Why are Bilstein Sports so ROUGH!?

[jeffnhiscars]

Like so many supposedly simple things we do, fronts are turning in to a clusterf*%k.

Seems the weld for the upper perch is interfering with the inside bore preventing the new strut from sliding in more than bout 4 inches. I worked it with a file which helped marginally but at the moment I think it's going to my machinist on Monday. Perhaps he has some kind of Grindr/reamer with a reach.

[KIRIEIW]

Like so many supposedly simple things we do, fronts are turning in to a clusterf*%k.

Seems the weld for the upper perch is interfering with the inside bore preventing the new strut from sliding in more than bout 4 inches. I worked it with a file which helped marginally but at the moment I think it's going to my machinist on Monday. Perhaps he has some kind of Grindr/reamer with a reach.

Sounds like your having the same exact problem I had when I had new spring perch's welded on. Shock wouldn't slide into the strut body because the weld went into the bore. I know I started filing it down by hand, can't remember if I ended up using air tools in the end. Regardless my brand new shock got all scratched up trying to slide it in and out which I was kinda bummed about. Aghh, the fun of modifying cars.

[jeffnhiscars]

Sounds like your having the same exact problem I had when I had new spring perch's welded on. Shock wouldn't slide into the strut body because the weld went into the bore. I know I started filing it down by hand, can't remember if I ended up using air tools in the end. Regardless my brand new shock got all scratched up trying to slide it in and out which I was kinda bummed about. Aghh, the fun of modifying cars.

Misery does love company so I feel a little better lol. Funny thing is this is a stock strut so it could also be bent.

I'm thinking to find a break hone with some course stones just so I don't waste a Sunday on something fun or relaxing. Failing that it goes to the shop tomorrow.

[FredK]

Like so many supposedly simple things we do, fronts are turning in to a clusterf*%k.

Seems the weld for the upper perch is interfering with the inside bore preventing the new strut from sliding in more than bout 4 inches. I worked it with a file which helped marginally but at the moment I think it's going to my machinist on Monday. Perhaps he has some kind of Grindr/reamer with a reach.

Question: why is Grindr in your phone's dictionary?

Don't worry, I'll wait for an explanation.

Jk[emoji14]

[Northern]

In my opinion, H&R Race are too soft for their fairly significant drop, especially when paired with Konis turned way down low in damping force.

I agree with this, specifically the front springs. The M3 rates just don't seem to handle the heavier M20. With billy sports it would be alright over any tiny bump, but anything larger felt like something was broken until the bump was big enough that they bottomed out completely.

I switched to the group buy GE coils (450f/650r) and that extra spring rate up front made a huge difference with bottoming out over bumps, but then the car became a little bouncy.

Then I switched to the -1021 koni SA's and found out that they're a few inches shorter when compressed. Whether that makes a difference or not, I don't know. Felt fine with the (top adjustable) 8041-1026 sport mustang shocks in the rear (all 4 were from a GC kit, and I'm assuming they weren't revalved.)

I'm swapping the fronts out for the 8610-1437 Race short body ones after GC refused to sell me their short body setup. Sometime this year maybe.

[jeffnhiscars]

Question: why is Grindr in your phone's dictionary?

Don't worry, I'll wait for an explanation.

Jk[emoji14]

Fred great idea. I made this for a Grindr and used it to ream out....my strut (get your mind out of the gutter) !!...ask Tim Cook why it's in my ohone

My insert slid right in ;)

Come to think of it Fred....it's in your phone now lol

[Rob Daman]

Just installed billies and IR stage 3 springs. Seems compliant enough on my So Cal daily route to and from work. I don't drive out to the rougher road areas so I'm happy with the results so far.

I've had Megan and Tein Flex coilovers on my s2000 and those wore me out on the same drive.

[nando]

Custom valving changes the conversation but it does go to prove my point. both Bilstein and Koni spec their dampers to factory springs.

how so? the race inserts I run now aren't meant for any "factory" springs. And I couldn't even tell you what my rears are from originally. But I can tell you they ride 10x better with my coilover springs than the "custom" bilsteins did.

Custom valved to "optimum" damping for that spring rate based on a calculation for track use.

Our iX with stock Bilsteins AND trimmed internal front bump stops has a ride best described as gooshy. (Before trimming the bump stops and swapping in properly matched springs, the ride was spine shattering.)

well, yes and no. When you specify custom valving they can do street or track. I asked for street valving. If track valving is even worse, I can't imagine how that would handle well if the pavement isn't smooth as glass.

[FredK]

Fred great idea. I made this for a Grindr and used it to ream out....my strut (get your mind out of the gutter) !!...ask Tim Cook why it's in my ohone

My insert slid right in ;)

Come to think of it Fred....it's in your phone now lol

ROFLROFL

Necessity being the mother of all invention, I like the look of your Grindr!

[jeffnhiscars]

ROFLROFL

Necessity being the mother of all invention, I like the look of your Grindr!

I'm blushing dude...but you can stop PMing me for my Grindr profile ;)

[FredK]

I'm blushing dude...but you can stop PMing me for my Grindr profile ;)

Ah, playing hard-to-get, eh?

That'll only make me try twice as hard, then.

[jeffnhiscars]

Back on topic lol

Initial Impressions

I went on my usual around town mission today. The Konis are set to 1/2 turn from full soft w H&R Cabrio springs, stock drop hats (I took the e90s out) & M3 offset CABs.mkeep in mind these are sedan SAs so will be slightly different on compression than the cabrio spec.

I no longer have to drive around repaired pot holes, manhole covers, new/old asphalt transitions etc. I feel the, but I also feel th car saying "pothole...I got this". No bone jarring..no feeling like my car is going to fall apart.

I didn't get to take many hard corners but from the driving I did, I haven't noticed any loss of toss ability. I may even give the adjusters another 1/4 turn. Clearly nothing is dialed in as this stage.

Preliminary results....it put a smile on my face, I should have done it ages ago and.....used BS Sports & e90 drop hats FS

[jeffnhiscars]

Ah, playing hard-to-get, eh?

That'll only make me try twice as hard, then.

I'm not going to say it lol

[jeffnhiscars]

Adjusted the fronts 1/8 turn firmer. Feels like it works a little better with the springs.

[noahsense]

I agree with this, specifically the front springs. The M3 rates just don't seem to handle the heavier M20. With billy sports it would be alright over any tiny bump, but anything larger felt like something was broken until the bump was big enough that they bottomed out completely.

Hmm, I've heard a few people mention that e30M3 springs + Koni are a nice combo. You didn't have this experience? I'm debating between using H&R OE or M3 springs. I own both sets.