Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: autoxcuda]
#1047791
08/05/11 09:40 PM
08/05/11 09:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,538 N.E. OHIO, USA
A12
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OP
Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,538
N.E. OHIO, USA
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Quote:
IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.
I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.
Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.
You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.
So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.
Steve, don't get me wrong I really like Bilstein shocks and have used them since they first came out but even their same shock for the same application there is a difference for their standard, HD and "Sport" settings when it comes to ride quality if you don't match them with other components like springs, camber adjustments or ride height/stroke. Put a set of "Sport" settings on my wife's Scirocco once and she hated them....changed to a set of HD and loved them. On the Koni's at least at the worst I can back off the "wear compensator" if the stock setting is too stiff or I can increase the damping if I think it needs it but with the Bilstein's you live with the base setting or have it re-valved. I don't know how a "Sport" or race setting Bilstein can or would work well just bolted onto a stock '69 GTX? Does Hotchkis offer a base "HD" valved Bilstein shock?
MikeR
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Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: autoxcuda]
#1047792
08/09/11 11:22 PM
08/09/11 11:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,538 N.E. OHIO, USA
A12
OP
Too Many Posts
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OP
Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,538
N.E. OHIO, USA
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Quote:
IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.
I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.
Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.
You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.
So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.
Steve, had to get something quick for the front of the GTX and haven't gotten a response so I ordered a front set of Monroe gas-matic shocks for $20 each and got them within a day (this evening) from Advance Auto and best part is they are MADE IN USA
If I'm going to spend $120+ each for a shock absorber I wish someone would tell me they are valved for a stock application........I think there is a market for a high quality, premium shock absorber for stock application..
MikeR
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Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: A12]
#1047793
08/09/11 11:34 PM
08/09/11 11:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347 Today? Who Knows?
1_WILD_RT
Management Trainee
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Management Trainee
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
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I installed the Bilsteins, took off an old set of Monroes, ran the Monroes because other aftermarket shocks I'd run were harsh.. The Monroes weren't harsh & I ran them for years but they also didn't control bigger bumps well or add to the handling.. I too have run Bilsteins on many other vehicles & I've always been impressed with how well they cover the whole spectrum from ride quality in normal driving & harsh road conditions plus help the handling of the car... The improvement has always been obvious but the improvement in the ride & handling of the Challenger was more profound than any other car I've added them to....
"The Armies of our ancestors were lucky, in that they were not trailed by a second army of pencil pushers."
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Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: A12]
#1047795
08/10/11 12:25 AM
08/10/11 12:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,478 So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,478
So Cal
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Quote:
Quote:
IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.
I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.
Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.
You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.
So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.
Steve, had to get something quick for the front of the GTX and haven't gotten a response so I ordered a front set of Monroe gas-matic shocks for $20 each and got them within a day (this evening) from Advance Auto and best part is they are MADE IN USA
If I'm going to spend $120+ each for a shock absorber I wish someone would tell me they are valved for a stock application........I think there is a market for a high quality, premium shock absorber for stock application..
MikeR
I'm sorry I haven't run them on a stock suspended car, so I couldn't give you a first hand answer. So I'd rather pass that along to someone who has; that's why I mentioned 1WildRT. I should have suggested PM'img him.
Seems like he just went doen the same exact road you are going.
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Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: A12]
#1047796
08/10/11 01:14 AM
08/10/11 01:14 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,447 So Cal
Sinitro
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,447
So Cal
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Quote:
The only Bilstein shocks that I know of for a '68-'69 B-body seem to be valved for high performance driving (road course/autocross) and not for general use so will they be too stiff/firm for everyday cruising? I've used Bilsteins since the '70's on everything from BMW 02'S, VW Scirocco, Jetta GLI (lowered factory struts/springs) and even have them on a Ford E350 van. Also used them on my race dirt bikes when they sponsored our team back in the '70's so I kind of feel I know how they work depending on the valving. So how do they work if I'm not changing anything and just adding the Bilstein Hotchkis shocks???
I'm torn between the Hotchkis Bilstein's (Dr. Decarbon floating separator) and the old Koni-been around for decades, air/oil emulsion shock which you would think would be a no-brainer with how good a Bilstein is but not if the valving is too darn stiff? I guess I wrote this fro Hotchkis to answer
MikeR
The big advantage with the Konis' and Bilsteins is that they provide incredible 2-way damping especially for the rebound action. Most OE shocks do OK in the downward action but poorly in the extended action. I have been running the Konis' for about 5 years on my RoadRunner and have been very satisfied with their handling. But then I don't do the Willow Springs road circuit loops and sand-spinners like Steve does in the Cuda..
I have had Bilsteins on other vehicles with great sucess and would have purchased those for the RoadRunner if available @ the time..
Just my $0.02...
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Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: A12]
#1047797
08/10/11 06:46 PM
08/10/11 06:46 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 203 Sante Fe Springs, CA
Hotchkis
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 203
Sante Fe Springs, CA
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Quote:
Quote:
IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.
