what's the deal with Bilstein/Eibach combo?

**NetrixTardis** · 12-28-2007, 08:17 PM

So, i keep hearing that bilstein just aren't good anymore... or am i confused.

I've been debating suspension/springs upgrade on my 02 T/A . I'm debating Koni SA (still looking into springs, maybe keep stock?) vs the Bilstein shocks/Eibach Springs. I'm looking to lower the car somewhere betweem 3/4" to at most 1 1/2".

any thoughts out there?

at this point, i'm not worried about money, as i'm going to either wait for bonus check or save from my paycheck until it's time...

NetrixTardis

**Danger731** · 12-28-2007, 08:25 PM

Hotchkis has a kit. Biltsien ( I read ) had a QA issue basically. They are no longer a good quality replacement shock, something about a different mfg technique or diif inners. I'm goin Koni's but front first, then rear. Too much $ to drop at once.

**9t8z28** · 12-29-2007, 02:18 PM

Bilstein is reproducing the shock. They will be available late March.

**tonyjnjz** · 12-29-2007, 02:37 PM

click on the strano link under sponsors...then give him a call...koni's/strano springs

**SexOnWheels** · 12-31-2007, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by 9t8z28

Bilstein is reproducing the shock. They will be available late March.

That is great news. Where did you read/hear that?

link?

**Danger731** · 12-31-2007, 06:56 AM

Don't hold your breath

**9T8W66** · 12-31-2007, 07:01 AM

Another Vote for Strano
I'll be ordering from him in a couple months.

**9t8z28** · 12-31-2007, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by SexOnWheels

That is great news. Where did you read/hear that?

link?

I spoke to Bilstein.

**Danger731** · 12-31-2007, 08:38 AM

NICE ^ , checks in the mail

**Sam Strano** · 12-31-2007, 09:50 AM

This is the same Bilstein that people speak to that has said (via individuals who just work there and don't necessarily know anything): HD's are fine for lowering spring, even though their own catalog tells you this is not the case. That the "new" HD that was better than the old one. And at other times to me that the "new" HD was simply a tube supercession with no valving change.

And I have not seen one Bilstein since this PAST March. Yes, they might be back in 2008, but even if they are it remains to be seen if they really build the "old" version again. And if they do, that's still not up to the task of damping lowering springs correctly. Though at least then we'll be able to do Revalves again.

**9t8z28** · 12-31-2007, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Sam Strano

This is the same Bilstein that people speak to that has said (via individuals who just work there and don't necessarily know anything): HD's are fine for lowering spring, even though their own catalog tells you this is not the case. That the "new" HD that was better than the old one. And at other times to me that the "new" HD was simply a tube supercession with no valving change.

And I have not seen one Bilstein since this PAST March. Yes, they might be back in 2008, but even if they are it remains to be seen if they really build the "old" version again. And if they do, that's still not up to the task of damping lowering springs correctly. Though at least then we'll be able to do Revalves again.

Well, thats funny, cause I called your Company and one of your staff recommended that I wait for the Bilstein's.

**NetrixTardis** · 12-31-2007, 12:21 PM

ok. So Bilstein shocks are out...
i've already decided to go with Koni SA shocks, now i'm trying to decided if i should pair those with lowering springs. As i see it, i'm going to set the shocks to 3/4" lower.. but i would rather not go lower, is there aftermarket springs that are better than stock, but won't lower the car?

**SexOnWheels** · 01-01-2008, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by NetrixTardis

ok. So Bilstein shocks are out...
i've already decided to go with Koni SA shocks, now i'm trying to decided if i should pair those with lowering springs. As i see it, i'm going to set the shocks to 3/4" lower.. but i would rather not go lower, is there aftermarket springs that are better than stock, but won't lower the car?

Not aftermarket but you can get stiffer spring rate by finding 1LE take off springs from a legit 1LE optioned car.

**tonyjnjz** · 01-02-2008, 04:12 AM

Originally Posted by 9t8z28

Well, thats funny, cause I called your Company and one of your staff recommended that I wait for the Bilstein's.

stop being a cheapskate and spend the extra 200 on koni's

( revalved bilsteins are about 600 last i checked)

**Sam Strano** · 01-02-2008, 04:49 AM

Originally Posted by 9t8z28

Well, thats funny, cause I called your Company and one of your staff recommended that I wait for the Bilstein's.

And?

I have no idea what you conversation entailed. It's clear you would like to go that way, which is fine and if you are willing to wait for them, and hopefully they do what they are supposed to that's your call, and probably why you got that recommendation.

I'm telling you what I know, and that I personally wouldn't put a lot of stock into seeing them on any given date since I've had 3 "ETA's" come and go since last March.

**Sam Strano** · 01-02-2008, 04:51 AM

Originally Posted by SexOnWheels

Not aftermarket but you can get stiffer spring rate by finding 1LE take off springs from a legit 1LE optioned car.

You can, but it's not really worth is. Frankly, I like the non-1LE rear springs better in most situations. My lowering springs don't run as much rate as 1LE rears do (but we run more in front).

I'd save your money. My car is a non-1LE, I ordered it that way. I ordered it specifically as a autox car, and having driven 1LE's felt there was not a downside. And in actuality many more events have been won by "normal" 4th gen's than by 1LE 4th gens.