Silvia Club of NSW

Why drive when you can drift?
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:20 pm

All times are UTC + 10 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 5:16 am 
Offline
T25

Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 4:21 am
Posts: 4
Car: sil
G'day

I own a S13 Silvia and I've recently ordered a set of Bilstein shock absorber and Dobinson springs to replace my original shocks and springs.

Upon taking my car for rego check I was told that the shocks would needed to be replaced to pass, subsequently i spent the remainder of the day shopping for new suspension.

I hate to sound naive but I don't know too much about suspension. Bilstein shocks were chosen having heard they're a good compromise for the road. I also opted to upgrade to new springs to accompany the shocks. However when presented with the option of either Whiteline 'control' or Dobinson springs at the same price, the brand names meant little to me as I didn't know the difference.

The stuff should arrive in a few days. Yippy! haha

Anyhow, having the chance to sit down and read more about suspension,
sadly there doesn't appear to be much information or experience with Dobinson springs in sports cars.

Anybody with experience of Dobinson springs or Bilstein shocks?

Sorry for such a long post, i guess its cuz I am dying in anticipation and as excited as a kiddy at Christmas eve. haha

Hopefully it turns out good.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 7:37 am 
Offline
Admin Team
Admin Team
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 03, 2003 3:27 pm
Posts: 3870
Location: here
Car: Hello Kitty!
In most cases springs are springs, no matter who makes them.

What really matters is the spring rates and whether they suit the car and are matched to the shock.

_________________
meh


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 7:11 pm 
Offline
T25

Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 4:21 am
Posts: 4
Car: sil
Well this afternoon I was very excited as the stuff arrived, I recieved:

Front -
Bilstein shock absorber inserts labled "F4-R36-5023-H0"

Rear -
Bilstein shocks labled
"F4- B46-1916-H0
R33/ S14 Rear"

Springs-
Dobinson springs labled "suit 180sx"

The front shocks are replacement inserts, no struts are included. I would of expected that Bilstein struts were needed.

Though, having now read over some past posts in other forums, it appears quite a lot of replacement shocks for certain cars are only inserts.

Now, upon reading a "R33/ S14 Rear" lable on the box for the rears , I was initially quite concerned that the wrong shocks were sent. However I have been reassured that these will fit and are the correct shocks.

It sort of leads to the impression that the shocks have not been specifically valved to suit the s13. The R33 Skyline are a lot heavier model car.

Seems most brands offer different shocks for s13, s14 and R33.

Having said all that, I trust Bilstein have their reasons. I should really test them first before questioning.

Anyhow, at the moment I've booked to have these fitted first thing tomorow morning at my local Midas. Got quoted around $220 to fit both front and rear.

Will report my impressions on the handling if it goes smoothly. I'm exicted and can't wait to drive on new suspension. :D


Last edited by Bluietron on Fri Apr 14, 2006 4:19 pm, edited 3 times in total.

Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 7:27 pm 
Offline
T25

Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 4:21 am
Posts: 4
Car: sil
badhairdave wrote:
In most cases springs are springs, no matter who makes them.

What really matters is the spring rates and whether they suit the car and are matched to the shock.


Yup, i agree.

Though atm seems nobodys' sure of the exact spring rates of the springs, and Dobinson doesn't list an email address.

However, I recieved a reply email from Tony at Sydney Shock Absorbers, the retailers of Bilstein.

"Springs sold for road use will generally be useable with even standard
shocks in good order, Dobinsons springs are a reputable brand. Bilstein
shocks being far more durable and efficient will cope with any road rated
spring and give much better handling. "


Which eases my concern. Anyway, taking a break from the technical side of things which i'm still not too familiar with (though still eager to learn), I will report how it 'feels' if everything goes smoothly tomorw. :)


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 10:01 pm 
Offline
Quad T78
User avatar

Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:43 pm
Posts: 3124
Location: Sydeny
Car: S14a
Whiteline is a very good brand never had a problem with there stuff

_________________
Disclaimer: If you have'nt worked it out by now I CANT SPELL FOR SHIT.
Image


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 8:15 am 
Offline
SilviaNSW Supporter
SilviaNSW Supporter
User avatar

Joined: Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:59 am
Posts: 1797
Car: Tree Fiddy
Bilstein are one of the best shock absorber makers in the world.

Assuming the Bilsteins are designed for your car and application, and coupled with a set of springs to match, you can't go that wrong.

_________________
Tips for being fooli sik:

Go chrome or go home
Sneezin's Pleasin'
Da flutta is bred and butta
NOS is boss
Try to be different, just like everyone else
No boost? Ya just loost


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC + 10 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group