I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.
Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.
You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.
So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.
Steve, don't get me wrong I really like Bilstein shocks and have used them since they first came out but even their same shock for the same application there is a difference for their standard, HD and "Sport" settings when it comes to ride quality if you don't match them with other components like springs, camber adjustments or ride height/stroke. Put a set of "Sport" settings on my wife's Scirocco once and she hated them....changed to a set of HD and loved them. On the Koni's at least at the worst I can back off the "wear compensator" if the stock setting is too stiff or I can increase the damping if I think it needs it but with the Bilstein's you live with the base setting or have it re-valved. I don't know how a "Sport" or race setting Bilstein can or would work well just bolted onto a stock '69 GTX? Does Hotchkis offer a base "HD" valved Bilstein shock?
MikeR
The Hotchkis tuned Bilstein shocks are not as firm as you think. They offer a nice controlled ride that certainly cuts down on float and roll, but are not jarring at all. That said – while our shocks will work well with a stock setup and will certainly improve driving dynamics, we do not offer a second series for vehicles without performance mods. So, if you’re looking for something a little firmer than stock that will help improve handling and may one day add sway bars and a few other mods like bigger wheels/tires, you’ll find our Bilstein is a great choice.
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Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: Hotchkis]
#1047798
08/11/11 01:37 PM
08/11/11 01:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,538 N.E. OHIO, USA
A12
OP
Too Many Posts
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OP
Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,538
N.E. OHIO, USA
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
IIRC, 1WildRT just added Bilstein shocks to a basically stock suspension.
I don't see how Konis are going to be much softer than a Bilstein.
Bilstein has a series/line of non-performance stocker type shocks also.
You might just consider Monroe Gas Matic HD shocks if you are looking for a smooth but controlled ride.
So much driver peference and opinion it's tough to suggest.
Steve, don't get me wrong I really like Bilstein shocks and have used them since they first came out but even their same shock for the same application there is a difference for their standard, HD and "Sport" settings when it comes to ride quality if you don't match them with other components like springs, camber adjustments or ride height/stroke. Put a set of "Sport" settings on my wife's Scirocco once and she hated them....changed to a set of HD and loved them. On the Koni's at least at the worst I can back off the "wear compensator" if the stock setting is too stiff or I can increase the damping if I think it needs it but with the Bilstein's you live with the base setting or have it re-valved. I don't know how a "Sport" or race setting Bilstein can or would work well just bolted onto a stock '69 GTX? Does Hotchkis offer a base "HD" valved Bilstein shock?
MikeR
The Hotchkis tuned Bilstein shocks are not as firm as you think. They offer a nice controlled ride that certainly cuts down on float and roll, but are not jarring at all. That said – while our shocks will work well with a stock setup and will certainly improve driving dynamics, we do not offer a second series for vehicles without performance mods. So, if you’re looking for something a little firmer than stock that will help improve handling and may one day add sway bars and a few other mods like bigger wheels/tires, you’ll find our Bilstein is a great choice.
Thanks Hotchkis for the reply and information. I think I'll wait until you or Bilstein comes with a set of stock suspension based shocks. If I bought them and didn't like them I wouldn't expect you to take them back and I wouldn't want to do that anyway. I currently have five cars that I have put Bilstein shocks on and I've been happy with them. Some I put on for Sport driving and autocross and the others for ride quality and I selected them accordingly. My wife hates the sport settings and don't want to end up with that on the GTX. Thanks again for your reply and pm.
MikeR
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Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: BradH]
#1047801
08/11/11 06:41 PM
08/11/11 06:41 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 640 Graz, Austria
DGS
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 640
Graz, Austria
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Quote:
FWIW, I had Konis on the A12 RR & w/ the redline radials it rode OK. I still wouldn't have wanted to try autocrossing it, though.
Are you talking about the red adjustable Konis? I have them on my Charger and I really like them - they give the car a nice firm ride feeling. I adjusted them to the middle setting.
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Re: Why should I buy Bilstein shocks instead of Koni shocks
[Re: A12]
#1047802
08/12/11 08:13 PM
08/12/11 08:13 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 203 Sante Fe Springs, CA
Hotchkis
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 203
Sante Fe Springs, CA
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Quote:
Thanks Hotchkis for the reply and information. I think I'll wait until you or Bilstein comes with a set of stock suspension based shocks. If I bought them and didn't like them I wouldn't expect you to take them back and I wouldn't want to do that anyway. I currently have five cars that I have put Bilstein shocks on and I've been happy with them. Some I put on for Sport driving and autocross and the others for ride quality and I selected them accordingly. My wife hates the sport settings and don't want to end up with that on the GTX. Thanks again for your reply and pm.
MikeR
Mike - No problem! We were happy to answer your question. Feel free to ask us here or call our toll free number and ask us over the phone. 888-735-6425
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