Bilstein Shock
#33
I think I'm gonna try the MS springs on the stock shocks until I can get some other shocks. It will be a nice learning experience either way. I really need to document this also since the pictures on the current DIY are gone.
I was looking forward to getting these but I am getting furlough sometime Q1 next year and now need to just save money. Unless someone has a used set cheap....
You guys are always so helpful.
I was looking forward to getting these but I am getting furlough sometime Q1 next year and now need to just save money. Unless someone has a used set cheap....
You guys are always so helpful.
#34
Registered
As far as stock damping rates I am completely unaware of how the 09 R3 and aftermarket HD shocks compare. However, the OE R3 Bilsteins are of the crimp-top variety and are not rebuildable/revalvable/etc. The aftermarket Bilstein HD is not a crimp-top (I forget the terminology used for these) and are easily and cheaply revalvable/rebuildable/etc. Bilstein would charge you ~$65 per shock for custom valving and many other shops will charge you similar rates for similar service. FatCatMotorsports is working on, and may even have available, a service to make your Bilstein HD's adjustable.
#35
went back to srsly broke
iTrader: (2)
They are not the same.
As far as stock damping rates I am completely unaware of how the 09 R3 and aftermarket HD shocks compare. However, the OE R3 Bilsteins are of the crimp-top variety and are not rebuildable/revalvable/etc. The aftermarket Bilstein HD is not a crimp-top (I forget the terminology used for these) and are easily and cheaply revalvable/rebuildable/etc. Bilstein would charge you ~$65 per shock for custom valving and many other shops will charge you similar rates for similar service. FatCatMotorsports is working on, and may even have available, a service to make your Bilstein HD's adjustable.
As far as stock damping rates I am completely unaware of how the 09 R3 and aftermarket HD shocks compare. However, the OE R3 Bilsteins are of the crimp-top variety and are not rebuildable/revalvable/etc. The aftermarket Bilstein HD is not a crimp-top (I forget the terminology used for these) and are easily and cheaply revalvable/rebuildable/etc. Bilstein would charge you ~$65 per shock for custom valving and many other shops will charge you similar rates for similar service. FatCatMotorsports is working on, and may even have available, a service to make your Bilstein HD's adjustable.
I'd imagine for street use, the base bilstein HD would be more than capable.
#37
Registered
FatCat is able to revalve any non-crimp-top Bilstein shock and is currently working on rebound adjustable Bilsteins for the NC Miata and the RX8 (very similar suspension/shock design) but from what I understand they are not complete yet. Once they are done, you could add any of the popular compression canisters and have drop-in double adjustable, monotube Bilstein shocks.
For me I am looking at getting some HD's revalved, adding schrader valves, but leaving them non-adjustable for right now. I want to see what I can do with the car in STX and the less ***** I have to fiddle with the more consistent my setup will be.
#39
Below is an email I sent to Bilstein recently when looking for new shocks. I have Tein S-Tech springs. I ended up buying the Konis, as they are designed for use with lowering springs. I think the MS springs are < 1" drop so you should be okay with Bilsteins. That is an awsome price. The best price I could find on Konis was $673. I needed new dust boots on the fronts so that was another $40. I think the Bilsteins come with new dust boots. Don't forget to trim the bump-stops and "pre-load" the fronts.
Q: Does Bilstein offer a "sport" shock for the 2004 Mazda RX-8 that is designed for used with aftermarket lowering springs? All I see listed is "heavy-duty designed for use with the OEM springs". Is there a problem using lowering springs with the heavy-duty shock?
A: Though Bilstein does not make a Sport shock for the RX-8, the HD shocks can be used with springs that lower the car up to about 1.25”.
Q: Does Bilstein offer a "sport" shock for the 2004 Mazda RX-8 that is designed for used with aftermarket lowering springs? All I see listed is "heavy-duty designed for use with the OEM springs". Is there a problem using lowering springs with the heavy-duty shock?
A: Though Bilstein does not make a Sport shock for the RX-8, the HD shocks can be used with springs that lower the car up to about 1.25”.
![Name: IMG_0075.jpg
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#40
Below is an email I sent to Bilstein recently when looking for new shocks. I have Tein S-Tech springs. I ended up buying the Konis, as they are designed for use with lowering springs. I think the MS springs are < 1" drop so you should be okay with Bilsteins. That is an awsome price. The best price I could find on Konis was $673. I needed new dust boots on the fronts so that was another $40. I think the Bilsteins come with new dust boots. Don't forget to trim the bump-stops and "pre-load" the fronts.
Q: Does Bilstein offer a "sport" shock for the 2004 Mazda RX-8 that is designed for used with aftermarket lowering springs? All I see listed is "heavy-duty designed for use with the OEM springs". Is there a problem using lowering springs with the heavy-duty shock?
A: Though Bilstein does not make a Sport shock for the RX-8, the HD shocks can be used with springs that lower the car up to about 1.25”.
Q: Does Bilstein offer a "sport" shock for the 2004 Mazda RX-8 that is designed for used with aftermarket lowering springs? All I see listed is "heavy-duty designed for use with the OEM springs". Is there a problem using lowering springs with the heavy-duty shock?
A: Though Bilstein does not make a Sport shock for the RX-8, the HD shocks can be used with springs that lower the car up to about 1.25”.
btw, what sway bar do you have there?
#44
#45
Dodging those Corollas
iTrader: (2)
That information from Bilstein is misleading.
Bilstein DOES make a sport shock for the RX-8. I have them. Bilstein US does not distribute the sport shocks in North America. Bilstein in Europe does.
The sport shock is called the Bilstein B8. In fact the HD's that are available in Canada/US are called Bilstein B6.
I live in Canada, and I imported mine from the UK from an online store called Larkspeed. They ship to North America, so you can get your Bilstein B8 there.
Want more proof? Head on over to Bilstein's headquarter website page in Europe. Don't go the USA one.
Bilstein DOES make a sport shock for the RX-8. I have them. Bilstein US does not distribute the sport shocks in North America. Bilstein in Europe does.
The sport shock is called the Bilstein B8. In fact the HD's that are available in Canada/US are called Bilstein B6.
I live in Canada, and I imported mine from the UK from an online store called Larkspeed. They ship to North America, so you can get your Bilstein B8 there.
Want more proof? Head on over to Bilstein's headquarter website page in Europe. Don't go the USA one.
#47
I have an R3 and just bought PSS9s. I want to sell my stock Bilsteins, but want to be sure that they will work on series I cars before I do. Don't want to sell someone something that won't fit. As far as I can see, there should be minimal issues if paired with the right spring.
#48
Registered
iTrader: (15)
I have an R3 and just bought PSS9s. I want to sell my stock Bilsteins, but want to be sure that they will work on series I cars before I do. Don't want to sell someone something that won't fit. As far as I can see, there should be minimal issues if paired with the right spring.
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