Are Bilstein's worth it?

[ThikStik]

Knowing the price is so much more than A Zones el cheapo's I was wondering if Bilstein Heavy duty shocks are really worth it? How long do they last? etc.
TIA

 

[qwknuf6 jr]

Ya ,Bilstiens are worth it ,Lifetime warrenty

 

[Chris McDade]

Yes, They are worth it, But not recommended for drag racing. TO Stiff

 

[Brian Mc]

KYB Gr-2 shocks are 24.99 each advane auto parts, better deal

 

[TurboGN]

Originally posted by rick cain
Knowing the price is so much more than A Zones el cheapo's I was wondering if Bilstein Heavy duty shocks are really worth it? How long do they last? etc.
TIA

I believe the ride is similar to performance, i.e., depends what your goals are and combination of components. If you're after the best launch then a Bilstein is not the best choice. If you're looking for something to last forever and compliment other upgrades (bushings, springs, etc.) then they're the best. By themselves, they won't make your car ride like a Caddy. Mine seemed to stiffen the ride and reduce roll. They'll help keep the back tires from hitting the fender going over bumps or lauching. Good luck, Joel

 

[Tims87T]

I have a set of Tokico non-adjustable shocks on my car & they are awsome. Cheaper than Bilstein's too, go to www.shox.com.

 

[qwikv6]

I've got the KYB's and I am very happy with them. They cost $29 each. I got them from Summit. I can only speak on the KYB's but the ride is firm but not rough.

They are great!

 

[jojo]

Bilsteins here. They rock!! nice tight ride no roll, but i also replaced the coil springs when i did the shocks, and also the front bushings. Feels like a different ride (its a good thing though )

jojo

 

[BJM]

KYB's are rough in comparison to a Bilstein. I have used both. The Bilstein is damped at least as much as the KYB but has more refined valving.

One thing to remember is if you change spring stiffness, ideally the shock is changed as well to match. In a perfect world you would not need to go as stif on the springs if you could simultaneously increase shock stiffness. My springs are 50% stiffer than stock and the Bilsteins are a hair soft with these springs. With the stock springs they were phenominal.

Maybe Bilstein sells a shock for a heavier car that fits ours for those of us who have changed the spring rates.

 

[turboman38]

I have Bilsteins on the back but have not installed them on the front. Back end feels very solid. You can find them used every now and then. I all four of mine for $60.

 

[BoostedBug]

Bilsteins all around on my car with the Hotchkis Springs. Metco billitt lowers air bag and poly bushing in the uppers. Also the big ATR sway bar. Rides great and handles like crazy!

 

[granitestategn]

Bilstein's here!

I put Bilstein's on my car in 1989. The OEM shocks were toast before 20,000 mi. Actually, I think they were toast when it rolled off the line. The car handled really poorly with the original shocks on bumpy corners. The car used to get sideways on dry pavement with out much warning. You didn't even have to be going fast. The Bilstein's were the second mod I did to my car. (Intercooler hoses and clamps were first.) I have not driven other GN's with different shocks, but I love my Bilstein's. If it weren't for them my car would have been wrecked in a ditch by now! I can't speak for their performance at the strip (my 60' times suck) but they are a very good shock for a daily driver. My .02.

 

[tc86gn]

Bilsteins at www.shox.com I got mine for 200.00. Love em. But I have never been to the track either.

 

[U1ARUNIT]

YES, they work sweet. Ride is just in-between stock and something too stiff. I couldn't ask for anything better.

 

[6SENSE]

Knowing the price is so much more than A Zones el cheapo's

You do know that Auto Zone sells Bilsteins, right? I got front and back from AZ for no more than $50 each, if I remember correctly, and they had a lifetime warranty. (seemed like the best deal to me, now Ive got the same shocks Porsches do! )

 

[Tom Tom Turbo]

I'll let you know Monday...I'm putting Bilsteins on this weekend

 

[ThikStik]

Very good info. The $50 per Bilstein price is way better than the $69 that I saw on eshocks website. And with the KYB's being only slightly higher than a premium jobber shock, its a no brainer to update.
My car came with (still has em) drag shocks so its gonna feel like someone replaced the under pinnings with a Porsch.
Thanks for info!

 

[TType84]

lifetime warranty eh?

i didnt even notice that

anyone ever taken old bilstiens in to get em replaced under warranty?

just wondering how that goes.. had em on my car for awhile now and i love it...

 

[Big Mike]

Had the strings and poly mont bushings and the bilstiens done and the car is great on the highway with the combo and the 255 50 /16 zr tires on a gnx rim.60 foot suck,But oh well.

 

[machinegun]

Let me ask you a question? Has anything German engineered ever been bad? If you answer this question with a no then you have the answer. Yes they are worth the money and are an excellent upgrade. Make sure however that your suspension bushings and such are also in tip top shape.