Need shock recommendation

porschenut · 02-12-2006, 08:55 PM

I need to replace my rear shocks, but I need some advice.

The car originally came with option 474 - sport shock absorbers, which I've confirmed were Boge (brown dot/stripe) that had slightly higher performance than the regular ones (blue dot/stripe). TB's are the stock 19/25 setup and sways are stock 22/21.

6 years and 15,000 miles ago, the PO had the front inserts replaced, and the repair order says "Boge TS", whatever that means. I take it those are normal Boge shocks, softer than what the car came with. Anyone know what "TS" means?

I don't want to replace the fronts since they are so new, and I'd like to stay as original as possible to how it was delivered. Should I just go with regular Boges to be consistent with the fronts, or would it be reasonable to go Bilstein HD on the rear? Or, does Boge make a suitable replacement for the original sport ones? Is Bilstein HD too stiff for the 25mm TB?

livi · 02-13-2006, 05:54 AM

Although I can appreciate wanting to keep the rather new front pair, I would still change all around. I went with Bilstein standard front and rear. Mucho satisfied.

Gas shocks are generally considered "better" than hydraulics. At least thats what I hear and read.

I would not worry about originality issues. They came factory fitted with both types of shocks.

Just my rookie opinion..

masraum · 02-13-2006, 05:58 AM

Not all Boge struts/shocks are hydraulic. The shocks and struts that were stock on my '88 were gas charged. "gas charged" was stamped right on the body.

That said, I'd keep them all the same, all Boge, all Bilstein, whatever. I used Bilsteins. They are nice shocks/struts. You can see that they are really put together well as soon as you take them out of the box.

javadog · 02-13-2006, 06:18 AM

I'd suggest trying to figure out what part number Boge strut insert you have on the front and buying the matching shock for the rear. The TS probably means it was a "Turbo TS" gas strut/shock line that Boge produced for the aftermarket. How it compares in valving to the Boge gas struts/shocks that came standard on your car is anyone's guess.

Sometimes you can find an engineer to talk to, by calling the customer service number for whatever brand product you are looking to buy. They often can answer specific questions about their company's products. I have done this before with shocks, tires and brake pads, with good results.

JR

kqw · 02-13-2006, 06:37 AM

The "TS" from Boge is probably what they call the "Turbo Shock"..Just the name, not meant to be for "Turbo's".

However, the "TS" is an oil filled shock and was probably original equipment on the '65 through '74 911's. Of the top 3 OEM shock's, Bilstein, Koni and Boge, Boge's are the least expensive.

I would definitely go for the Bilstein Sport Shock for the rear and as long as the Boge "TS" are on the car now, you make the choice to replace them or wait until they no longer are effective.

Nine9six · Nine9six's Garage

New Bilstein Sports all the way around...After all, how often do you get a chance to spend $459 (Ebay Item number: 8037597505) on your car?

porschenut · 02-13-2006, 10:48 AM

Bilstein Sports...I doubt it. Remember, the shock has to be matched to the springs, and my car has stock 19/25 torsion bars. I think the Sports would overdamp in this case....or am I wrong?

kqw · 02-13-2006, 11:20 AM

Your choice....Some folks like a more solid controlled car versus cushiness.

If you know a local fellow pelicanite with a Bilstein setup..drive it and then compare.

I went with Bilsteins all around 5 years ago and I couldn't be happier with the handling characteristics. BUT...That's just my preference....

Good luck

Michel J · 02:16 PM

I too would go for the standard Bilstein "green" all around if possible. I have found the Bilstein sport too stiff and as you have said, are a better match for your stock TB setup. However, Bilsteins may not fit in the front Boge strut assemblies. Biltein may make a special insert for the Boge strut- not sure about this.

Michel

Icemaster · Icemaster's Garage

What do you want to do with the car? Daily driver? Weekend sport? Track/autox/DE car? What kind of driving do you do, feel do you want?

Really need to answer that first...

Personally I went with Bilstein sports all around. Wouldnt switch.

Icemaster · Icemaster's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Michel J
I too would go for the standard Bilstein "green" all around if possible. I have found the Bilstein sport too stiff and as you have said, are a better match for your stock TB setup. However, Bilsteins may not fit in the front Boge strut assemblies. Biltein may make a special insert for the Boge strut- nut sure about this.

Michel

You can get Bilsteins (Sports & HD's) for Boge struts. They look different and have a different top ring nut.

porschenut · 02-13-2006, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Icemaster
What do you want to do with the car? Daily driver? Weekend sport? Track/autox/DE car? What kind of driving do you do, feel do you want?

Really need to answer that first...

Personally I went with Bilstein sports all around. Wouldnt switch.

Basically I want an aggressive street setup. I do track the car about 10 days a year, but it is primarily a street car. I wouldn't mind a little more stiffness but I want to keep it comfortable. The alignment settings are agressive and it's corner balanced.

I'm thinking I might go with the Boge for now, and in a couple years upgrade to Bilstein Sports if/when I upgrade the torsion bars.