ZR-1 Net Registry Forums - View Single Post - Just got my custom FX3 shocks back from Bilstein

mike100 · 06-01-2011

from two weeks back
---------------------------

And again with the jackstands...

The Bilstein shop is local and just across the freeway, not too far- gonna get some rebuild/custom valving on the FX3's. The car goes just a bit too fast to leave it squishy and floaty like it is now.

today
--------------------
Sooo...two weeks later I get my shocks back and it took about an hour to put them back on, being careful to get the bushing squish just right as there is an installed height for the actuators.

They do install new stickers though- that was a nice touch. If you want the paint perfect, you will have to buy new ones first. if you look close, the old ones do not say "Made in Germany". It was probably done on the new stickers because the shocks have "made in West Germany" stamped on the body. Yes, my car is that old.

The rebuild fee includes any custom valving you want so I requested 10% more compression and 30% more rebound. I have to say that this modest adjustment turned out about right as it doesn't ride much firmer than before (just a touch), but the rebound is much more in control, even on the middle setting. Maybe the old shocks were done despite the low mileage, but for sure the factory valving is lame-especially on rebound.

The Sport(middle) setting can be driven 80mph on bumpy roads safely so you don't have to reach down to switch it frantically if you forgot. As before, it offers some compliance for the real world.

The tour(lowest) setting is still nearly useless-you get a fair amount of body movement, but if you choose to drive the speed limit strictly, I guess it is ok.

The Performance(highest) setting is definitely just right. I drove through a drainage depression that used to upset the car at 70 mph and it did not bounce twice like it used to. It was not overly firm either. I'm glad I didn't drink the koolaid and order the 'Moracca' valving that the magazine articles and internet lore always tout. I was prepared to buy the controller from DRM or Lingenfelter with the removable prom, but I may not even bother now

06-01-2011	#1
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,786	Just got my custom FX3 shocks back from Bilstein from two weeks back --------------------------- And again with the jackstands... The Bilstein shop is local and just across the freeway, not too far- gonna get some rebuild/custom valving on the FX3's. The car goes just a bit too fast to leave it squishy and floaty like it is now. today -------------------- Sooo...two weeks later I get my shocks back and it took about an hour to put them back on, being careful to get the bushing squish just right as there is an installed height for the actuators. They do install new stickers though- that was a nice touch. If you want the paint perfect, you will have to buy new ones first. if you look close, the old ones do not say "Made in Germany". It was probably done on the new stickers because the shocks have "made in West Germany" stamped on the body. Yes, my car is that old. The rebuild fee includes any custom valving you want so I requested 10% more compression and 30% more rebound. I have to say that this modest adjustment turned out about right as it doesn't ride much firmer than before (just a touch), but the rebound is much more in control, even on the middle setting. Maybe the old shocks were done despite the low mileage, but for sure the factory valving is lame-especially on rebound. The Sport(middle) setting can be driven 80mph on bumpy roads safely so you don't have to reach down to switch it frantically if you forgot. As before, it offers some compliance for the real world. The tour(lowest) setting is still nearly useless-you get a fair amount of body movement, but if you choose to drive the speed limit strictly, I guess it is ok. The Performance(highest) setting is definitely just right. I drove through a drainage depression that used to upset the car at 70 mph and it did not bounce twice like it used to. It was not overly firm either. I'm glad I didn't drink the koolaid and order the 'Moracca' valving that the magazine articles and internet lore always tout. I was prepared to buy the controller from DRM or Lingenfelter with the removable prom, but I may not even bother now