short struts insert?

[beem]

Where can I get SHORT strut insert for E30 or from what car, I'm running GC 500 F and 600 R with bilstein sports, I need more shock travel for the front.

[defekt]

The 325ix uses a shorter strut, you could put ix inserts in your car and build a spacer to put on top (just a short length of pipe). that would give you another 2 inches or so of shock travel (I cant remember exactly how much shorter they are, I did this with my car, but it was last summer).

[Jbpka06]

corrado g60 front shocks are 4 inches shorter i think. Same diameter as stock.

[Slyder]

corrado g60 front shocks are 4 inches shorter i think. Same diameter as stock.

They are 3.25" shorter, but they won't hold up with 500# springs. 450# is the max that the G60 inserts will reliably handle.

[Teaguer]

They are 3.25" shorter.

And you put the spacer BELOW shorter inserts , above will limit the piston travel and they will bottom out sooner .

[Rogan]

Sorry to dredge up an old thread, but I've got a couple questions concerning the use of G60 Corrado struts..

My '85 325e (i believe) has the 51mm front struts, correct? i know a 2" ID coilover sleeve "just" slides over the strut housing tube.

So, in using the VW units, such as from Koni, do you drill the bottom of the tube, and shorten the top of the housing tube, so that the strut fits, length-wise, and is retained by the bottom bolt?

do the Bilsteins for the VW handle a stronger spring than a 450?

[Hellabad]

do the Bilsteins for the VW handle a stronger spring than a 450?

P30-0032 claims too but it doesnt really. The volume of oil is just too small and it overheats quickly, and the damping was never all that great to begin with, remember the VW is a 45mm OD strut

I would have to recommend a Koni 8641-1198 SpGC. Compare prices carefully. The list price of Konis went up on September 1st, and a lot of websites are saying they can sell something at a price that they couldn't if someone actually orders it. I have heard of this from a couple of people.

Jay Morris (board sponsor)

[Hellabad]

So, in using the VW units, such as from Koni, do you drill the bottom of the tube, and shorten the top of the housing tube, so that the strut fits, length-wise, and is retained by the bottom bolt?

No, there is a system in which you remove a section from the center of the tube and reweld it. There is a series of steps that if you follow them correctly will negate any chance of errors in measuring.

[Rogan]

P30-0032 claims too but it doesnt really. The volume of oil is just too small and it overheats quickly, and the damping was never all that great to begin with, remember the VW is a 45mm OD strut

I would have to recommend a Koni 8641-1198 SpGC. Compare prices carefully. The list price of Konis went up on September 1st, and a lot of websites are saying they can sell something at a price that they couldn't if someone actually orders it. I have heard of this from a couple of people.

Jay Morris (board sponsor)

see, i thought it was the bigger strut.. I'm so confused with allt his cross-reference strut stuff.
I don't autox or anything like that, with the 325e. it's 95% a DD car..

so the G60 struts won't work in the 325e housings?

[Slyder]

So, in using the VW units, such as from Koni, do you drill the bottom of the tube, and shorten the top of the housing tube, so that the strut fits, length-wise, and is retained by the bottom bolt?

You have two options when using the shorter Koni inserts.

1.) Chop and weld method, as Mr. Morris has previously described, by which you cut below the threaded portion of the tube, remove a length of the tube, then re-weld the threaded portion back onto the the strut.

2.) Chop and re-thread method. This process is more structurally sound, however is generally not financially feasible by your average Joe. It requires machine-shop equipment, proper tap, and fixtures to do properly.

As for the amount of shortening, this is an item subject to debate. There are variables that need to be considered (spring length, rate, vehicle use - street or track - intended ride height, etc.) Just remember that once the material is gone, it's gone.

Using the Corrado inserts are 3.25" shorter than the standard e30 inserts, and will require the use of a spacer inside the strut tube. The position of which will be determined by the length of the shock piston and the ride height of the car. For the racing inserts, the spacers are best placed at the bottom of the strut.

As for part numbers...
- The standard Corrado inserts will work fine up to 450#/in, which is more than most e30s need anyway. The ride is still comfortable and adjustable, and will allow you to substantially lower the car.

- GC's part number 8641-1198 SpGC (identified by the SpGC at the end) has different characteristics than the original Corrado insert (8641-1198 Sport) based on what his company has specified to Koni to make them. This part number is not available directly from Koni or through any Koni vendor. You can only purchase them from GC or a company that buys them from GC.

As long as your 325e has 51mm (~2") struts, you should have no problem using either insert. If memory serves me correctly, only the '84 318i and 325e models were subjected to the 42mm struts. The best way to be sure of what you have is to measure them.

[Rogan]

thanks for the great info, Jason..

I do, indeed, have the 51mm (2") struts. Like I said, this is mostly a commuter car, as I drive it about 130mi/day. I don't wont be racing/autoxing it or anything of the sort. I just want it lower :)

The rear, I'm ordering the sleeves, and 5" long springs, ~ 500-600/in. the fronts, I think 400-450 would be plenty sufficient..

so, now, I'm just trying to settle on a less-expensive insert for the front. If I have to, then I'll go with the 120-130/ea Billys, or Konis.. Not really trying to cheap-out, but don't want to go 1000$ in struts/shocks/adjusters, either.. know what I mean?

As for cutting/welding the housings, that isn't a problem. The sleeves, spacers, etc., is no worries, either, other than finding a write-up on it, which I'll search the forum again to see if I can find it this time.

[Rogan]

whats the dimensions of the stock insert (overall length, housing length)?

I searched, but didn't get anything substantial..

[gearheadE30]

BTW I was told that Bilstein Sports can only hold about 350 in/lbs of spring. This number was given to me by GC, so take it as you will.