Billy sport front insert question

[RagtopE30]

Just got some new billy sport front inserts and the directions say to remove old oil from the strut tube but dont say anything about how much to add back when installing the insert. So two questions:

1) Do I just follow the Bentley manual's instructions for strut insert R&R or run the billy sports dry?
2) If I replace the oil, what oil seems to work the best?

Thanks

[Sagaris]

The directions that come with the struts should say to empty out the oil, do not add oil, the bilstein inserts fit inside a dry strut housing (no it does not need to be dry like a desert). But FYI in the case that you were using OE struts, you would just use motor oil in there.

[RagtopE30]

I also called the west coast Bilstien headquarters and one of the techs told me to put in 124mL of shock oil. I told him the vehicle I was working on and even gave them the part number of the strut. Does this sound right?

[jlevie]

The theory behind oil in the strut housings is that it will improve heat transfer from the strut cartridge. I'm not at all convinced that it makes any difference since oil is such a lousy heat transfer material and never add oil to the housing.

[Jean]

+1...and possibly prevents rust inside the housing? won't hurt anything.

[RagtopE30]

Thanks guys! So what I am taking from this is, It probably doesnt make a difference but it also doesnt hurt. So 50/50 on wether or not to replace the oe oil.