Bilstein HD or SPORT?

sy308 · 05-02-2002, 02:23 AM

1986 car is going to need new shocks or inserts all the way around. What shock is going to be most comfortable with everyday driving so that each and every imperfection of road surface is not felt? What would be closest to OEM? What are the technical differences between HD and SPORT with regards to travel or damping, etc? What is most popular replacement type and why? Local PCA Tech Advisor recommended SPORT (but he likes very stiff ride). Car use 95% daily driving and 5% other track events. Thank you.

05-02-2002, 03:11 AM

I have Bilstein sports with my otherwise stock suspension. Works fine for everyday driving. They are firmer than the stock Boge that's for sure, but in no way too firm for street driving. If you are afraid of the sports being rock hard don't worry. I was afraid of that when I had to replace my Boge shocks, but have come to like the Bilstein sports.

john_colasante · 05-02-2002, 05:02 AM

When I first got the sports I heard a ticking on my first drive with them. I had no idea what it was until I noticed there was a minute repeating line in the highway that was being transmitted. This was not happening prior to having the sports. So I'd say you feel every bump is pretty accurate. That being said I still love 'em and wouldn't change them out. Sounds like you might be better off with HD's.

Gspin · 05-02-2002, 05:39 AM

In my 88 Carrera Coupe I have elected to go with Sports in the rear and HD's up front. The ride is firm but not harsh. It's likely you would be satisfied with this combo or HD's on all 4's. Also, the Koni Orange with the adjustable fronts/rears is another alternative.

Joeaksa · 05-02-2002, 05:53 AM

Agree with Gary and have the HD/Front and Sport/Back combo of Bilsteins and love them! Turned a nice car into a fantastic car!

Joe

dickster · 05-02-2002, 05:53 AM

just done mine yesterday!

when i ordered mine i asked for sports shocks for fitting to an '86 with boge struts.

i got green strut shocks and yellow rears - which i believe is the combo of hd front/sport rear.

they feel great, firm but not harsh.

05-02-2002, 07:25 AM

Bilstein advices against mixing HD and sports. Don't know why, but they do.

Richard,
You can't always rely on the colour. The same shock/part number can come in different colours. I got yellow and green so naturally I was nervous, but after talking to the importer I learned that they make the same part no. with different colours due to various reasons.

Sounds like we got the exact same setup

RJM3 · 05-02-2002, 07:37 AM

Can anyone give the bilstein part # for reg . or sport# ? can i clean the shock further and get a bilstein # and compare? thanks

dickster · 05-02-2002, 07:44 AM

mikkel, great aren't they??

i can get the part numbers later............at my desk at the moment.

Chuck Moreland · 05-02-2002, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sy308
What shock is going to be most comfortable with everyday driving so that each and every imperfection of road surface is not felt? What would be closest to OEM? What are the technical differences between HD and SPORT with regards to travel or damping, etc? What is most popular replacement type and why? Local PCA Tech Advisor recommended SPORT (but he likes very stiff ride). Car use 95% daily driving and 5% other track events. Thank you.

KYB is closest to OEM. Sports are about 25% stiffer than HD and they are recommended for cars that have been lowered. I would advise against sports if you have stock tbars.

Shocks, springs, and vehicle weight need to be in balance. A sport shock on a stock tbar is overdampened.

Kahuna · 05-02-2002, 08:41 AM

Another vote for hd front sport rear. Works great on my car 86 Carrera

nhromyak · nhromyak's Garage

I would think Bilstein.com would be able to best answer your questions.

That's what I did. They have pretty much specified all that has been suggested here regarding, using stock HD front and rear. The sports are 10mm lower front and rear for their "sweet"/active spot.

If you do NOT want to feel the road, I would look to get the BOGE. I understand these give a very good ride.

jsmarcus · 05-02-2002, 11:53 AM

HDs front and rear in my daily driver. They are firm and sports are rumored to be even firmer. Stick with HDs if you drive the car daily.

StuttgartDavid · 05-02-2002, 11:56 AM

Concur with the above.
I have sports all around, and sports are TOO MUCH up front for driving on rough pavement.

sy308 · 05-02-2002, 01:05 PM

Thanks. I decided to do HD all around. Wife has C5 and it is just on the verge of being too bumpy for me. I really appreciate the advice. Parts have been ordered.