Right shocks for the job.........

[Franco912]

Hi all,

In a previous note I wrote that I had bought a set of Fuchs wheels for my '66 in 7x15 front and 8x15 rear. They stick out, ahem, a bit and I had to put 225/50s on the rear to give me some wheel-well clearance. Since I don't have flaired fenders they still might rub over big bumps etc. I think that it might be due, in part, to my rear shocks being old and a bit too "springy", if you know what I mean. What might be a shock that I can go to that will provide a stiffer ride and keep me from bottoming with respect to the fenders and won't break the bank? I just sold a 944 the other night and that car proved to be a bank buster when all was said and done.

Let the answers and associated commentary begin....

Thanks,

Frank

[bmwloco]

Frank,

First, why are you running different rear wheels? 912's, as a whole, are very balanced - good power, weight, and balance. Once you change things, you add expense.

Aside from that, your shock options are Boge, Bilstein, Koni or KYB.

In some cases, Boge just aren't available.

Expect to spend $350-500 for Bilstein or Koni. Depending on your car, you may or may not be able to run Bilstein or Koni's without a adapter plate change.

By far, KYB shocks are the least expensive and most painless way to go. They can be had for about $150 for two struts and two shocks. I have them on my 912 Targa. They work well, though some folks may blanche at the fact that they're white. I can replace my KYB's 4 times for what I can buy one set of Koni's or Bilsteins.

If I can offer any advice, stay as close to "stock" as you can and keep it simple. Your 912 will last a lot longer that way, and serve you well.

[Franco912]

Loco,

Thanks for the post, but first, which BMW are you currently loco about? All right, I'm running 8x15s on the rear because the set of Fuchs I bought happen to be 7 and 8s x 15. The price was right and they included tires. I really like the look and am trying to find a situation that works so I can keep them. I probably need new shocks all around anyway but over a good, deep bump, of which there are plenty in New England, the wheel will rise and hit the bottom of the fender lip. Not good. I was hoping to find a situation where I could trade a little stiffer ride for the car not bottoming and save the fenders and I was looking at shocks to keep enough space, on compression, between the tire and fender. I hope this makes some sense.

regards,

Frank

[bmwloco]

I'm BMWloco about motorcycles, NOT the cars (save for 2002's and 3.0CSI models).

At present I have a 1966 R60/2, 1981 R80G/S Paris Dakar, and have a F650 for sale.

As a poor college student, I couldn't afford Porsches, so I got into motorcycles. All the speed, agility and fun to be had in a Porsche at a fraction of the price