[s-cars] Bilstein shocks: "HD" or "Sport" with stock springs?

[Peter Schulz]

Tom:

I suggest that you consider replacing with stock Boge Turbo gas shocks
My wife's wagon at 266k miles still has a controlled without overly firm ride with the stock springs and stock ride height.

I actually don't care much for the "lowered" look - especially when you load the wagon and realize that you can't put a bike rack on the trailer hitch because its sitting too low.
My wagon has the S6+ springs and Bilstein Sports.  Arguably the rear Bilstein Sport shock grooves for the lower spring perch were too low.  I purchased a pair of aluminum spacers from Ed Digregory which raised the rear to the point so that there is still reasonable ride height when the car is loaded.

YMMV

-Peter



On Apr 25, 2013, at 3:38 PM, Thomas Rodriguez wrote:

> I am getting ready to replace the OEM shocks and struts in my 1995 S6 sedan
> with new Bilsteins.  I have done some reading about Bilsteins on the
> Quattroworld forum and some parts websites, and I see I can purchase these
> in either heavy duty (HD) or Sport configuration.  I plan to keep the
> stock springs so I don't lose ground clearance (the roads in my area suck),
> but I would like a stiffer ride for crisper handling.
> 
> Since I am keeping the stock springs/ride height, should I get the HD or
> Sport shocks and struts?  If either will work, what's the difference in
> drive feel between the two?  Some of the websites I've visited specify that
> the Sport shocks are for a lowered suspension.
> 
> Are there springs available that would privide a stiffer ride without
> losing ground clearance? Do springs "go soft" after 18 years, and would
> there be any benefit in swapping my existing original springs for new OEM
> springs?
> 
> Tom
> '95 S6 (240k miles)
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-Peter Schulz
Chelmsford Ma, USA
http://www.naaclub.org/

1995.5 S6 Avant Emerald/Ecru
1995.5 S6 Avant Silver/Platinum
1993 S4 Silver/Black (parts car)
1993 S4 Black/Black
1991 90Q 20v Q Red
1991 CQ Silver/Black
1991 CQ Silver/Platinum (eS2 recipient)