Bilstein strut inserts identification

[jmz]

Does Bilstein have identifying numbers on their inserts? I just pulled a set out of some Bilstein strut housings. …can’t find any identifying numbers anywhere. Thinking HD but would like to confirm.

[gtc]

They are usually stamped in, around the outside of the top of the insert.

[jmz]

-glasses on and I still can’t find any numbers.

[EC900]

Does the strut insert need to match the strut housing…(?)
Here’s the part number located on my of housing (right side);

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by EC900

Does the strut insert need to match the strut housing…(?)
Here’s the part number located on my of housing (right side);

It does not. There are inserts for both boge and Bilstein housings, and both sport and comfort inserts. While that number meant something when new, this many years on they could have been replaced.

[jmz]

Yeah, number on housing won’t help me. I’m trying to determine which inserts I pulled out of the housing.

[EC900]

@jmz - , I’m kind of in the same boat looking for a proper insert. As you say ‘there’s no # on the insert’ my suggestion was is it the housing that determines the proper insert whether it’s for track, sport or highway, driving etc. When I was looking up inserts, determining the driving type based on model year, was the only option. I’m like you in that why do I have to buy it to see if it fits!
It’s a big deal when trying to save install costs seems they could have made this easier to make sure we get the right insert for the DYI’er.
I guess it comes down to for the guys that done this insert replacement before on stock housings, is it the model year and the insert ride type the way to order these?

[jmz]

Originally Posted by EC900

@jmz - , I’m kind of in the same boat looking for a proper insert. As you say ‘there’s no # on the insert’ my suggestion was is it the housing that determines the proper insert whether it’s for track, sport or highway, driving etc. When I was looking up inserts, determining the driving type based on model year, was the only option. I’m like you in that why do I have to buy it to see if it fits!
It’s a big deal when trying to save install costs seems they could have made this easier to make sure we get the right insert for the DYI’er.
I guess it comes down to for the guys that done this insert replacement before on stock housings, is it the model year and the insert ride type the way to order these?

--I am not worried about fitment. I'm concerned about valving. I picked up a second hand set and the inserts are surprisingly in great shape.

If you know you want HD or Sport just buy with confidence. They will fit your strut housings.

[TxGerman]

For Bilstein there are B6 (Performance) or B8 (Performance Plus) strut inserts. I had B6's in mine but changed to B8's since my 911 is lowered and that's what those are designed for. I believe the B8's are slightly shorter than B6's. I have my set of B6's in the garage. I can measure them if you think that would help. I did not measure my B8's unfortunately so I don't have that to help you.

[jmz]

Originally Posted by TxGerman

For Bilstein there are B6 (Performance) or B8 (Performance Plus) strut inserts. I had B6's in mine but changed to B8's since my 911 is lowered and that's what those are designed for. I believe the B8's are slightly shorter than B6's. I have my set of B6's in the garage. I can measure them if you think that would help. I did not measure my B8's unfortunately so I don't have that to help you.

Thanks. assuming, you are correct on lengths this will help! I think I may call Bilstein also to verify.

[Bill Douglas]

My car is a 1979 911SC Sport. It's the one that came out of the factory with Recaros, Bilsteins, wing etc.

I replaced the inserts with B6 and the car drives and handles exactly the same as it did prior to the change. In fact the inserts didn't need replacing. So I suspect valving is the same as factory settings.

[Matt Monson]

Iirc, the length difference has to do with Euro vs US ride height and not specific to which model they are, sport or HD.

[47silver]

My 75 has a space on top. I think that was the difference between euro and us.