Bilstein HD or SLP shocks - what to expect?
12-02-2010, 03:16 PM
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Bilstein HD or SLP shocks - what to expect? I'm thinking about ordering a set of Bilstein HD or the SLP shocks from Strano. I was wondering what I can expect from them. Car mods are in sig, but suspension is bone stock with stock shocks right now. Any ideas? Are they worth it?
12-02-2010, 03:30 PM
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I was speaking with him the other day, and I believe he said both shocks are essentially the same. I'm sure he will pop in to help you out though, if all else fails, just give him a call. He is a great guy to talk with, really wish there were more people like him in the business.
12-02-2010, 03:31 PM
#3
A lot of people running them seem to be pretty happy with their performance. Good shocks really transform the way these cars ride/handle. They also really improve the high speed stability and even make the cars feel a lot more rigid from the proper dampening. The only thing is tho, if you're looking to lower your car eventually you may want to think about upgrading to the Koni's, but if you're using stock springs I think you'll like them. Just so you know, I've never run them, but if they're anything close to the Koni's (on stock springs also for now) then they belong on the car, lol.
Anyways, definitely give Strano a call though and go over exactly what you're looking for out of them, he seems to recommend these a lot if you're not prepared to spend the money on Koni's.
Anyways, definitely give Strano a call though and go over exactly what you're looking for out of them, he seems to recommend these a lot if you're not prepared to spend the money on Koni's.
12-02-2010, 03:36 PM
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I don't plan on lowering it at all. This is kind of a budget thing. Also, I don't plan to do any road course racing at all (stupid #$%* A4 trans 
) so I'm just looking at something that will make it handle a bit better. Are they easy to install?
) so I'm just looking at something that will make it handle a bit better. Are they easy to install?
12-02-2010, 03:50 PM
#5
What to expect? Not much... Better rebound damping (not as disconnected and floaty feeling). Better ride (much less impact harshness), and better stability (car won't wander around as much, and the rear will not get nearly as upset by bumps). 
All in all, it'll drive much more it should for a stock car. Nothing, NOTHING will get worse, it'll feel much more composed and easier to drive quickly. Really there is no downside to better shocks.....
All in all, it'll drive much more it should for a stock car. Nothing, NOTHING will get worse, it'll feel much more composed and easier to drive quickly. Really there is no downside to better shocks.....
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12-02-2010, 04:23 PM
#6
Installation isn't bad. The rears are pretty simple, and while the front's aren't "hard" they are kind of a PITA to do - you need a spring compressor (or a shop to do it for you).
Check out https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspensio...all-video.html. It was made by a member on here, and it definitely helps. For compressing the spring, for the same price as the compressor a local shop just transfered the springs on the new shocks and fought through the rusted on nut instead of me having to do it, lol. I think there also might be a few discrepencies between the Koni's and the Bilstein's for the installation, but if you buy from Strano I'm sure he'll tell you everything you need to know.
Check out https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspensio...all-video.html. It was made by a member on here, and it definitely helps. For compressing the spring, for the same price as the compressor a local shop just transfered the springs on the new shocks and fought through the rusted on nut instead of me having to do it, lol. I think there also might be a few discrepencies between the Koni's and the Bilstein's for the installation, but if you buy from Strano I'm sure he'll tell you everything you need to know.
12-02-2010, 05:21 PM
#7
The front is a pain, especially if there is a bit of rust and you don't have air tools. With air tools it is better. One thing to keep in mind is that if you can find one that is willing, take it to a shop and have them switch out the shock itself with one of their spring compressors. The ones you borrow from parts stores are pretty crappy.
I don't think there is much of a difference in installation between the two shocks. Koni comes with two nuts for the back instead of a nylock nut... The overall main steps are really the same.
I don't think there is much of a difference in installation between the two shocks. Koni comes with two nuts for the back instead of a nylock nut... The overall main steps are really the same.
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12-02-2010, 07:51 PM
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I've had Bilsteins on my '88 for 8 years and I'm just now replacing the struts. They do improve handling quite a bit, but it is a firmer ride than stock. I have lowering springs and all suspension parts are tubular steel, so I'm sure that's why it's a little harsh at times.
