

Bianchi,

I know what you mean by the "low flying cruise missle" look

Do you have the chassis brace? The IAP sport springs (at 9.5",1300lbs) are almost twice as stiff as yours which is probably why I felt the need for more compression stiffness than the Koni Reds could offer. I like the "low and glued-to-the-road" feel I have now, which is what I expected from Alfas to begin with...

mrutkaus · #11 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 10:03 AM

Hey Green Dragon! IAP recommends the KYB's as best for my '85 Graduate. I like a very stiff ride and can't quite believe them as much as I like them!

What do you think of the Bilstein HD for standard springs? Your opinion on KYB?

Koni Red for standard springs?

Thanks,

mike

wyoming_alfa · #12 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 07:50 PM

I installed my IAP springs and Bilsteins today. Looks Awsome if nothing else. I bought a set of brand new BWA Nascar rims from Ebay last week, $150 + $50 shipping. It's the guy from Fiatwheels.com. I bid $150, then got outbid. The next day I got a 2nd chance offer for my high bid of $150. 4 days later they were on my step.They look great, but aren't light. He has more left if anyone's interested.

Green Dragon · #13 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrutkaus

Hey Green Dragon! IAP recommends the KYB's as best for my '85 Graduate. I like a very stiff ride and can't quite believe them as much as I like them!
What do you think of the Bilstein HD for standard springs? Your opinion on KYB?
Koni Red for standard springs?
Thanks,
mike

mrutkaus · #14 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 05:33 AM

thanks green dragon, it's my first alfa and it is quite fun to drive even now with the 20 year old stock shocks. when i push one bumper down with my foot the whole car moves around a lot!

mike

Green Dragon · #15 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrutkaus

thanks green dragon, it's my first alfa and it is quite fun to drive even now with the 20 year old stock shocks. when i push one bumper down with my foot the whole car moves around a lot!

mike