924Board.org

[RC]

Recently had all 4 wheels aligned after fitting new tyres. All appeared to be in spec and I was quite happy with the Au$ 120 charge for over 2 hours work.



However on their shock tester which gave a graphical printout there was some indication of poor dampening especially on the front. These guys sell shocks so not surprising, and a ballpark quote for "their brand" cartridges was $600.

Been looking at replacement KYB`s on evilbay for a lot less.

Question time:
1. Has anyone tried the KYB for fast winding road use and have any comments?

2. If I lower the struts using the trolley jack method can they swing out far far enough past the fenders to undo and replace the inserts?

3. Will this affect my alignment and necessitate another one?

Appreciate any input.
Roger
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World`s quickest 924 2L slushbox

[Smoothie]

1. Hmmm - I don't have a record of what brand inserts I put in the front, but they were much closer to the least expensive than to the most. No complaints here. I don't race, but don't drive like an old lady either.

2. Yes. They swing out far enough to lift the springs off and to replace the inserts.

3. No, the alignment isn't affected when doing it this way.


Hey nice clean machine you have there.
_________________
"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."


'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

[Rasta Monsta]

I love my Bilsteins, from Allshocks.com.
_________________
Toofah King Bad

• WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

[Mike924]

[RC]

Thanks for the answer Smoothie.
We appear to have similar driving styles.

Dropped the struts to do the upper bearings using the piece of cake method. Didnt think they would swing out sufficiently but think I still left the swaybar attached.

Appreciate the clean car comment and that was after crossing half of OZ and no wash for weeks. Then traveled another 1000Km and next to Leadfoots and a couple of nice 944s, mine looked like a dirty POS. ( But i think they spent all day saturday polishing! )

Theres no doubting the Bilsteins Rasta. With one HD nearly the same price as 4 KYBs and the sports one double the price (of 4) do I get value for money? Wonder how far Allshocks free shipping goes?

New boots, much easier to get Docs in any size here than 225/60/14s! Had quite a few Goodyears from my previous eagles but no one makes many better 14s any more. Sure that next time I will have to go to 15, 16,17 and may as well go to 5 stud and discs, another 2K here.

Another question.: Although I don`t really want to lower it, If I change to heavier springs, say 250 #, will the slight difference in ride height affect my camber enough to require another alignment? What if I up the torsion bars too?

Roger

[Benino]

I just replaced my shocks on my 931. I got Billstein HD's. Fronts were 130 each and rears were 91 each. No shipping or tax from alleurasianautoparts.com

I'm actually not all that impressed. I'm glad to have new shocks. Damping is improved but that's because my old ones were blown. I went cheap on my 924 n/a a few years ago when I replaced the shocks, and there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the two. I would rather have gotten the sport shocks although with the price being what it is. . .

In other words, I guess I'm saying the high cost may not have been worth it. A friend of mine got the Billstein sports on his 81 scirocco. Huge improvement. Much more agressive (really hard on bumps though)! Wish they weren't so expensive for our cars. I think I am more willing to sacrifice comfort for performance than most.
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1980 Porsche 924 N/A USA
1980 Porsche 924 turbo USA
1987 Porsche 944S USA

[ideola]

I put KYB's on my '81 NA all the way around. Our roads here in MI are pretty harsh, so these stock replacements are the way to go. They were inexpensive, they give a good ride, and for a non-race application, they handle well. The NA does have a touch more body lean than my lowered 931 and my 928...but it still handles exceptionally well. I would not hesitate to reinstall KYBs for a street-driven daily driver.
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[924RACR]

I too have been quite happy with KYB's on a stock street car...
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Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

[RC]

Appreciate the testimonials Benino and Ideola. Reading between the lines it doesnt appear to be any benefit spending double the money on HD Bilsteins over the KYB. Both manufacturers claim to be the world leader and biggest OEM supplier. Although the Bilstein sport or Koni are much preferred from a performance perspective there is no way I can justify spending the money.

Also in other threads here PORSCHEV states he is happy with the same shocks I will buy. And he is winning races on them too!

As foreman of the jury here 924RACR your vote has convinced me to buy the KYB.

There isn`t much available locally in Oz. Both Monroe and Pedders brand IMO are not superior to the KYBs and are priced around 1K Au. Bilstein doesnt carry them in Australia, even when cross referenced to VW. For the price of Koni yellow even I could buy another going 924.

The KYB from the USA with shipping to Oz is under Au$ 400 so thats what I`m going to get.

OH BTW Rasta what do you recommend besides tape to take up the clearance between the insert and the strut tube?

Roger

[Rasta Monsta]

No complaints, here, m8, duck tape ain't just for ducks.


_________________
Toofah King Bad

• WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

[924RACR]

Bilsteins are far superior for heavy-duty use to the KYBs. But if you're not tracking your car...

I have them on my '82 931, it's nice, but KYBs would probably be fine for the use it sees around here.

Bilsteins are also lifetime warrantied, at least here in the US.

Bilsteins are far superior on my racecar, part of why I win races. My competition, and anyone even close to my level in racing, we mostly all run Bilstein custom shocks. There's a reason.

But, again, buy what suits your budget.
_________________
Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

[RC]

Rasta Monsta wrote:

[RC]

BTW, What would be your opinion on buying used secondhand bilsteins?

TIA,
Roger

[924RACR]

I'd get the KYB's.

I have the HD Bilsteins.
_________________
Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

[Rasta Monsta]