Bilstein B6 or B8?

[smg1138]

So, I'm seriously considering upgrading to Bilstein dampers matched with some Swift Spec-R springs. Only thing is that I can't figure out which ones to go with. I've read some conflicting information about which is better for this amount of drop. The Spec-R's advertise a 28mm front and 25mm rear drop, but I've read that's actually conservative. I'm thinking the B8's would be best, but I'm still not 100% sure. Anybody have any experience with this that can offer some feedback?

[PERRIN_Chris]

Check with @FT-86 SpeedFactory. They've ran both of them before and will be able to give you the best advice.

[FT-86 SpeedFactory]

Even with the Swift spring's modest lowering, you are still shortening the amount of stroke on the piston for the damper. The B8 does account for this and has a shorter stroke with a smaller internal bumpstop than the B6. They are also damped for higher spring rates of lowering springs.

That being said, I believe it would depend on what you are looking to do with the setup. If you are looking for more performance, the B8 will firm things up a bit more with the springs to ask a bit more from your tires. The B6 would be more comfortable over bumps with the longer stroke that is available. Most want a little of both as their cars are daily drivers, a bit of comfort with some more performance and go for the B6.

Hope that helps a little!

Cheers,
-Yo

[_gt86_user]

Originally Posted by smg1138

So, I'm seriously considering upgrading to Bilstein dampers matched with some Swift Spec-R springs. Only thing is that I can't figure out which ones to go with. I've read some conflicting information about which is better for this amount of drop. The Spec-R's advertise a 28mm front and 25mm rear drop, but I've read that's actually conservative. I'm thinking the B8's would be best, but I'm still not 100% sure. Anybody have any experience with this that can offer some feedback?

You can match those struts with the Swift sports too they ride pretty good for daily and firm things up quite a bit, I'm on OEM shocks at the moment but I feel there is still enough stroke to soak up the bumps.

[smg1138]

Originally Posted by _gt86_user

You can match those struts with the Swift sports too they ride pretty good for daily and firm things up quite a bit, I'm on OEM shocks at the moment but I feel there is still enough stroke to soak up the bumps.

I do Autocross, so the Swift Sports would be too soft. Right now I'm using RCE Yellow's on the stock dampers and it's been ok but not great. I thought the B8's with the Swift Spec-R's would be a good setup for STX without having to deal with the headache that comes with adjustable coilovers. It may just be wishful thinking on my part though.

[Ro_Ja]

Originally Posted by FT-86 SpeedFactory

Even with the Swift spring's modest lowering, you are still shortening the amount of stroke on the piston for the damper. The B8 does account for this and has a shorter stroke with a smaller internal bumpstop than the B6. They are also damped for higher spring rates of lowering springs.

That being said, I believe it would depend on what you are looking to do with the setup. If you are looking for more performance, the B8 will firm things up a bit more with the springs to ask a bit more from your tires. The B6 would be more comfortable over bumps with the longer stroke that is available. Most want a little of both as their cars are daily drivers, a bit of comfort with some more performance and go for the B6.

Hope that helps a little!

Cheers,
-Yo

But the valving is the same between the two?

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...9&postcount=60