Josh

iTrader: (9)

I'm hoping to purchase some wheels in the near future and would like to lower the car a bit for a better look. I've seen that the Koni shocks are the most popular, but I'm curious if there are any other shocks that work well and cost less.

My car spends all of its time on the street, usually just driving to and from work. It's not my daily driver and I don't drag race or autocross, so performance isn't nearly as important as reliability and comfort.

I'm looking primarily at the Hotchkis springs because I only want a small drop.

Thanks,
Josh

Casper9T9

iTrader: (1)

I run Bilstein HD's with my Hotchkis springs.

chupr0kabra

iTrader: (10)

You can get Sam Strano to re-valve a set of Bilstein HD's that should work well with Hotchkis springs/the rest of your setup. Out of the box, Bilstein HD's aren't intended for use with higher rate springs, but they can be re-valved to work well.


-Mike

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

Yes and no, something like Bilsteins will "work" but not very well, simply because they aren't made to handle a lowering spring. Like was said, the cheapest option is probably re-valved Bilsteins.

UAZ28SS

iTrader: (2)

Strano revalved Bilstein HDs for me with my BMR springs and they work quite well!

Josh

iTrader: (9)

Thank you, all, for your input. Generally, how much should one expect to pay for a set of four of the re-valved Bilsteins?

Josh

May Spin

Around $500.

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

And Sam Strano is the one who does the re-valving, so you will need to talk with him so he can get yours setup for your springs and intended usage.

BitViper

iTrader: (63)

He only re-valves the fronts..and actually he has Bilstien do them Before they drop ship them to his customers..you do need to call sam to get his specifications

Boodyrider

iTrader: (2)

Your plan:
Springs (225)
Bilstein HD - stock (400)
Results - 625 plus install, you'll hate it because the stock HDs can't take the lowering springs, AND it'll be too stiff for your claimed desires due to the spring rates

So, at a minimum, you go:
Springs (225)
Revalved Bilsteins: (500)
Results - 725 plus install, and a bit too low and a bit too stiff for your desired application

And here's another option:
Koni SA (740 or so)
Stock springs (0)
Remove upper coil spacer in rear, replace with 1 turn of heater hose over the upper coil (0)
Set front spring seat on lower perch in front (0)

Results
- better handling than you can likely imagine, adjustable to use and taste
- About 1/2 to 3/4" drop front and rear, IMHO perfect for the real world
- within 115 bucks of your plan
- AND - you'll own shocks you can later use with pretty much ANY spring out there and get great results with, if you decide to go lower, stiffer, or better handling.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

True, but I also don't use the 4th gen HD in the rear either..... Basically all 4 shocks are different than a set of HD's. Fronts are modified/revalved 4th gen HD's, rears are a different shock.

And they are $530 for the set of 4.