Jim - 03S8

Can I upgrade to Bilstein sport w/out upgrading springs? eom

KaMaKaZieP -ALUMIN8-

I am running Bilsteins with stock springs.. Rides great.

ttuling

Yes, I know springs and dampers are supposed to be matched. I just don't think the German manufacturers are very good at it when comfort with handling is the goal (compare Jaguar, Peugeot).

Tom

marcodant

one question when ordering new shocks for a car that has been dropped 2" do we order stock blistein or is there a option for shocks of a different height??
I still have the stock shocks Boge on the car but the springs are elbach which did drop the car. One thing I did notice is the ride is stiffer, and the back does a bounce like it is too stiff. I am wondering if the blistein will smooth that up. I want a stiff suspension but comfortable also.. thanks

KaMaKaZieP -ALUMIN8-

There was an option for my A6 when i had eibach springs, but i do not see any here for the A8. For the best resule i would contact one of the reps from shox.com and get their opinion if the Bilsteins will work with eibachs. I have no doubt that they will, but would it make it even firmer than what you already have.

Asiparks

and they're great together. A 2" drop is a lot, are your springs "Pro" or "sport" ? If they're black then they're "pro" if they're red then they are "sport". Mine are the "pro" and only drop the car 1 1/2". I had the 2" "sport" on my Maxima and those were fairly teeth/bowel loosening and I don't think Bilsteins will help much if you have these. If you have the "pro" then i would heartily recommend the bilsteins. The ride is firmer than stock, but there's no harshness at all. I'd argue that it's actually smoother than stock as the Bilsteins do a great job controlling the rebound of the eibachs and the whole set up is much more controlled over sketchy surfaces.

marcodant

yes you are correct I do have the pro which is 1.5 inch drop.. I do notice that the stock shocks just seem to have a rebound issue in the rear only.. I am sure that the bilstein will clean that up.. I see a set of 4 on ebay but they say 98-00. won't 98 fit a 97??

Asiparks

800 683 2890 and ask the chaps there, they're very helpful. The Bilsteins are listed as 98-03, but I've never seen anything about a suspension change between 97 and 98...
FYI the part # for my front was BE32609 and for the rear BE52616