Re:Bilsteins vs BOGE

["Mik's Mail" <miktip@surfnet1.net>]

Andrei wrote:
>I have bilsteins with stock springs on the 88 90q, and Boge Turbo Gas
>with stock springs on the 84 4000S. Bilsteins HD are nice shocks, but to me
>they aren't  overly tight/sporty. As a matter of fact, the 4000 feels
>tighter, but that may have to do with a somewhat better overall condition
>of the front end on that car. The bilsteins didn't completely eliminate the
>nose dive under hard braking (which I hoped they would) although they
>certainly reduced it by a lot compared to the dead original OEM shocks,
>there is still some body roll in the car. Compared to our 4k setup, it
>appeared bilsteins weren't worth the money. However, maybe to get the >most
out of them one should renew the bushings etc and then do a >comparison.
Then again, a 90q is heavier than a 4000, which could be a >factor.

Over the years I have personally tried, tested and destroyed several make
of shock absorber.  With street and SCCA track driving, and the occasional
"street" SCCA driving!(just testing equipment)

I have found the Boge's to be a "fair" shock for a car with "stock" OEM
springs and suspension setup. Plus the cars owner drives like a little
old lady going to church!(No offense intended)

The Boge's just dont last under "demanding" conditions, or do they last
under normal conditions, for anything over 30,000 miles!

I have trashed a brand new set of Boge's in 3 laps of racing one fine Sunday
afternoon!  This is especially evident for the fronts, since all the cars
weight
hangs over the struts.

Boge's combined with a set of aftermarket "lowered/stiffer" springs just
seems
to make them last even less!  I know, I've gone through 3 sets until I
switched
to Bilstiens!

The biggest thing which kept me away from Bilsteins was their price.  But
after shelling out enough funds on the 3 sets Boge's, it was time to buy a
set of Bilsteins!

I first purchased the 2 front inserts. To give'm a try, see how they feel,
etc......

The front inserts for the CGT/4K series are what Bilstein calls an
"inverted"
shock design.  The chrome portion of the shock is twice the size of that
of the Boges.  This feature alone helps the Bilsteins to give a better
handling
"feel"  and response, especially for the "nose-heavy" Audi's.  If one
recalls,
the Rally era Ur-Q's, the front weight was the factory's biggest concern.
They moved as much weight as they could "back" on the later "Monster"
Super-B Rally Quattro's.  In feel the Bilsteins are more superior in design
than the Boge's.

Granted the Boge's are a "fair" shock for $40..........

But the old saying plays here too:

"You pay for what you get"

You may pay a bit more for the Bilsteins, but they will last!

The set I have on my CGT were recently replaced.  The Bilsteins have
a "LifeTime" warranty! Free replacement!  I exercised that warranty, and
received a new set of front inserts.  The old ones were 5 years old!
Still working, but not a "crisp" as a new shock.  Bilstein gladly exchanged
them for a new set.   That fact alone has sold me to Bilsteins!

The longest I have had a set of Boge's last was little over a year!
No "Life time warranty" either!

Moral of the story:  Bilsteins cost more but they last longer, and have a
warranty.  Boge's are a fair, low cost alternative with lowcost longevity.

>BTW, what controls the nose dive besides shocks?

Shocks control "spring-rebound"  Stiffer springs control nose dives!
If you want a car to "handle" you lose comfort of ride! If you want a car
to have a comfortable ride, you lose handling.  Unless you have and
"active / adjustable" suspension, or a "balance" between comfort and
handling!

But we each have our own level of "comfort and handling" suited to our
individual tastes!

                                            Mik

                                    Mik