Boge (with Eibach) vs Bilstein: Experience wanted

[mtelliott]

Interested in real world experience upgrading from original shocks to Boge's with Eibach Progressive rate springs vs. just getting Bilsteins.

She's a 1985 S and it's time for new shocks. Not planning on tracking the car or auto crossing her. Just need to get new shocks. I can just go OEM (Boge) however would like a little better handling in the curves if possible. I'm concerned about the Eibach springs lowering the car and scraping getting in/out of driveway.

Anyone gone to these options (real world experience) that could share what their thought were? Any regrets?

Michael

[mtelliott]

As well, there seems (in Pelican) to be a Bilstein shock and a Bilstein Sport Shock. What's the difference?

Michael

[Danglerb]

There is only one part number for the Bilstein (ok, one front, one rear).

Its been a LONG time, but I really liked Bilsteins with stock springs on my 81, so Bilsteins and stock are what I plan to put on my US 83 and 85 Euro with stock springs. Bilstein rebuilds their shocks for $65, and I think that includes revalving if you want.

I don't think regular Boges (which I believe do come in several settings) have enough damping to go with Eibachs. Maybe the Boge reds would work.

[mtelliott]

I see. The front is called a shock. The rear is called a sports shock? Sport shock comes with a collar?

[Danglerb]

This from the Bilstein site. Could be collar or no collar, but big difference and I am pretty sure just one front and one rear is actually available.

.
PORSCHE 928 H
Manufacturer: BILSTEIN
New part#: F4-B46-0974-H1
List Price: $ 119.59

.
PORSCHE 928 V
Manufacturer: BILSTEIN
New part#: F4-B46-0966-H1
List Price: $ 154.33


.
PORSCHE 928 REAR
Manufacturer: BILSTEIN
New part#: F4-B46-0974-H0
List Price: $ 265.00

Setting: Heavy Duty (HD)
Position: Rear


.
PORSCHE 928 FRONT
Manufacturer: BILSTEIN
New part#: F4-B46-0966-H0
List Price: $ 342.00

Setting: Heavy Duty (HD)
Position: Front

[Danglerb]

From 928Intl

928 333 051 12 Bilstein Rear Shock 78-95
Bilstein Rear Shock 78-95
$225.00


928 333 513 01 Rear Bilstein Adjuster Nut
Rear Bilstein Adjuster Nut
$39.00


928 343 055 05 Bilstein Shock
Bilstein Shock
$250.00


928 343 055 06 Bilstein Front Shock 78-95
Bilstein Front Shock 78-95
Will fit all years but for 78-84 you need the later shorter springs
$259.00


928 343 535 00 BILSTEIN FRONT ADJ NUT
BILSTEIN FRONT ADJ NUT
$73.00

[icemang17]

If you are going to stay on the street and no DE or autocross...than a stock Boge with stock springs is fine & much cheaper.....about $450 for all 4 + installation (which you can do yourself)

Bilsteins on stock springs is a great slightly stiffer compromise...makes the car handle much better, but rides about the same.....same can be said for Boge red (factory sport shocks option 474)...improved handling but minimal loss in comfort....

Another though is the stock boge shocks last a lONG time....I have 97K miles on mine and they are only slightly worn..... I've ridden in others with 150+K that are starting to weaken...

Of course Boge reds and Bilsteins are $850+....so its quite a bit more $$$ than stock boges

[ROG100]

Michael already knows my opinion when it comes to what is required.
I wanted to maintain the stock feel of the car and did not want anyting harsh.

The springs on my GTS had sagged and I needed to replace them. Based on cost I went with Eibach springs because they gave the stock feel at normal street speeds but becams progressivly stiffer as the cornering speeds increased - best of both Worlds. Stock springs were way more expensive than the Eibachs.

I went with stock gas Boges based on cost v more $ and harsher ride with Konis and Bilsteins.

I am not the greatest driver in the World and maybe there is something I can learn here.
I asked the same question on Rennlist as well.

For normal street driving what advantage am I going to get over and above a stock setup v the different setups available - so if I spend x $ what % better suspension/ride package will I get?

For the record the Eibachs and stock Boges cost $715.

[Danglerb]

For normal street driving on what street and which maniac driving?

I think a lot of personal preference goes into what people like best. I'm certain what your used to and the placebo effect from the name play a big roll too.

Hopefully some good technical responses will flesh things out, I only know the Bilsteins work well for me in the past.