Keep my HDs or buy new Billy Sports

[SeatownE30]

Hey R3V fanatics!

I need your thoughts on a dilemma of mine....

I'm currently on a set of H&R Sports with Bilstein HDs and Richard Keith's 15mm drop hats. The problem is the Sports aren't low enough for my taste so i'm considering a set of Vogtland Springs (40mm drop or 1.6") and possibly Billy Sports.

From my multiple searches, it sounds like the Vogtlands are pretty good German made springs. Somewhere between H&R Sport and Race in terms or drop and a bit stiffer that sport. Price is good too. I found them for $195 shipped. :)

So my questions are....

1. Is it really worth getting a set of new Billy Sports with the Voglands? Am i going to notice that big of a difference in terms of ride quality? Also will the new shocks w/ shorter bodies (i think) drop the car a bit more? The HDs i have are only 1-2 years old and work fine so im not sure if the $400 investment is worth it. Does anyone have any experience?

2. Should i keep using my drop hats with the Vogtlands? I'm leaning towards keeping them in my set up but open to suggestions. Hate the reverse rake look ya know?

The car is a 91 late model 318i 4dr with the M42. Daily driven rock star. :)

Thanks in advance! :up:

[Killacortes]

If you want low go coilover set up with the sports. I don't think the vogtland springs are that low. And if you decide to go with billy sports. I'll buy your rear hd's ;)

[SeatownE30]

Thanks for the advice Killacortes.

To be honest i don't see myself "slamming" the car with coilovers due to budget constraints but do want something a bit lower than H&R Sports. Vogtlands seem like the logical choice based on budget and reviews i've heard on this forum. Remember, its a daily driver that will not see any track time.

That was my previous life with my NX2000 with the SR20DE. :)

[nrubenstein]

The valving is the same. Apparently, the only difference is that the Sport comes with a longer droop spacer.

Either way, you need to trim the front bump stops.

[dothadance]

the use of "lowering springs" with the HD's voids their warranty.

[SeatownE30]

Thanks for the advice fellas

The PO bought the HD's so Im not worried about any kind of warranty. Good point though

[SeatownE30]

Does anyone else have opinions?

[SeatownE30]

Surprising, i thought more people would have opinions on this subject. Where's the E30 old timers when you need em. :(

[84bimmer]

I'd run the HD's and keep the drophats in for now. It should be just a bit stiffer due to the vogtland rates. You can always get the sports and/or remove the hats later on. I'm planning to install vogtlands with sports in the spring on my ES, I'm undecided on drophats though. I'd be interested in your opionion on the ride quality once you have your springs in.

[SeatownE30]

Thanks 84bimmer

I hear you, i've always been leaning towards keeping my HD's but after some research and comments from folks on this thread have I've made my decision to use them with the Vogtlands. I can always change them out to sports when they finally die.

As for the drop hats, i'll stick with them in my set up and deal with the intermittent popping noise that happens. I might even lop off a dead coil and lose the drop hats to get rid of the noise entirely. I dunno, will figure it out when i get to that bridge. IMHO, the drop hats are kinda a let down with the annoying noise issue, nice extra 15mm drop though.

[MattBimmer]

Hey Guys similar question, just to save making a new thread.
I have a 318is I "want" a firmer nice ride, and I am thinking Billies all the way. I want and inch to inch and a half drop. Nothing severe, just a nice little drop.
Do I want HDs with stocks...does that drop it at all? or Sports with BavAuto, HR springs?

Also the cheaper the better.

If you wanna PM me opinions they would be greatly appreciated.

[84bimmer]

Are intermittent popping noises common with drophats? I haven't heard that before.

[SeatownE30]

MattBimmer - from my understanding, price is the same between Billy Sports or HDs. I'm currently on a set of H&R sports and im not pleased with the drop thus my move to Vogtlands. If it were me starting from scratch, i'd go with the Vogtlands/Billy Sports combo. The only reason why im sticking with my HDs is cuz the previous owner just installed them prior to me buying the car. Good luck!

84bimmer - in my limited experience - yes. apparently, others have the same experience but not all those who have drop hats. happens to both e90 or richardkeith97 ones.

[xwill112x]

Just do H&R race without the drop hats and youll be good.

[SkiFree]

Sorry but Vogtlands are seriously being considered a performance spring?!






Hell hath just froze over.