Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

[BlackAss]

Hi there,

Bilstein B6 is meant for stock springs while B8 is meant for lowered springs.

However, most drivers who used B6 and B8 complaint that B8 is much stiffer, regardless of using stock or lowered springs. Meaning that they experienced better comfort on B6 with lowered springs!!?! Even the guy at the counter of Eng Soon recommended B6 on lowered springs, for more comfort.

The valve designs on both B6 and B8 are the same, the only stark difference is that B8 has shorter strut stem (the solid stainless steel part). Therefore longer stem = more travel = more comfort?

While I understand that ride height is determined by the springs, regardless of the shock stem length, I am seeking opinion from the technical gurus in this forum to advice on which model to take if my aim is to improve handling (comparing with stock absorbers), maintain my current low-ride height (on H&R springs), but to reduce stiffness as much as possible - meaning to choose the more comfortable option between B6 and B8.

Thanks for your attention.

Best regards.

 

[ben1]

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

Both can use.

Hardness is relative. If you drive a Toyota or Merc, change to Bilstein sure say very hard.

Since you're on H&R liao! the B8 is the correct one to choose as the shorter stem is calibrated to fully rebound with the shorter spring. So in the long run, it's better suited, it'll last as long as designed and it settle down more quicker.

You can listen to the shop and install the B6. Maybe they have more stock. Not much perceivable difference but long run, the shocks will not last as long as it's designed since the shock are constantly in 'compressed' mode due to the longer stem having to be pressed down more.

 

[MW]

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

I was told Bilstein works better with Eibach springs more than H&R cos not as harsh

 

[BlackAss]

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

Thank you Gentlemen.

 

[pengful]

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

Yes, agreed with the folks... B8 more suitable with the H&R springs. Been there, done that!

Then again, consider the following, which I found recently:
1) Eng Soon is out of stock for Bilsteins, regardless whether B6 or B8. If you want, order lead time is about 6 weeks. Furthermore, just the shocks will cost about $800, not counting the cost of the springs.
2) I was quoted about $1,200 for B8 with Eibach springs from one of the sponsor workshops. Please remember that they are fixed... cannot adjust.
3) I was later quoted the same for a set of ST coilovers from another sponsor workshop. I went with the coilovers.

 

[BlackAss]

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

Yes, agreed with the folks... B8 more suitable with the H&R springs. Been there, done that!

Then again, consider the following, which I found recently:
1) Eng Soon is out of stock for Bilsteins, regardless whether B6 or B8. If you want, order lead time is about 6 weeks. Furthermore, just the shocks will cost about $800, not counting the cost of the springs.
2) I was quoted about $1,200 for B8 with Eibach springs from one of the sponsor workshops. Please remember that they are fixed... cannot adjust.
3) I was later quoted the same for a set of ST coilovers from another sponsor workshop. I went with the coilovers.

Hi Pengful,

Thanks for the feedback. I already got H&R fitted. My current Koni FSD lasted only 3 years. Dont know why it died on me so soon. Car was used for city driving and mileage for the 3 years is roughly 40K km. Maybe FSD is suited for only stock springs.

a sponsor workshop told me that B6 would be more comfortable than B8, even on lowered springs. B6 is suited for stock springs or those that does not lower the ride >30mm.

Eng Soon has stocks of both B6 and B8, but the latter cost about 300-400$ more.

Only difference is the stem length (~40mm). Same stem diameter, same valves design.

B8 with Eibach springs = B12. Its cheaper than buying the springs and shocks separately.

Cheers.

 

[ben1]

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

Eng Soon has stocks of both B6 and B8, but the latter cost about 300-400$ more.

IMHO, that is pure BS.

 

[BlackAss]

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

IMHO, that is pure BS.

yah man... pay that amount of $$ more, for shorter stem....

 

[XXX]

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8 for H&R springs?

Yes, agreed with the folks... B8 more suitable with the H&R springs. Been there, done that!

Then again, consider the following, which I found recently:
1) Eng Soon is out of stock for Bilsteins, regardless whether B6 or B8. If you want, order lead time is about 6 weeks. Furthermore, just the shocks will cost about $800, not counting the cost of the springs.
2) I was quoted about $1,200 for B8 with Eibach springs from one of the sponsor workshops. Please remember that they are fixed... cannot adjust.
3) I was later quoted the same for a set of ST coilovers from another sponsor workshop. I went with the coilovers.

$1200 for ST Coil? So Cheap?