Are Bilsteins Shortened Shocks?

[TCR]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to lower my 05 BF XR6T. I haven't decided whether to go with either the recommended KFFL-57 or KFFL-57SL front springs yet, but either way I want to do it properly and do the shocks at the same time.

It seems there are quite a few that are happy with the Bilsteins but it's hard to find any information on them. Are they actually a shortened shock that's suitable for lowered cars or are they a standard length shock?

I've also read that quite a few people with lowered cars have just cut their bumpstops, has anyone actually purchased shorter SuperPro or Whiteline ones?

Cheers, Paul.

[Adrian6T]

Hi mate,

They are a shorter shock then stock but it takes a very knowledgeable person with years of skill to know what to do to them prior to fitting. My fitter is the WA supplier and he fits Bilstiens perfect into our cars.

I dont know what he does but he makes them better then from the box. Something to do with the bump but is not modifying them.

Cheers

Adrian

Please disregard any spelling or punctuation mistakes if any as a few beers have been downed.

Edited 22/01/09 09:58 AM by Adrian6T

[TCR]

  Adrian6T said:

Hi mate,

They are a shorter shock then stock but it takes a very knowledgeable person with years of skill to know what to do to them prior to fitting. My fitter is the WA supplier and he fits Bilstiens perfect into our cars.

I dont know what he does but he makes them better then from the box. Something to do with the bump but is not modifying them.

Cheers

Adrian

Please disregard any spelling or punctuation mistakes if any as a few beers have been downed.

Well that's cleared up one thing, but I must say I've not read anything about them having to be "set up" before installation. They aren't adjustable in any way that I'm aware of, so what could he be possibly adjusting?

Paul.

[Adrian6T]

  TCR said:

Well that's cleared up one thing, but I must say I've not read anything about them having to be "set up" before installation. They aren't adjustable in any way that I'm aware of, so what could he be possibly adjusting?

Paul.

Not so much as setup, but make better then standard Billys. As they come out of the box is perfect, dont get me wrong he just modifys slightly.

I can not mention any names as he is not a site sponsor and I do not want to be punished by the higher beings. Sorry mate.

Edited 22/01/09 12:31 PM by Adrian6T

[Marv]

Bilsteins can be revalved to suit any height or load-rated spring. So, if you want to run really low springs that are excessively stiff, you can get the Bilsteins rebuilt to suit that.

Heasmans in Sydenham on the Princes Highway in Sydney are the Bilstein importer and do most of this work, including quite a few factory-backed racing teams (and drool-worthy exotics). I believe Fulcrum Suspension in QLD are another mob who do it for northern Australians on behalf of Heasmans, while there is a mob in Perth who are licensed to do Bilstein rebuilds, too.

I had customised Bilstein Sprint shocks in my E30 BMW and they were fantastic. Also had a few mates with Subarus that have factory fitted Bilsteins get theirs rebuilt from Heasmans and they all handled like a dream.

[TCR]

What I was trying to ascertain was whether or not they would be suitable for the common SL front/SSL rear King spring combination as they come from factory, ie shock travel.

As these springs are very similar to the factory ones in terms of spring rate, the valving shouldn't be an issue.

Paul.

[Marv]

  TCR said:

What I was trying to ascertain was whether or not they would be suitable for the common SL front/SSL rear King spring combination as they come from factory, ie shock travel.

As these springs are very similar to the factory ones in terms of spring rate, the valving shouldn't be an issue.

Paul.

My reply was half aimed at Adrian6T who mentioned how his were rebuilt. This isn't unusual for Bilsteins and is one of the attractions to their dampers: the great after sales support available in Oz and ease of adjustment.