Bilstein B8 - Help???

[Graeme]

After checking previous threads it seems a common theme that people agree this is the suspension to go for for weekend road use. I've had a coil over set and didn't rate them, i just want the car to sit level, handle well and clear speed bumps. i also need to know what springs to use for a LET and F28, I'm happy to buy custom springs if anyone can tell me spring size and poundage. also a reputable supplier of these shocks and if they come as a package or individual units. Any help will be much appreciated and a great help.
Thanks

[Steve]

Someone will correct me if iam wring but I believe for an xe people recommend 300 lb front springs from coilsprings.co.uk / .com

[white2lSR]

I got these cheap. 2nd hand but never fitted they were about £250.
Billy B9s i think, the shocks are with Courtney Vauxhall springs. They lower the car by 40mm roughly.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/rubberrambo/bilsteins.jpg

Below is my car with the suspension fitted. No engine fitted but you get an idea of ride height from the rear.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/rubberrambo/Nova160508014.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/rubberrambo/Nova160508015.jpg

[Graeme]

I think that is about the height I'm after, I'll buy some shock seperately and see how much Courtney are going to rob me for the springs Cheers all

[Steve]

Not sure about rears but the courtenay front springs only lower it by 25mm

[Clean 2.0 nova]

The courtney springs don't lower the car much however they are very good for handling rather than cosmetics.

[Graeme]

Cheers for the input, I was thinkin about getting some 300 lb -60mm springs all round ant then buying my B8's from a reputable supplier, any ideas on who to use for the dampers and/or any part numbers???

[nova_niek]

If my experience is anything to go by: my Nova (the Red Shed) has Koni yellow (ride height adjustable ones) fitted and it's reasonably comfy. The wife actually likes it, especially when we're on holidays in Luxembourg. :)

Before the Koni yellows were fitted, I drove it round on Koni reds with 40mm lowering springs of unknown make. All was well until I had the X16XE fitted - the engine and box were considerable heavier than the original 1.2 engine they replaced. This proved too much for the poor red Koni's to handle.

Several years ago I bought a modded '85 Mk1 off a mate which was equipped with Courtenay's Bilstein sport kit, which comprises of Bilstein B8 dampers and unknown (to me anyway) springs. The Courtenay kit's specs are as follows:

*** Bilstein kit as sold by Courtenay ***

* Front shock absorbers
F4-V36-4059-H0

codes punched into shock outer body:
2300 V 36 4059 H0


* Rear shock absorbers
F4-B36-0085-T0 (typ 2)

codes punched into shock outer body:
1504032 (both shocks)
4999 B36 0085 T0 (one shock)
0500 B36 0085 T0 (the other shock)
note: also visible is the small Irmscher-"I" punched in both shocks


* Front springs
codes printed on springs:
60-122 (front) 11/00

springs are approx. 6 3/4 windings
free length is approx. 310 mm
wire diameter is 10.7 mm


* Rear springs
codes printed on springs:
60-122 (rear) 11/00

springs are approx 4 3/4 windings
free length is approx. 175 mm
wire diameter is 12.4 mm

This was one sweet handling Nova which I unfortunately had to sell.

On a different note: last month I fitted a Bilstein B12 kit (which comprises of Bilstein B8 dampers and Eibach springs) to a mate's 1990 E30 BMW 316. This kit lowered the car about 40mm front and rear. Considering the OEM dampers were some 18 years old, the B12 kit improved the ride quality, stance and handling no end. It's nowhere near as hard as the Koni adjustables and yet it corners like nobody's business. And it's RWD. Bonus!

So, if you're in the market for sensible shockers, get Bilsteins. As for the springs: I can't comment on aftermarket springs such as Coilsprings 89 (apparently very good but I have no experience with them), but I highly rate Eibach springs. You pays your moneys though.

Hope this helps and sorry for the rant.

Cheers,
Niek

[chris gsi]

the kit you can get from courtney is very good the car handles well and is still useable as its not that low

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f57/chris_1981/nova3.jpg

[Graeme]

Billies and custom springs it is then
Thank you to all for the input