993 on stock US springs w/ Bilstein B6s

[matsuzaka]

There’s lots of information and threads about various suspension/shock setups on 993s out there, but I’ve not found much information about paring stock US spec springs with Bilstein B6s. This is exactly the set up I went with so I thought I would share my impressions.
My objective was to lower the car to European height and try to maintain a reasonable ride. I did go into this knowing that much of suspension stiffness is in the shocks not so much in the springs, adjustable shocks have taught me this. I was discussing my plans with my suspension expert and he suggested going with stock springs and B6s because he had done a couple of other 993s in this manner and he assured me he could give me the lowered stance I was looking for.
I recently had the job done and he had no issues during the install and alignment and was able to lower the car to my satisfaction. The ride is certainly stiffer than before but I don’t think it’s harsh, stiff yes, you will feel imperfections more but on decent roads and on highways ride is very acceptable, of course ride is a subjective matter so you have to take my comments with a grain of salt. I had an E46 M3 for many years, some people thought it was too stiff as a daily driver, I didn’t think so and I offer this comment as a reference. Another reference is my stock 86 930, I think ride is very similar. Here’s a picture.

[Kein_Ersatz]

Nice stance, thanks for sharing the option.

[Jascha]

Thanks for posting... I am in the middle of the numerous 'forks in the road' (not taken)

How did your wrench achieve this lowered (ROW) height using standard springs (not M033?) and B6 (without extra modification)

[Marine Blue]

I was wondering the same, my impression was that the only way to get rid of the 4x4 look was to use M030 European spec springs.

[Jascha]

I asked Gert (Carnewal) and he confirmed that for 'sporty street' and lowered to the RoW M030 = M033 height. You can also use the B8 shocks which have a shorter piston length, preventing floating of the shorter springs in the rear.

[matsuzaka]

Originally Posted by Jascha

Thanks for posting... I am in the middle of the numerous 'forks in the road' (not taken)

How did your wrench achieve this lowered (ROW) height using standard springs (not M033?) and B6 (without extra modification)

I apologize for late response.
Unfortunately I have no idea on how they were installed since I did not do the job myself.
The B6s that were used are ones with extra length of threads on body. This allows the car to be lowered further than with stock shocks.
I can tell you that I recently put the car on jack stands and removed the front wheels and I didn’t notice any spring float.

[Cobalt]

Particularly I find that the B6/B8's are too aggressively valved for the soft factory springs. I would not do it as IMO it makes for an inferior ride and does little to help with handling. If you go with B6/B8's I would consider a slightly more aggressive H&R lowering spring. The springs and shocks work as a team and if one is too soft or two hard it will not respond properly and either be harsh or bounce around.

You can use the newer front shocks used on the 92's on up which are the same as the M030/33 and either the RoW M033 or 94 turbo springs. Rear shocks are the same IIRC.

[apads]

Having the extra threads is what allows the lowering of the B6. Question - my car came with B6s, is there a way to distinguish (visually or by part no.) if it has the extra threads?

[matsuzaka]

Originally Posted by apads

Having the extra threads is what allows the lowering of the B6. Question - my car came with B6s, is there a way to distinguish (visually or by part no.) if it has the extra threads?

There are good pictures in Tirerack site.
You could always contact Bilstein, they’re very helpful.

[apads]

I'm going with the same setup - the B6 with stock springs. Running into a lot of issues getting the alignment right though.

[Gspin]

I went with the B6 and stock springs on my 4S and works very well. Stayed with stock ride height.