Re: {'87 5KCSTQ] Strut/shock Selection

[Jim Griffin <JGriff@pobox.com>]

Andrew Duane USG/PE wrote:

> Bilsteins are *the* shock, but they are $$$, and fairly harsh for a daily
> driver, especially with lowered springs.

I agree with your statement that Bilsteins are *the* shock... they are
fantastic. I highly recommend them.

But I disagree with the rest. They are not a lot more money than say... Koni
(i.e. a little while back I believe someone posted that the Bilsteins and
Konis were about the same price). I paid $438 for the set of four for my '92
100S. I was told by some folks afterwards that that price was a good deal
(GPR, BTW).

I also disagree that they are harsh for daily driving, especially with
lowered springs. I have the Bilsteins with Eibachs on my '92 100S, and it is
stiffer, yes... but not unbearably so.  I am happy with the setup. The car
rides and handles beautifully. Yes, on some REALLY obnoxious roads, you'll
definitely be *told* that the car has been modified... but on those type of
roads, you'd know it even with the OEM stuff.

IMHO, with this setup, you sacrifice a bit of ride quality on SOME nasty
roads in exchange for a much more stable, controlled feel (i.e. gone is the
floaty OEM "made-for-America" ride) ALL THE TIME. The car is now incredibly
stable cruising at 80 mph, 90 mph, or more. I would not feel comfortable
doing such before the Bilsteins and Eibachs. I find that I have to look down
now to see how fast I'm going (i.e. before the mods, I *knew* when I was
going 80 mph!!). And body roll? It is practically non-existent... which I'm
sure you know what that means in the twisties!! :-)

And did I mention how much better it looks... without all that fenderwell
gap? And how aggressive it looks from all angles?

I guess you can tell that I'm happy with the changes I made. :-)

Now, of course, I am talking about a '92 100S (FWD)... so perhaps your
comment is just referring to the older models?

As usual everyone....  YMMV.

--
                     Jim Griffin
                 ICQ # 1315286
               JGriff@pobox.com
           http://pobox.com/~jgriff
     http://wwp.mirabilis.com/1315286
'92 Audi 100S - '87 VW Quantum Syncro
 "Perception is often stronger than reality!"
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