Bilstein BTS?

[1.8Trip]

I'm starting to think suspension. I really wanna get coilovers, but I just can't justify the cost given that I don't race (maybe this will change in the future) and probably will not need adjustable damping or height (even if I did race, I'd probably be too lazy to adjust it anyway). I'm a set it and forget it kinda guy. I still want something decent so I'm looking at just sticking with springs and shocks/struts. I know that many people here are running with H&R and FK. Does anyone have any comments - good or bad - about Bilstein BTS and Eibach Pro Kit (and Pro Dampers)? Other manufacturers?

Thanks!

[R_Ethug]

the best benefit of the coils is you can raise back up in winter and not have to worry about plowing (that is if we even get snow :P ) i dunno i hear nothing but good things on vortex of the H&R cupkits

[CalgaryB5]

I am a BILSTEIN guy. :ed:

I will never put coilovers on a street car. The reasons are many from previous experience but the most serious part is the replacement parts are always costly. BTS sounds good.

[1.8Trip]

Anyone else with comments?

Anyone know what the relative drop would be from a Jetta with VW sports suspension? I've heard expected drops can be anywhere from .75" to 1.5" depending on the vehicle.

[R_Ethug]

dude i think i'm gonna get a bilstein and H&R race spring setup.. drops you 2" and 1.75" in teh back and is super nice riding.. i don't want the H&R cupkit as i heard a ton of bad stuff about it.. another awesome option is the Koni yellow shocks which are dampening (hard/soft) adjustable and then H&R race or sport springs.. the sport springs are 1.5" drop all around the race is 2/1.75.. i would do race.. dunno about the front sway.. i would try it without and then see if you rub then toss one on..

[1.8Trip]

Cool, I'm aimin' to stay less than 1.5" drop. I gotta use my car for field trips. Sometimes I have to get on some pretty rough gravel roads. I suppose a Scooby would have been more practical, but no regrets on gettin the Dub!

[R_Ethug]

do the bilstein and H&R sport setup then.. you could always do the FK 35/40 which Kor (kris) has.. he likes it.... i think i'm gonna do a bilstein/h&R combo myself though.. read so much good stuff on it..

[Kor]

Although "technically" I have the 35/40 kit, I compared my height to Khyron's car (he has same kit) and I am way lower. So its possible that I actually ended up with the lower kit. Who knows really. I'm happy with my look.

If I was going to buy springs and shocks again, I would either get the H&R Cupkit or the FK 55/40 Kit, depending on the price. Lots of people say Bilstein is the best, etc etc but you won't feel it anywhere except your wallet.

I would highly recommend against getting the OEM "Sports Suspension" that is basically a rip-off unless it comes with your car. I also have heard about problems with the Eibach pro-kit on Jettas (although Eibach the company has a good reputation). Weitec is cheap but not much cheaper than FK - I would stick with FK if you want to save.

Lastly, if you're considering "used" there are some people selling their 20th Aniversary suspensions now on Vortex... that seems to be a pretty good suspension.

Don't worry about going too low, I HIGHLY doubt you will have that problem if you do most Spring/Shock combos. Its only when you get into Coilovers that you can get "really" low.

PS- Ryan you do realize that on one post you advocate the H&R cupkit, and then a bit lower you say you have heard nothing but bad things? IMO the H&R Cupkit has many satisfied customers.

[Smartiepants]

Shine racing setups get rave reviews on the vortex, check out the susp forums there.

[R_Ethug]

no kris i said i don't want the hr cupkit.. i imagine its fine now but tons of threads on on vortex of the shocks bending and crap like that.. sorry if anyone misunderstood me..

ps.. stay away from shine unless you dont' care to look like a 4x4.. shine won't drop you down but will make you handle great

[CalgaryB5]

Originally posted by lsc2g
dude i think i'm gonna get a bilstein and H&R race spring setup.. drops you 2" and 1.75" in teh back and is super nice riding.. i don't want the H&R cupkit as i heard a ton of bad stuff about it.. another awesome option is the Koni yellow shocks which are dampening (hard/soft) adjustable and then H&R race or sport springs.. the sport springs are 1.5" drop all around the race is 2/1.75.. i would do race.. dunno about the front sway.. i would try it without and then see if you rub then toss one on..

H&R Race spring for our car? The general comments on that is "too soft for the height and too uncomfortable for the ride".

[R_Ethug]

i dunno man ton of people on vortex run koni yellow or bilstein sport shocks with H&R race or neuspeed race and say its the best ever.. little stiffer than stock sport and comfort is great and handling goes way up

[Khyron]

Actually if he wants "Stock smoothness" etc, the Eibach Pro-SYSTEM is the best (1.2 inch drop or so). It's just more expensive - I got a quote for $969.00 CDN plus shipping and tax, compared to the FK kit (650). My FK kit has rake (rear higher than front bu 1 inch) where Kor does not. Perhaps its just a C1 adjustment thing, I don't know. I may take it in and ask them about it though aparently FK stands for "Rake" in German. Peter hates my drop, but I actually like the look (cause of my different offset wheels). And with my rear sway, I have NO complaints about the handling.

Khyron