At last years MOT one front shock absorber was seized and I got a good deal on pair of new front Bilstein B6 dampers without really giving any thought as to whether they were the best option. I am now looking to refresh the rear with a matching pair of B6 dampers. I should probably also replace all of the original springs - the question is which springs will work well with the B6 dampers. I will happily keep the car at stock height or lower very slightly. Car is 993 C2 Manual.
Suspension advice. Bilstein B6
- Thread starter csmilne
- Start date
If you are staying at stock height then the view out there, according to my reading, is that the existing springs will be fine. The springs don't wear, no need to replace if not broken. Personally I'd not use the B6s, but as you have them on front perhaps they are best.
My thoughts are.
1. I have aB6 suspension on my 993 and on two of my 964s, handling vs stock suspension is very noticeablly better. (also hae another 964 on stock suspension and springs)
2. All Bilstien Cars are lowered with bilstein springs, lowered by about 20mm, which keeps the ride fairly compliant but improves the handling.
3. If you want the car nice and comfy keep the standard springs and height, if you want it better handling then lower it.
4. Car Springs tend to have a long life but they can sag if very old, All Springs are designed to work in their elastic zone - ie they return back to their exact length after being compresed. Theoretically they should remain like this until they rust away or fatigue and rust - impact from stones damage them enought that a crack occurs and the crack propogates and they snap. But long term use of them as they are constantly compressed and cycled will gradually change the crystaline structure from a very fine structure to a more coarse structure and this can lead to some plastic deformation - ie, in short old springs can sag, Generally most have rusted enough long before this happens and people will have replaced them.
If I were you i would match the front and rear shocks and decide what is more important, comfort and good handling or that slightly better look (In my opinion) Lower it on new springs that will reduce the comfort.
regards
Scott.
Hi - sorry about slow reply - only just noticed this.
Obviously it is all down to personal preference and others know a lot more about this than me! - From my reading and conversations with other 993 owners who have tried various dampers just about everything is better than the original munroes, B6's are, like Scott says, much better handling than the originals and last longer. However, from what others have commented this also translated into a significantly firmer ride. As I use my car for both track days and week by week use for family activities I wanted the car to stay compliant for fast A/B road use - i.e. not too jarring. The Koni FSD's (Frequency Specific Damping) are intended to be compliant on fast impacts (like pot holes) and firm on slower pressure (like the weight of the car moving around on bends). All I can say is that I have been very happy I moved to FSDs. Problem is I've not tried B6s (or the other obvious Bilstien offering which is the B10) - so I'm really not speaking from much experience.
What we need is for several 993 owners to get a variety of new dampers all at the same time and do some back-to-back testing!
I had Koni FSDs fitted over two years ago and retained standard springs. Available from Gert Carnewal at a bargain price at the time. They transformed the handling of the car compared to the stock Boge dampers. FSDs provide a compliant ride but good progressive damper control. Make sure you get a full geo from someone who knows what they are doing.
Kirk
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