Bilstein HD vs Bilstein Sport

[spruill242]

Checking out the bilstein website they say the HD's are an upgrade from OEM shocks and the Sports are better suited to compliment suspension upgrades but do fine with a stock setup if you want a stiffer feel....However with more reading on forums throughout the intra-web, some people tend to think the sports are no differently valved than the HD's, they just have a shorter strut for a car with lowering coils.

But then I wonder... If I am to assume that most sport springs are 25-35% stiffer than stock, can't I continue this logic and assume that the Bilstein sports are going to be valved a little stiffer to compliment the sport spring? Or am I just way out in left field ? :wtf:

[dl242gt]

No one sells the Bilstein sports here in the US. Unless a shop will get them for you by special order. So, you'll have to order overseas to get a set of them. You can have the Bilstein HD shocks valved for whatever you want, though. You can order them new and valved to your spec or get a set of used ones and have them rebuilt to your valving.

[blkaplan]

Can some one explain to me how using a shorter insert in stock length housing will get a car any lower with more travel? Is it just reduced droop length to cope with shorter springs?

[Mueller]

Can some one explain to me how using a shorter insert in stock length housing will get a car any lower with more travel? Is it just reduced droop length to cope with shorter springs?


I was told the are for lowered cars, valving is the same.... 1 to 2 inches lower

[blkaplan]

I was told the are for lowered cars, valving is the same.... 1 to 2 inches lower

I understand they suggest them for lowered cars, but that doesn't actually explain what makes them special? In the 240 insert situation just putting a shorter insert into the stock length tube won't give you extra travel. The strut will stop compressing when the gland nut hits the spring seat.

Is it only less droop? is it a shorter housing?

[Chris_R]

Maybe the rod is shorter in the sports?

That way you're not starting out with a shock that is already compressed an inch or 2 due to the lower stance.

:e-shrug:

[blkaplan]

The only advantage i could see to a reduced rod length is not having same droop length, it keeps the springs from going slack when you install shorter, stiffer springs.


Its probably what they are talking about, just curious if anyone actually knew for a fact.

[Mueller]

I understand they suggest them for lowered cars, but that doesn't actually explain what makes them special? In the 240 insert situation just putting a shorter insert into the stock length tube won't give you extra travel. The strut will stop compressing when the gland nut hits the spring seat.

Is it only less droop? is it a shorter housing?

this was for a 914, no coil springs, torsion bars instead.

these "sport" insert will be less likely to bottom out and reach max compression...no extra travel implied and for most applications they probebly work fine.....more for those that want to lower their car an inch or so for cosmetic reasons

[DaButcher]

The Bilstein ClubSport valving is listed on the www.kgtrimning.com site.
ps. the rear bilstein CS shocks are the same as bilstein Racing.

Racing is the same as CS, except the valving..

lookie:
http://www.kgtrimning.com/bil200R.htm

[spruill242]

Cool thanks guys. I should have mentioned these weren't going on a volvo... I was just asking in general.