Question on shock stiffness

[Harold_89_911]

I recently got a 89 Targa. The shocks in the rear are weak and the handling in bumpy curves suffers as a consequence. According to the records, the shocks have never been changed during the 118k miles. Pretty respectable but now it’s time. From talking to some people, I understand that I should replace all four at the same time. So I’m looking at going with the Boge or use the Bilstein (insert in Boge strut). Financially, there is not that big of a difference ($150) and I understand that the Bilstein is the better (performance and quality) shock. That would make me lean towards the Bilstein. The big concern I have that the car is a fair weather commuter car and the 101 freeway between Ventura and Thousand Oaks is notoriously bumpy. When I commuted on my Ninja 600, I could not stay seated on the bike but had to support my weight with the foot pegs so I could use my legs as additional suspension. If the Bilstein shocks give a stiffer ride than the Boge, it could make the commute uncomfortable. From the Saabnet, I remembered some people complaining about the stiffness of Bilstein for a daily driver. So I would like to know if there is a big difference from your experience with the 911. Eventually, I would like to get into the DE with the car but that is a secondary priority.

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Harold
89 911 Targa
89&91 Saab 900

[Early_S_Man]

Harold,

That is a pretty subjective question, judging on variations I have seen in freeway condition!

Mysuggestion would be to go to a PCA or other autocross and look for a stock SC or Carrera with Bilsteins to go for a ride in ... I'm sure most owners would accomodate you.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[Harold_89_911]

Maybe I can clarify my questions and make it less subjective. If you have two identical 911s, one with new Boge shocks and one with new Bilsteins, are you going to feel a significant difference in stiffness between the two cars or will the ride quality be pretty close? I know that on a Saab 900 Bilsteins will be a lot stiffer than stock, but I figured that maybe the stock Porsche shocks would be fairly stiff too when new.

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Harold
89 911 Targa
89&91 Saab 900

[john walker's workshop]

they are firm for sure but they ride quite nicely in my opinion. not like a rock by any means. the heavy dutys are the "weakest" bilstein.

[This message has been edited by john walker's workshop (edited 10-05-2001).]

[don911]

I like my Bilsteins. I have Bilstein sports along with larger torsion bars. My car is a daily driver. I think you can get non sport Bilsteins. I doubt that it would make the ride too rough if you have stock torsion bars.
I really like my set up but it is pretty stiff on really bumpy roads. It's great on the track tho.