Refurbishing/Revalving Shocks?

Hi all,

I'm thinking of replacing the shocks on my SC with new ones. I now have Bilsteins on the front (which I think are about 1/2 as old as the car) and Boge's on the rear (which I believe are original).

My question is this: I have read about refurbishing / revalving shocks instead of replacing. These seem to be in good condition and work relatively well, but I wanted to upgrade to bilstein sports when I go to larger torsion bars. Have any of you had any experience with this? Can it be done on Boge's and Bilsteins both? Is it any cheaper than the $400+ price for a new set of 4 Bilstein sports? And finally...can I change the firmness of them on the revalve?

Thanks in advance for your replies!
Nick.

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Nick Shumaker
1982 911SC Coupe
nickshu@yahoo.com
PCA -- Rocky Mtn. Region

Nick,

I'm not sure, but I would think that refurbishment would cost you as much or more than buying new units. I have a question for you...what company sells a set of Bilsteins for $400? I haven't found anywhere yet that is anywhere near $400. I need to replace the shocks on my 73T in the near future. My car has Green Bilsteins, and I want to replace the old shocks with original units. Thanks.

Bill

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William Armentrout
1973 911T
2.7 carerra rs specs
www.geocities.com/william_armentrout

Nick,

Check out
http://www.bilstein.com

Call them. They do the re-valving.

Good luck.

Let me know what you find. I have Bilsteins front and rear. I was told the Bilstein should last a really long time, unless there is a leak.

Nick
'85 Carrera

Shox.com has Bilstein sports for $409 for a set of 4, $398 for regular non-sports.

http://www.shox.com

I found them via an ad in the back of European Car magazine. They promise to beat anyones price on shocks or sway bars.

Maybe I'll just get new ones.

Nick.

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_ _ __ _ _
Nick Shumaker
1982 911SC Coupe
nickshu@yahoo.com
PCA -- Rocky Mtn. Region

[This message has been edited by Nickshu (edited 04-27-2001).]

Not having pulled my struts or shocks off the car yet, I don't know for sure, but usually production shock absorbers have welded up tubes. That is to say, you cannot easily dismantle them and change any of the valving. What we use when we are first developing the valve code for a new truck are called "take apart" shocks. They have threaded end caps, or circlips in the case of the monotubes I deal with. But they are designed to be easily pulled apart for quick valving changes. In the case of rebuilding a worn out shock, there is a lot that you'd want to replace: the oil for sure, the seal on the piston, the valving shims (since they are very thin, fatigue is sometimes an issue), maybe the pressure tube (for twin tube shocks)...etc. Lots to deal with. Probably cheaper in the long run to buy new units.

Chris Bunker
78 SC

I think Bilstien will rebuild your shocks for around $50

Craig Watkins at smart racing will do the billsteins for $80 ea., optimized for your car and suspension.

Nick,

I've been a www.shox.com (RD enterprises/Dave Turner) customer for a while. I've bought Koni Sports for a MR2, Miata, Civic Si, and Integra GSR, all from them. Good guys. If and when I get new Konis for my 911, they'll get my business.

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Cheers,
JerRed
1973 911T, 2.4 CIS

William Knight ( knightrace911@earthlink.net) had mine done (by Bilstein) to match my 30mm rear torsions. The price was $75/shock, and -- since Bilstein lost the used set we sent them -- I got custom-done brand new Sports, which was a nice bonus.

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T (3.6) sunroof coupe
jackolsen@mediaone.net

[This message has been edited by JackOlsen (edited 04-29-2001).]