Bilstein b6 shocks installed

[DaveD]

As planned, I’ve installed these with the standard SE springs as I wanted to see what the ride / compliance / handling balance was like. Also replaced the rear bush of the front lower control arms and had full hunter alignment.

Result - am really pleased. They replaced LCA bush has definitely tightened things up but it’s the damping that really stands out. Old shocks were knackered so was always going to be but but they way the car now deals with bumps/dips/compressions is really impressive. I can carry speed with real confidence on bumpy B roads now. The car stays flatter and is not really upset.

Steering still tramlines a bit - need to play with tyre pressures. Also I’m getting a bit of sticky steering - think I need to back off the ring on the electric steering mechanism a bit (only moved it 5mm or so). The car rolls a bit on standard bars, so could look to upgrade them in the future, but the B6s do make a big difference vs previously. RTAB limiters might also be on the cards.

The ride height I think is a bit higher at the rear - perhaps this will settle as the B6s bed in. Not a major issue for me but might put others off. As much as I love the look of lower riding Zs, I want wheel travel to have B road fun. Some pics attached.

All in, very pleased.

 

[kis]

Nice write up. I think it does sit a little high but then again with UK roads, particularly if you go down a lot of B roads or pot hole ridden ones... it’s a compromise

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I have poly RTABs and they pretty much cured the tramlining. Poly ARB bushings are easy and cheap enough to try out.

Try 33F 35R for pressures.

 

[Steve84N]

Dampers bedding in won't change the ride height...

 

[Phoenixboy]

I have poly RTABs and they pretty much cured the tramlining. Poly ARB bushings are easy and cheap enough to try out.

Try 33F 35R for pressures.

that's what I was advised to run, and works well.

 

[ben g]

I couldn't live with that ride height, but I understand it's worth the compromise.

Are the LCA rear bushes you changed also known as lollipops/front wishbone rear bushes? Just wondering whether it's something I've already had replaced or need to get replaced in future.

 

[DaveD]

Thanks guys

Covering your points
- thanks for the tyre pressure settings. I’ll try that!
- re the bushings, they are on the front axle and are the hollow circular fluid filled bushings that the back end of the lower control arm is held in. Has made a big difference.
- ride height - yeah, I know what you mean. I look at a b12 kitted car with spacers and CSLs/Apex-8s and it looks sooo good. Problem is that I hear lowered cars are crap on bumpy B roads, and that’s what I like driving. I have the option of getting suplex m sport spec springs which will drop it a bit and within tolerance of the B6s (confirmed by Bilstein) but I’ll see.

Very pleased though. Is moving towards the low slung straight 6 B road basher I’ve always wanted.

 

[Steve84N]

Are the LCA rear bushes you changed also known as lollipops/front wishbone rear bushes?

Yes.

 

[ben g]

Are the LCA rear bushes you changed also known as lollipops/front wishbone rear bushes?

Yes.

Cheers Already had them replaced with poly items