Shock questions

defcon65 · 04-13-2006, 07:45 AM

OK, I did a search and still have some questions about shocks.
85 Carrera has black shocks, front and back. I'm led to believe these are Boge. They are undoubtably original as I have all records and they have never been replaced. It appears that the left front has been removed or adjusted as the black gunk has been chipped off the strut mount. What do I need to buy to replace all four shock inserts? Which ones should I install? Car is not a daily driver or tracked. I'd like to keep the excellent handling characteristics but would also like a somewhat smoother ride - is there a happy medium?
Thanks for any responses.

Joe

livi · 04-13-2006, 07:50 AM

You can replace the inserts with several brands. A lot of people go with Bilstein. They offer a standard and a sport version. I was in your position and went with the standard all around. VERY HAPPY ! Especially since it was a DIY job (even for me).

You will get several opinions and suggestions from the pros around here.

KFC911 · 04-13-2006, 08:02 AM

The 'black gunk' being removed would probably be due to an alignment. One of the first things I did after acquiring my car was to install Bilsteins (HDs on the front/Sports on the rear based upon many recommendations for that combo on these boards), and that might be the most noticable single thing I've done to improve my car. Although I've since done a total suspension refresh/upgrade along with a bunch of other things, the shock change alone transformed my car. I wouldn't necessarily call it a 'smooth' ride (that's a subjective call, and it IS a sports car

), but the improvement was remarkable. I'm certainly not a 'pro', but I did consult one (Steve Weiner), and followed his advice....can't go wrong there!

carreraken · carreraken's Garage

Any comments on KONI Reds for the street?

Wil Ferch · 04-13-2006, 09:23 AM

Any Koni Hi-pressure gas or Bilstein shocks added that replace OEM black, hydraulic Boges will likely raise the car.....maybe 1/2" or more.

I run low pressure, red, Koni fronts and Yellow, Sport, Koni, hydraulics rear to avoid having to re-index the bars. Do a search on keywords shocks, Koni , Red, Yellow, Ferch.....it's in there...

Wil

defcon65 · 04-13-2006, 09:39 AM

Hmmmm - maybe I'll just replace them with stock Boges, then. I don't really want to dink around with the suspension too much. It also appears I'll need to find the exact date of manufacture, Pelican's catalog lists a cutoff date of 3/85 for the inserts.

Wil Ferch · 04-13-2006, 09:41 AM

Ha.... good luck finding hydraulic Boges....the Boges now available are probably gas..... maybe you'll luck out and find low-p gas Boges.

You can always duplicate my set up...I also had black, hydraulic Boges as OEM.

Wil

defcon65 · 04-13-2006, 09:50 AM

Food for thought, Wil - thanks! Maybe I will run your setup. Do you install?

Joe

Wil Ferch · 04-13-2006, 10:03 AM

I installed them myself, yes...if that's what you're asking....

If you mean do I install yours...that might be another story if you're 3000 miles away....

Wil

defcon65 · 04-13-2006, 10:06 AM

Just foolin' - I've been waiting to wrench on this beast since I bought it! Ahh, the smell of PB blaster, new parts and hot coffee.

Joe

Wil Ferch · 04-13-2006, 10:23 AM

There are a number of useful posts on this.....if all else fails...PM me and we can set up a phone contact possibility while you're doing it... my car is also an 85 Carrera...

Wil

gerry100 · 04-13-2006, 10:32 AM

Bilstien HDs replaced my Boges I lik ethe handling much better.

Can be a real PITA if you don't have a good impact wrench ( ask me how I know).

defcon65 · 04-13-2006, 11:15 AM

Impact wrench I have. Shocks are not yet ordered, neither are the TT rods. I'm saving up to place the order and will likely do the install around Memorial Day. That's the plan, at least.
Thanks for the help, guys!

Joe

qlander · 04-13-2006, 01:28 PM

Don't worry about getting the suspension out of whack by installing different shocks. You can't go wrong with Bilsteins, period. I changed them a couple of months ago and the ride is still incredble. Not hars. Althuogh I did sports all around. No problem. If you need more comfort just do hd. Yuo won't regret it. Best thing i've done so far yet on my 88'.