Can't use Bilstein's - Best Option

[porschelou]

We are getting ready to race Chumps in Aug (1st time for chumps). They won't let you run a Perf Suspension setup. I have been using IE springs with Sport Bilsteins for Lemons but need to go to a good stock setup to prevent getting penalty laps.

Our idea:
Rear - use stock springs but drill, drain , refill the rear shocks with heavier weight oil - seen this done and it will really stiffens the shock up

Front - Cut coils, (really want to use Bilstein HD but don't they have the larger chrome cylinder like the sports as well???). The inspectors will feel the cylinder and if it's large they know its a perf insert. So, If I can't run the Sports or HD what is the next best option? KYB, boge, touring class bilsteins ????

I'm looking for options.. 86 325e w/ m30 motor.. Yes I know we will get laps for the motor but want to minimize them...

Thanks

[jlevie]

Cut the springs (front and back) and use new Boge/Sachs shocks. The shocks will be a bit underdamped and won't last long, but race tracks are generally pretty smooth if you stay off the gators.

For the rear springs, you can weld tabs around the lower perches to hold the cut springs in place. The fronts aren't problem. I'd say to try two turns off.

[Massimo]

In all honesty my stock 318is suspension when it was new was actually really good and very pradictable. I would just go stock 318is springs with billie hd's and call it a day.

[wakdog]

I thought koni yellows look pretty similar to stock once assembled (assuming you run stock strut top mounts and stick the little dust cap in the top to hide the adjustable top...)

[Northern]

In all honesty my stock 318is suspension when it was new was actually really good and very pradictable. I would just go stock 318is springs with billie hd's and call it a day.

This is definitely what I would not do with an M30 under the hood. Try to find the stiffest stock springs you can get away with and butcher those.

[porschelou]

Thanks for the replies. I like the idea of cutting the rears and welding a tab on. I was at a pick n' pull yesterday and found a real nice 91 318is. I grabbed the rear springs - not sure if they are better/lower then our 86 e springs.

Do you guys know if the billie HD strut inserts have the large diameter tube?? I'm ready to buy a set but can't if they look like the Sport struts..

Wish I could use Koni's but the inspectors will find them...

[nando]

In all honesty my stock 318is suspension when it was new was actually really good and very pradictable. I would just go stock 318is springs with billie hd's and call it a day.

re-read the OP. HD's are not allowed. They're the same thing as sports with different valving.

[cheapshot]

Run camaro rear shocks. Pretty much any from the 80s-90s. People on here have reported that they are stiffer than HD's.

[porschelou]

Thanks for the replies and suggestion about running camaro shocks in the rear. I think we will go that route. I did just get a new set if bilsteins touring for the front but after reading the other discussions about the alternative methods for the front I might go that route as well.

[Northern]

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40472

If you haven't seen it yet... no 318 rates listed though

[porschelou]

Input needed -
I purchased a new set of Billie Touring front strut inserts. We have cut two coils off of the factory spring so the car sits lower.

Question - will we blow out a standard length insert under race conditions? We are doing a 24hr race at VIR Grand Course in 4 weeks.



Update on the rear - Thanks for the suggestions.

I do have a set of camaro KYB rear shocks coming. In the rear we are going to use a spare set of front strut top plates (the steel disk that engages the strut spring) and weld a round disk to the bottom. Then burn a large hole in the center of the disk that will lock around the tit from the rear lower control arm. This will lock the rear spring once we cut two coils off from the rear.. This also allows quick change when we want to run our stage 3 IE springs later.