Why not stock Boge?

Tim Hancock · 05-23-2005, 10:13 AM

I am nearing the end of fixing up my "cheap" '79 SC "fixer upper" (rebuilt engine, new interior including headliner, rebuilt calipers, refinished fuchs, touch up/wet sand/buff out paint, turbo tie rods).

I am buying new tires this week (Avon 205/55/16 & 225/50/16). I do not track the car but might AX on occasion for FUN.

After reading the recent post about Bilstien Sports, I wonder what is wrong with just buying Boge stock shocks and strut inserts? I need to quit dumping money into this car as it is not my only hobby (my wife keeps reminding me of this!). If everything else is stock is there any reason I need more than new stock shocks?

rfuerst911sc · 05-23-2005, 10:23 AM

They were good enough for Porsche to put them on.Go ahead.

Tim Hancock · 05-23-2005, 10:31 AM

That is kinda what I was thinking.

Chuck Moreland · 05-23-2005, 11:46 AM

Big difference between the Boge and Bilstein (or Koni). Bilstein give much more control and feel.

Bilsteins cost about 2x the Boges and it is money very well spent. You do get what you pay for.

Tim Hancock · 05-23-2005, 12:17 PM

Chuck, even for mostly street driving? I will spend the extra $100 bucks or so for "sport Bilstiens" if they really make a noticable difference in 98% STREET driving. (It is just getting difficult to keep spending on this car. I paid 7k and now I have all-ready put 7k more into it thus far. OK, OK I will stop whining now!)

ubiquity0 · 05-23-2005, 12:22 PM

I would not go with Bilstein Sports if you have stock torsion bars on a street car. Bilstein HDs would be a better match.
It seems Bilstein have a better reputation for longevity than the Boges, so if you are planning on keeping the car awhile that should be a consideration.

Tim Hancock · 05-23-2005, 12:34 PM

I never considered the longetivity. I assumed the Boges were good quality. FWIW I have Bilstien sports on my 325i w/ lower/stiffer springs and I had one go bad after 6 months. Bilstien replaced it, but it was a pain in the butt yanking it out and shipping the old one back to them (which I had to pay for). The car rides like crap on the street w/ the stiffer springs and "sports" but I realize the BMW and P-car are apples to oranges.

yelcab1 · 05-23-2005, 01:00 PM

I got two stock Boge shocks for the front, never used. $100 for both, plus shipping.

Chuck Moreland · 05-23-2005, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tim Hancock
Chuck, even for mostly street driving? I will spend the extra $100 bucks or so for "sport Bilstiens" if they really make a noticable difference in 98% STREET driving. (It is just getting difficult to keep spending on this car. I paid 7k and now I have all-ready put 7k more into it thus far. OK, OK I will stop whining now!)

Yes, for 100% street driving. Bilsteins ride better and the difference in feel/feedback is profound.

I would stick with HDs for a street car, unless you've put in really be torsion bars.

Any shock can go bad. I've had failures with boge, bilstein and koni. But the bilstein is an excellent quality product that generally lasts a long time.

toolman · toolman's Garage

I put the Boge back on mine for the simple fact they came on the car when it was new. The ones I took off were not leaking and still had good damping after 77,000 miles and 17 years of use. Car handles great!

Argeo · 05-23-2005, 02:08 PM

Yes only a $100 difference but why pay for something do don't need. Yeah, if your going for performance go for it but I think Boge are probably more than enough for most of us.

I didn't consider the comfort factor, so maybe if they drive better and are that much better quality, it could probably be worth it.

Tim, I feel your pain. I think I just double my original investment and ended up with way less than I could sell it for. Oh, and my wife reminds me also.

David

imcarthur · imcarthur's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by toolman
I put the Boge back on mine for the simple fact they came on the car when it was new. The ones I took off were not leaking and still had good damping after 77,000 miles and 17 years of use. Car handles great!

Ditto here. Money wasn't the issue. I replaced the rear Boges with same when I did the springplate bushings last month. A very nice improvement.

Ian

Tim Hancock · 05-23-2005, 04:15 PM

yelcab1, I PMed you.

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

To answer your original question as to what is wrong with using Boges, nothing. However, as I understand it, Porsche installed the Boges in an effort to attract a buyer who wanted a softer, more comfortable ride. If that's what you want, as opposed to a stiffer, sightly less comfortable ride, go for it.

Tim Hancock · 05-24-2005, 04:37 AM

Thanks for the responses guys, I think I am going with yelcabs gracious offer as this will get me in good with the wife and maybe next year I can upgrade if I don't like the Boges.