Modifying Bilstein Shocks
As usual with my discussions, please pretend that budgets are infinite, safety concerns are non-existent, and nothing is impossible.
Some people have noticed that Bilstein shock absorbers have common components, serviceability, and straight-forward designs. To this end, it's been shown that off-the-shelf dampers can be converted to full-blown "take apart" motorsport dampers. http://farnorthracing.com/shocks_2.html MX-5 Forums: Quote:
http://www.evolutionm.net/forums/evo...ml#post1964697 Question 1: What platforms are available for our platform? B6 & B8 would be cheap and simple... but with a limited selection of springs available. http://ft86speedfactory.com/images/B...Complete-4.JPG http://ft86speedfactory.com/images/B...Complete-3.JPG B14 would have standard springs available and height adjustment. http://ft86speedfactory.com/images/47-228337-3.JPG B16 would add adjustable damping (if that's a good thing). http://ft86speedfactory.com/images/48-228299-4.JPG http://ft86speedfactory.com/images/48-228299-1.JPG Question 2: Is it better to build up from a universal motorsports damper? http://www.thompsonracingfabrication...port1small.jpg Threaded lower mounts or weld-on brackets aren't rocket science. Then cut threads into the upper stub to match any of the lovely FRS/BRZ upper mounts on the market today (CasCam anyone?). If you were going to DIY the ultimate damper, what would you do? |
I know that first part says "It's very simple..." but I can't stress enough how not simple that whole process is. :lol:
Yes anyone can take a drill to their shocks with the right knowhow and commitment but its not a good idea for everyone. If you dont have a shock dyno then you're not revalving shocks on your own. The B14 coilovers are IMO the proper starting point as its a shorter shock body. Just needs linear springs and depending on rates chosen a revalve too. The universal motorsports shock (or MDS) is awesome. But a bit more upfront cost. - Andy |
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This is not for the bolt-on guys, but for those who value a take-apart shock without the price... I'm curious what the options are. |
Either...
Custom re-valve B8/B6 to match your springs (if you want it better/perfectly matched, than OTS B8/B6's). $420. or Get some Hyperco or Swift linear springs for your B14/B16 (with accompanying upper top perches and other small misc parts, helper springs perhaps, etc.). These springs and parts are relatively inexpensive. RCE can help you out with either decision with their vast knowledge. |
Ran across some useful info on the Honda forums about a guy who built his own shock dyno and revalved his own shocks. Lots of cool tinkering, with pictures and explanations.
http://honda-tech.com/road-racing-au...oject-2415915/ I may not go that rogue... but modifying some B14's could be a fun project. |
I would like to rebuild my B14s to use Hyperco springs, but I have no idea what rates to run. :\
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We've messaged each other before regarding conversion to linear springs. The only thing you need (aside from the hyperco/swift springs) would be custom upper spring perches for the narrower ID linear springs (since the B14/B16 reuses the oem stock upper perches/hats; which are wide/big/oem diameter on the top section of the spring (it tapers)). He also suggested using helper springs and helper spring separator. I forget which exact rates he recommended (I don't have that account anymore and cannot review my old messages); but, I think it was around the 6-7kg spring rate range for OTS valving. Of course, it would be best to re-valve them (at an additional $420 on top of the cost of new linear springs/perches/helpers/separators). You will also have to figure out what the best spring length to get is (you don't want to end up having the finished setup too high or too low; even with the range of adjustability).
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I can give some better recommendations later on spring rates. Bear with me...
- Andy |
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Oh you know, just built a shock dyno and revalved my own shocks, no biggie. |
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Do you know what diameter the springs are on the B14? 2.5? Could I theoretically just get the same size in Hyperco and save myself the hassle with the upper mount? I don't really need the wheel/tire clearance the 2.25 offers. (Edit: Actually, this wouldn't work because the bottom of the spring tapers in on the lower spring perch, correct?) |
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Actually, you don't need nice aftermarket camber top hats to convert or make this work (though of course it wouldn't hurt). You just need custom upper perches (which in turn, press/rest between the upper spring and oem top hats). Basically, it would be similar to how RCE T0 and T2 work with oem top hats. I've lost all my old messages with RCE about doing this; but it would be basically trying to make/transform the Bilstein coilovers into RCE linear coilovers. |
I did some simple cost calculations. And, I think you'd get the most bang for the buck by just getting RCE T0 or T2 (cheaper/same-price..and at the same time already built (no down time) and valved correctly).
RCE T0: $1700 (non-adj) RCE T2: $2400 (2-way-adj) vs B14: $1100 (non-adj) B16: $1900 (1-way-adj) B14 Modded ($400 revalved, $400 springs/parts: appx +$800 total): $1900 B16 Modded (revalved/springs/parts: appx +$800 total): $2700 Even T0 would be the same price as a Tarmac/Spec-R + revalved B8/B6 setup: Swift Spec-R or Tarmac: $375 or $330 B8 or B6 shocks: $900 Total: $1275 Revalved Total (+$420): $1695 |
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