Switched from ST Coilovers to B8/Sportline

[Roneezy]

Had ST Coilovers for 6+months now and wasn't giving me the ride quality I've been looking for. Also the past 1.5-2 month the quality went to shit and started hearing more of a popping noise every once in a while.


Huge thanks to @switchlanez for the recommendation. Originally had KW V3 already coming in, but I don't need the adjustability as all I'm seeking is a good drop and a comfortable ride. Easier on the wallet too!

Installed B8/Sportline yesterday and the difference is night and day.

Initial impressions:
Ride was more firm/stiffer and feels more solid all around
Most roads feel the same now. With ST I could feel how rough certain roads would be and that was not comfortable at all. Could literally feel the road in terms of whether is was smooth or rough.
No more random popping noises once in a while
Freeway cruising is so much more comfortable
Handles road imperfections very well, much more composed
Braking response is much faster, was very sluggish previously on STs.
(Had a lot more thoughts but I forgot lol, I'll add to this list as I remember them)


Enjoying this setup a lot, driven over 5 hours on it within the past 24 hours and have gotten to know it very well.

Just a few questions for those that are knowledgeable.

Driver side feels more "harder" than passenger side, why is that?
Installing with an impact gun, is there a chance that my suspension was damaged?
Instructions said only use self locking nut once, is it bad to disassemble and assemble again?


A local mechanic did the initial install of my b8/sportline. He used impact gun to assemble it.. As soon as I was leaving I felt binding when I would turn the car and he said its "normal" because its new and breaking in... Knew in my head that was some bullshit so I had no choice but to drive to my go-to guy Alex at Fuzion Teknique. Drove with this setup from SD to LA.

We found out the damn mechanic didn't install the front spring seat when putting on the stock tophat in the fronts. Also the passenger side wasn't assembled properly and the whole suspension would turn with the car when I was turning.


Rear seemed fine and that was that, no more binding or anything weird but is there a chance that my suspension is already damaged? I drove 2 hours from SD to LA to get this fixed. Also with the use of an impact gun assembling my suspension. When we had my fronts reassembled we didn't use an impact gun, but just wondering if I possibly already damaged it.




After everything though, I'm enjoying everything this setup has to offer more than the ST Coilovers. I daily drive my car and seeked comfort, I do not track/drift/hoon/etc.

[JSWhaler]

Assembly via impact gun isn't necessarily a bad thing, as torque can be adjusted... then again was it? Probably not as you've stated that he did a poor install. I would suggest taking it to a reputable mechanic and have them look it over. Bilsteins also have a great warranty so if there is something wrong- I bet they'd be willing to work with you. Best of luck.

[Roneezy]

Originally Posted by JSWhaler

Assembly via impact gun isn't necessarily a bad thing, as torque can be adjusted... then again was it? Probably not as you've stated that he did a poor install. I would suggest taking it to a reputable mechanic and have them look it over. Bilsteins also have a great warranty so if there is something wrong- I bet they'd be willing to work with you. Best of luck.

Yeah the mechanic I took it to afterwards reassembled it and didn't use a stupid impact gun. Everything is fine now, just worried there might've been some damage now that might affect the longevity of this product.

Bilstein is about 30-40min away from me in poway,ca so if there's anything wrong they aren't too far, having them repaired would be a big hassle though lol.

[strat61caster]

Considering it all went together fine I think you're safe.

Worst case scenario is that a seal got damaged, same exact scenario as this with the same response as far as I'm concerned.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115776

[Clipdat]

What was the first place that botched the install so we know to avoid them?

[Roneezy]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

What was the first place that botched the install so we know to avoid them?

I don't really want to shout out his shop like that, as pissed as I am I'll just say... avoid any shops in El Cajon... lol

[switchlanez]

A suspension guy told me that spinning the rod with an impact wrench should not damage your inserts. The bearings around the rod allow the rod to rotate freely. If the rod is spun too much too quickly (impact wrench will spin the rod gradually, not very fast) or too much dirt accumulates, than can cause the bearings to go bad and make noise. The only thing I can image causing inserts to go bad would be dirt accumulating down into the body and puncturing the insert (not even sure if it's wet or dry) or normal wear over long term use.

The damage from an impact wrench you should be worried about is stripping the rod threads from over-torquing. But if you were able to tighten the top nuts in LA without issue, then your threads are fine and you have no damage. But I am no expert. Try calling up Bilstein here in SD during business hours. Their tech support guys are helpful and can answer any of your nagging questions.

We have a Bilstein corporate employee in our SD86 FB group. If you ever run into issues, I can point you to him (he bought stuff from me/is in my friends list/same first name as mine).

[oldgunfan]

What springs did you use with the B8s? And did you lower it much?

[Roneezy]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

A suspension guy told me that spinning the rod with an impact wrench should not damage your inserts. The bearings around the rod allow the rod to rotate freely. If the rod is spun too much too quickly (impact wrench will spin the rod gradually, not very fast) or too much dirt accumulates, than can cause the bearings to go bad and make noise. The only thing I can image causing inserts to go bad would be dirt accumulating down into the body and puncturing the insert (not even sure if it's wet or dry) or normal wear over long term use.

The damage from an impact wrench you should be worried about is stripping the rod threads from over-torquing. But if you were able to tighten the top nuts in LA without issue, then your threads are fine and you have no damage. But I am no expert. Try calling up Bilstein here in SD during business hours. Their tech support guys are helpful and can answer any of your nagging questions.

We have a Bilstein corporate employee in our SD86 FB group. If you ever run into issues, I can point you to him (he bought stuff from me/is in my friends list/same first name as mine).

You always have all the information... Thanks for the heads up.

My mind can be at ease now knowing this information.

I hope I don't ever run into issues with these, but I'll be sure to let you know!!

Thank you!

[Roneezy]

Originally Posted by oldgunfan

What springs did you use with the B8s? And did you lower it much?

Eibach Sportline 1.4 Inch Drop.

Wanted to go Pro-Kit for only 1 inch drop but I wanted it a bit lower!

[JSWhaler]

Well should be a nice improvement over the ST's, especially for DD.