Wanted Help With Bilstein Struts

Hcarraro · 03-05-2009, 12:04 PM

Several months ago, I bought a set of new Bilstein struts for my 914 race car project. No this is not a Koni' strut, the previous owner had painted them red. Yeah, I know, go figure. There is green paint showing beneath the red paint and there is a Porsche 914 part number stamped on the housing.

As you can see from the photograph, the strut is incomplete and I need to know if anyone has an exploded drawing of the 914 Bilstein Strut so I can determine what I need to complete them. A source for the needed parts would also be appreciated.

I have several sets of Boge struts in my shop, but none of the parts seem to fit the Bilsteins including the pinch bolts. Also do you know if the Bilstein struts require a different set of bearings than a Boge? I noticed on the Elephant racing web site last night that they sell a bearing kit for the Bilsteins????? Is the spindle larger on the Bilsteins?

Any help would be greatfully appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Henry
hcarraro@hughes.net

Hcarraro · 03-08-2009, 07:37 AM

Just a quick post to say that my mystery has been solved. Here is what Brad Roberts had to say:

"What you have is a pretty rare 914 Bilstein. These are for 4 lug (you do understand this correct?)

I do not see that your are missing anything. It takes stock 4cyl 4 lug bearings from 73-76. It will accept the stock taper pin (not the bolt) These were an option on the 73-74 2.0's (part of the S option) that never really flew here in the USA, but the struts where available."

I was trying to complicate things. The struts are now ready to go on the car tomorrow.

Henry

911rsr2.8 · 911rsr2.8's Garage

I have a set I am installing mine were painted blue. Must be cousins. I am waiting on new bilstein shock inserts to install. I assume the collar 3/4's the way up to the top are threaded on and retain the insert?

911rsr2.8 · 911rsr2.8's Garage

What I am reading there is a pin towards the bottom that has to be punched out to release the insert?

TFI · 09:07 AM

Yes, the collar is threaded.

The pin that needs punched out is a bolt that goes through the whole at the ball joint end of the strut. The head of the bolt is tapered and is lodged in between the ball joint shaft and strut.

911rsr2.8 · 911rsr2.8's Garage

TFI, Thanks for the help. I am also seeing where the ball joint fits in the strut there is a allen head bolt running dead center up the bottom of the strut. Currently frozen soaking in solution to free up. Does not have pin pressed in at the lower portion as shown with the set of red ones.

TFI · 03-11-2009, 08:35 PM

Get some pictures. Are you sure they are like the red ones?

infraredcalvin · infraredcalvin's Garage

FWIW - I don't think the bilsteins are that rare, I've got them on my 75, they're a light blue color. I also have the original window sticker, there is no mention of a special suspension package.

djpateman · 03-20-2009, 06:16 AM

I have two sets of the struts, both green still. I do believe they are fairly fair since the only two I have actually seen are in my possession. It is nice to learn of a few others that have them.

Pat, I'd like to see that window sticker. The Bilsteins were an option, so if they were original, then they would be listed. Note that we are talking about Bilstein struts, not struts with Bilstein inserts. Bilstein struts are the only ones with a roll pin at the bottom of the tube to hold the insert in place.

infraredcalvin · infraredcalvin's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by infraredcalvin

FWIW - I don't think the bilsteins are that rare, I've got them on my 75, they're a light blue color. I also have the original window sticker, there is no mention of a special suspension package.

Sorry I lied, I got my cars confused I was thinking of my 930 strut and transposed the thought to the 914. I just took a look at my 914 today (it's been in pieces in my shop for a while), it actually has the boge struts front and rear not the bilsteins...