FX-3 Rebuild or New?

[RussMcB]

Okay, I know this has been discussed many times. Please forgive me for starting a new thread on the topic.

I have gotten a lot of good information from old posts. Some of them seemed to indicate things may have changed over the years. For instance, I saw many references to Bilstein maybe having fewer and fewer parts in stock (and maybe no longer available at some point).

Anyway, I'm looking for current information and opinions.

My main question: Is a custom revalve a significant improvement over brand new shocks?

I see a few online places offering new Bilsteins for ~ $190 ea. That's not too bad, and I think they come with a lifetime warantee. Looking ahead, they would be a great starting point if I decide to revalve down the road. It would be nice to have shiny new shocks, but, are they not that great with their stock valving?

On the other hand, I have time for a custom shock rebuild. I just dropped my car off for paint and it will probably be there a month. If the revalve performance is noticeably superior than stock, now is a great time for me to go that route.

My car will be street driven mostly, with perhaps 2-3 track days per year, and maybe some autocrosses.

Thanks very much for your opinions.

[Z51JEFF]

Back in Nov I wanted to replace the shocks in my car. What a nightmare that turned out to be. You can save yourself a bunch of grief and just buy a new set. About a month ago I just sold a new set for $750. Do some searching and you can find a new set for right around $800 opposed to having a set rebuilt for $650.

[RussMcB]

Thanks for the reply, Jeff.

So, if I understand your comments correctly,

1. Getting custom valved shocks was a big hassle.
2. The improvement of custom valving (over stock) was not worth the hassle.

Appreciate you sharing your thoughts. It certainly would be a lot easier to just order new.

[mike100]

I had mildly revalved settings included when I had mine rebuilt and I liked it a lot, but the new pricing is basically Bilstein's way of saying they don't want to offer the rebuild service anymore.

The only reason I did it was because I live and work nearby and was able to talk to the people doing the work to ensure I got what I wanted and of course no shipping costs. That was around $400 for all four at the time. I had heard someone say that there is another company offering some kind of rebuild services on these assuming your cores are still usable.

[Z51JEFF]

Originally Posted by RussMcB

Thanks for the reply, Jeff.

So, if I understand your comments correctly,

1. Getting custom valved shocks was a big hassle.
2. The improvement of custom valving (over stock) was not worth the hassle.

Appreciate you sharing your thoughts. It certainly would be a lot easier to just order new.

I was going with no custom revalving. When I first tried to buy some replacement bushings from Bilstien all I got was a run around now I know why,they would rather sell shocks and not just parts. They gave me such a hard time trying to buy the bushings I wasn't about to have them rebuild the shocks. When I first chose to have my originals rebuilt I didn't know at the time how easy it was to find new. I got so frustrated waiting on the rebuild company I was ready to spend $1000 plus for an N.O.S set off Fleabay but found a company that sold shocks. I believe Bilstein is making these again if at some point they did stop.

[Corvettes White]

I took a set of shocks to Bilstein in San Diego. Rebuilding would have been less expensive except the tear down report was that two shafts were excessively worn. That put the total repair cost about the price of new. George

[RussMcB]

Thanks for the comments. It doesn't sound like anyone thinks revalving is the bee's knees and will transform the car into much better handling than new Bilsteins.

[Gunny]

Originally Posted by mike100

I had mildly revalved settings included when I had mine rebuilt and I liked it a lot, but the new pricing is basically Bilstein's way of saying they don't want to offer the rebuild service anymore....

I also wanted to rebuild my old shocks with different settings (search & you will find different recommended valving settings) but at the time I called for the service (about a year ago) I basically received the same info ... slow turnaround, parts may not be available, etc. and if certain parts can't be restored, then rebuild was going to equal or exceed the price of new shocks. I would have liked the opportunity to try shocks with modified valve settings but it was more hassle than I wanted. I suppose you could always buy new shocks, send them in for custom valving, and have them back in a few weeks but it would almost double the cost of just buying some new ones ... and I don't know if that is still an option.

I checked my records and I paid $770 shipped from one of the online shock suppliers ... I think they were delivered about 3 days after my order.

By the replies I've been reading (above quote) and my own personal experience I believe that Bilstein may have changed their policy. Several years ago I needed some help with shocks (C4 but not ZR-1) and was impressed with the help/service that I received when I called Bilstein, but that no longer appears to be the case.

[Z51JEFF]

I've got a pint of Bilstein Yellow I had mixed up id like to sell if anybody wants it. I'm going to post it for sell when I get a chance. I think I paid $75 for the paint and activator,still have the receipt in the box.

[GOLDCYLON]

Just buy new and move on. The different valveing was good for the autocross crowd who needed a stiffer ride in the corners and now its PITA due to parts issues etc from Bilstein. If you want a different level of FX-3 performance just switch to DRM Coilovers. A few of us here have done that and never looked back.