Information wanted re Bilstein lengths

[Bill Verburg]

If any of you are installing new shocks, struts or inserts, front or rear

Please, measure and post
end to end extended length, this is the more important spec

also interesting

compressed length

and if gas filled
compression force

It would be extremely helpful for others to make informed decisions about their suspension projects; the manufacturers are not being forthcoming w/ this info and it is critical to know.

I'll start the ball rolling w/ info that I've gotten so far

Bilstein b8 cartridge #34-050507
collapsed length 14.33 in
extended length 21.36 in

Bilstein b8 cartridge #34-001134 : I believe that there is an error here, it makes more sense that this is a b6 shock, either the part # or b8 moniker is in error
collapsed length 17.09 in
extended length 24.67 in

MCS 1nr full front strut
~24" : These struts can be made in a wide range of lengths as specified by the purchaser so you results may vary.

[Bawif]

Thanks for sharing

[Machala]

Great idea, having real-world measurements will definitely help others make better choices. Thanks for kicking things off with solid data, hopefully more folks can chime in with their specs.

[PeteKz]

Bill, I started a thread called "Shock Specifications" on July 6th to collect that info too. You repled to it. I posted the info about my Koni Sport rear shocks.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1179881-shock-specifications.html

We probably ought to consolidate that info under a title that's easy to search for.

[Bill Verburg]

Here are the 911 Bilstein insert lengths, compressed/extended, according to Bilstein


This info leaves me scratching my head, as the longest one is a b8 and the 2 b6's are the same length as the other b8. Chuck had told me that the b6 and b8s were the same lengths, that 1 b8 seems to be an outlier as do the 2 different weights categories.


So after several discussions w/ Chuck at Elephant I've decided to
1) shorten my existing b6 inserts by 1 "

2) raise the spindles by 40mm

3) add the double sheer steering knuckle kit

4) digressive revalve

5) install the shortened wiper seals

This is all so that I can run the front as low as I like and retain, stroke and geometry

[nickelplated5s]

Bill, without looking at your 'garage' it would be helpful for what platform you want data for. My SWB is relevant to only a small subset here.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by nickelplated5s

Bill, without looking at your 'garage' it would be helpful for what platform you want data for. My SWB is relevant to only a small subset here.

If you insist

[nickelplated5s]

I'm sure you know but be careful with the 40mm spindle raise. 17" rims probably OK but there were for sale here a set with 25mm. Here's what a friends 73 with Koni rears measured;
Max length: 23-7/16”, 595.3mm
Min. Length: 14-15/16”, 379.4mm
He measured my old Bil's, 22 to 17.5 with stops. The new Von's about the same but with less stop bumpers. Mine is about 2" lower than what you have now. Shorten the strut rod. I accoplished about 1 1/4 a different way.
Here's my conundrum about spindles. Lowering a car brings the RC down by definition. I see little to no benefit for that with mine. The angles are so close any differnence would be minimal.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by nickelplated5s

I'm sure you know but be careful with the 40mm spindle raise. 17" rims probably OK but there were for sale here a set with 25mm. Here's what a friends 73 with Koni rears measured;
Max length: 23-7/16”, 595.3mm
Min. Length: 14-15/16”, 379.4mm
He measured my old Bil's, 22 to 17.5 with stops. The new Von's about the same but with less stop bumpers. Mine is about 2" lower than what you have now. Shorten the strut rod. I accoplished about 1 1/4 a different way.
Here's my conundrum about spindles. Lowering a car brings the RC down by definition. I see little to no benefit for that with mine. The angles are so close any difference would be minimal.

Mine is about 2" lower than what you have now

I doubt that very much, my fenders are @24", torsion bar center which is the more reliable metric is 133mm

the front is down ~2.7" (69mm)from spec, and I may go a tad further

there are several options to regain the lost compression stroke
1) raise spindles regains 1.57"(40mm) + shorten insert gains 1"(25mm) for a total of 2.57"(65.405mm)
2) raise spindles 40mm + shorter seal .75"(19.05mm) for a total of 2.32"(59.05mm)

either is acceptable

the raised spindle also partially restores geometry, raising the roll center closer to stock

the adjustable steering knuckle addresses the roll steer issue


Vonns are just digressively revalved Bilstein b6

[nickelplated5s]

It's 22" to lip front, 24" rear. Your 17" rims would add 1/2" to that. You have to angle the front in for curb cuts. The outside tire will lift sometimes, car is stiff.
I know about the Von's. Unfortunately you can't get them externally adjustable anymore hence my L2's. SWB options are limited, shocks, no adjustable knuckles, etc. If you are in the area you are welcome to drive it once the motor is back in. The caveat being only on dry days.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

If any of you are installing new shocks, struts or inserts, front or rear

Please, measure and post
end to end extended length, this is the more important spec

also interesting

compressed length

and if gas filled
compression force

It would be extremely helpful for others to make informed decisions about their suspension projects; the manufacturers are not being forthcoming w/ this info and it is critical to know.

I'll start the ball rolling w/ info that I've gotten so far

Bilstein b8 cartridge #34-050507
collapsed length 14.33 in
extended length 21.36 in

Bilstein b8 cartridge #34-001134 : I believe that there is an error here, it makes more sense that this is a b6 shock, either the part # or b8 moniker is in error
collapsed length 17.09 in
extended length 24.67 in

MCS 1nr full front strut
~24" : These struts can be made in a wide range of lengths as specified by the purchaser so you results may vary.

just to add to the mystery
My struts are off and measure 26" tip to tip


As opposed to Glenfields closer to 27"