Bilstein Struts
#1
Bilstein Struts
I just removed my Bilstein Struts, and put the OEM WS6 struts back in. Then I'm googling. Bilstein doesn't even make 3rd gen struts any more !! I had Bilstein re-valve these for auto-x back in the day... I'm going to shelve these for future use.. or maybe they are valuable at this point.
#2
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Bilstein Struts
The market has changed and I'm not sure where Bilstein lands in the order of desirability. Off the shelf it is comparable to Koni, but the Bilsteins were always more desirable to racers because it could be rebuilt and custom valved. However, JRI now makes a strut for our cars so that's a game changer.
What I've learned over the years is hanging on to old speed parts usually doesn't pay off because eventually something better comes along. Generally better to sell while the stuff is still relevant. I sold my Bilstein struts while I could.
What I've learned over the years is hanging on to old speed parts usually doesn't pay off because eventually something better comes along. Generally better to sell while the stuff is still relevant. I sold my Bilstein struts while I could.
#3
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Bilstein Struts
I've got a set of 1LE spindles that I hung onto too long. The aftermarket began fitting 1LE bearings into standard spindles, and most GM brake upgrades fit the offset of standard spindles too. Now the 1LE is just a bastard design that nobody wants.
#4
Re: Bilstein Struts
JRI is $3600 for struts.. Not too many will buy those. I have real 1LE spindles on my 89. I brought them back in the day, and converted my fronts to 1LE. Sure I could have hacked up my original spindles, but I wanted it to look factory.
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Car: '89 Firebird
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Re: Bilstein Struts
Physically larger, stronger, bigger bearings, wider track, different brake backspacing.
#6
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Bilstein Struts
A little thicker boss where the old dust shield mounted (used for 1LE bracket) and the iron caliper ears are cut off for the larger rotor and caliper mounting brackets.
The rotor face makes the wider track width and the outer bearings are the same ID with the 1le having the larger OD outer bearing.
#7
Re: Bilstein Struts
We have a few sets of UMI Afco struts still available. We took the Afco 3rd Gen drag struts and had them revalved with a handling friendly damping curve. Dragonlady GTA has had them on for a few seasons now.
Much like the JRi's mentioned above (although these are twin tube d/a instead of monotube) the price point makes them a slow mover. Awesome damper but slow mover.
UMI Afco struts
Much like the JRi's mentioned above (although these are twin tube d/a instead of monotube) the price point makes them a slow mover. Awesome damper but slow mover.
UMI Afco struts
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Car: 88 5.7 Iroc, 2000 SS
Engine: Vortec Hot cam TPI/LS1
Transmission: Pro-Built/T-56
Re: Bilstein Struts
The Bilstiens and Koni's are not comparable. The I have the Bilstien HD's and have Koni's on another car. Bilstiens are a comfortable street shock, but lack greatly when compared to the Koni's for handling. If you can get thridgen Koni's still do it.
#9
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Car: 1988 Trans Am
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Re: Bilstein Struts
Just thought I'd jump in here with some relevant information I came across mid to late last year while hunting for shocks myself, that is correct bilstein has discontinued their 3rd gen range AND so has Koni. Koni will however still make to order for 3rd gens but only in large quantities, 25 sets of 2 as a minimum. I got this info from a guy who is apparently the only person approved by Koni in Australia to rebuild and alter their shocks.
#10
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Re: Bilstein Struts
Koni will however still make to order for 3rd gens but only in large quantities, 25 sets of 2 as a minimum.
#11
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Re: Bilstein Struts
It's not just struts, or aftermarket parts, everything for our cars is becoming hard to get. Nearly every part I've looked up at the major chain stores lately has come up as not available. Stuff like PBR brake calipers, and radiators, exhaust pipes, etc just aren't being offered anymore.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
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Re: Bilstein Struts
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