87 Targa shock advice needed

USCguy · 06-09-2011, 04:23 PM

My car has 100,000 miles on it and I'm going to replace the shocks. My car is an 87 with the original boge struts. I've heard a lot of people on this forum suggesting Bilstein HDs over replacement boges. My local mechanic swears that I'll be unhappy with anything but boges in a Targa because of the car's flex. I'm one how loves to upgrade, but will and upgrade to Bilstein HDs just be a disappointment as my car is a daily driver? Lots of threads, but none that seem to address my mechanic's concern that the HDs shocks would just be too stiff and hurt the ride.

Cattler · Cattler's Garage

I have an 87 cab. I replaced my stock Boges with Bilstein HDs all around. Street only--the ride's fine for me. I'd expect the feeling in the Targa would be similar.

David

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

I have Bilstien HD inserts on Boge Housing Front and Bilstein HD Rear. Daliy with 1 or 2 times on a POC DE event. OEM weight and Tail.

USCguy · 06-09-2011, 06:09 PM

I guess I tend to over think these things...

Maybe I should have asked if anyone would anyone suggest Boges over Bilsteins HDs?

JWLindsey · 06-09-2011, 06:27 PM

Larry-

I too have an '87 Targa and I went Bilstein HD front and Sport rear. I also added Elephant PB bushings and it did seem to tighten up the car and it's plenty streetable. I took it on Targa CA this year and the combo was just right for the blend of roads and speeds we saw. I am local to you just south of Downtown Sac so let me know if you want to come and take the car out for a spin to see if this combo works for you.

-John

USCguy · 06-09-2011, 06:36 PM

John,

Awesome! Is there a good DIY to the Bilstein on a later car switch or is it straight forward? (I've read a few conflicting post)

Thanks,

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

Fronts: Bilstiens will just drop in a the Boge Housing then use strut housing nut

Rears: Just swap the struts

bonkers · 06-09-2011, 07:14 PM

'88 cab , street use only. Had the original boge shocks replaced with Bilstein HD's all round a couple of years ago and very happy.

Just in case you still had any doubts.

JerP · JerP's Garage

I recently changed to Bilstein HDs up front and Sports on the rear on my '85 Targa and am quite happy with the results.

wjfk32 · 06-10-2011, 05:52 AM

82 Targa owner-

Did the HD bilstein drop ins FRONT. Bilstein Sports-Yellow in the BACK.

VERY HAPPY!

JWLindsey · 06-10-2011, 06:37 AM

As stated above, it's super easy and the only tool I had to buy was a big gnarly pair of channel lock pliers. My only headache was that I managed to whack the fender at one point and put a star in the paint. Other than that, it's just unbolt and rebolt.

-JWL

carjmark · 06-12-2011, 06:25 AM

Remember Porsche put Bilsteins in Targas as the M474 sport shock absorber option. My 84' Targa has this and the ride is just firmer, in no way unpleasant. But I've always preferred a firmer shock and have replaced Boges w/Bilsteins and Konis over the years and never been disappointed. Changing torsion bars is another story.

Mark

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWLindsey

As stated above, it's super easy and the only tool I had to buy was a big gnarly pair of channel lock pliers. My only headache was that I managed to whack the fender at one point and put a star in the paint. Other than that, it's just unbolt and rebolt.

-JWL

Oh Damn, did the same but had DentPro, take it out for $100