Bilsteins and Pro Kit to be installed tomorrow...

[Gaz]

Update: Before and after shots. Initial impressions are that the car is much more comfortable over Cleveland's potholed roads. Went from 3 finger gap to 2 finger gap. I had it installed at White Wheel in Cleveland. They tweaked my alignment so the car is more neutral in hard cornering. I can also feel the progressive springs at work in turns. They were not able to fit the front strut dustboot on and as far as I know the Bilsteins don't come with a replacement boot. Maybe because it's monotube? Anyways on to new pics. (I apologize for my camera)

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1200.jpg

After:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1201.jpg

Front before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/frontbefore.jpg
Front after:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/frontafter.jpg
Rear before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/rearbefore.jpg
Rear after:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/rearafter.jpg


Teaser pics for now, but I will update this thread tomorrow with after shots.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1196.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1195.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1194.jpg

All ready to go...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1199.jpg

[Karma]

nice. definitely interested in hearing how this set-up works.

thinking about trying this combo after my current set-up goes.

keep us posted.

how much and where did you get the bilsteins from?

[Gaz]

I bought the Bilsteins off another member last August for $500 brand new, which was a great deal.

I think the fronts retail for $265 each and the rears $94 each on Tire Rack.

[MugsyTheGr8]

500 for the whole set is a steal. i want this set-up so bad but i dont know if i need it for dd

[ep_hatcher_510]

i am jealous

[RedSiBaron]

OOOOOooo :mredface:

very nice!

:thumb:

[03silverEP]

are those 'inverted struts' up front? the shafts are HUGE. That's excellent, like Koni's w/o the cutting.

[Gaz]

are those 'inverted struts' up front? the shafts are HUGE. That's excellent, like Koni's w/o the cutting.

Yes, they are inverted monotubes.

[MugsyTheGr8]

Yes, they are inverted monotubes.

i wish i could find them for as cheap a price as what you paid. i really would love this combo.

[Gaz]

Added before and after shots.

[MugsyTheGr8]

looks perfect. i dont know why one would want to go lower. im so jealous man, congrats

[Karma]

looks perfect. i dont know why one would want to go lower. im so jealous man, congrats

*yeahthat* looks very subtle.

not fan of slammed cars.

how's the ride quality so far?

[Gaz]

*yeahthat* looks very subtle.

not fan of slammed cars.

how's the ride quality so far?

Ride quality is improved over stock. My stock springs/shocks had close to 47,000 miles on them and felt harsh and bouncy over bumps. With the Bilsteins/Eibach combo the car handles bumps much better, more "fluid." It also feels/sounds more solid when going over bumps. I believe the progressive nature of the springs helps in this aspect too.

Cornering is nice and tight. Subjective improvement in body roll. I feel more in control of the car, my actions with the steering wheel translate into a reaction from the car quicker than stock. (if that makes any sense).

The only thing I am worried about right now is the lack of a dust boot over my front struts. I checked another forum and a user there had to cut off the top of the dust boot. I did not know this when the shop was installing my parts and they left the boot off. I still have all my old parts, should I have them put the boots on? I guess coilovers don't use dust boots and maybe it's ok for these struts to not have them on, but I am concerned about the winter. Any help is appreciated.

Cliff notes:

Rides better,

Concerned about lack of dust boot on front struts, any opinions?

[mustclime]

looks great...think about doing a camber kit ft and rear....stock alinment sucks.

[Gaz]

looks great...think about doing a camber kit ft and rear....stock alinment sucks.

I had camber kits installed front and back, I have 0 toe, -1 degree camber front and back. This is a DD, will never see the track.

[mustclime]

cool....think about 1/32 toe out in the front....really helps with turn-in....With the pro lines, you should get a realinment in a couple months...they will sag a little and that will chang your toe setting :mcool:

[PAPITUYO326]

Keep us posted on the ride! I am dumping my next paycheck into getting rid of the D2s ive had for 3.5 years. Front Driver side is toaaaaaaaaaast.

Great deal on the Bilsteins btw.

[shadowmd]

nice bro!

[EP3driver]

Update: Before and after shots. Initial impressions are that the car is much more comfortable over Cleveland's potholed roads. Went from 3 finger gap to 2 finger gap. I had it installed at White Wheel in Cleveland. They tweaked my alignment so the car is more neutral in hard cornering. I can also feel the progressive springs at work in turns. They were not able to fit the front strut dustboot on and as far as I know the Bilsteins don't come with a replacement boot. Maybe because it's monotube? Anyways on to new pics. (I apologize for my camera)

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1200.jpg

After:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1201.jpg

Front before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/frontbefore.jpg
Front after:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/frontafter.jpg
Rear before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/rearbefore.jpg
Rear after:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/rearafter.jpg


Teaser pics for now, but I will update this thread tomorrow with after shots.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1196.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1195.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1194.jpg

All ready to go...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/cgalizio/DSCN1199.jpg


Hey which Bilsteins are those? How did the OEM top mount fit on them, ok?
Thanks

[Gaz]

Hey which Bilsteins are those? How did the OEM top mount fit on them, ok?
Thanks

They are the Bilstein Sport shock and strut.

I am assuming the OEM top mount fit fine on them (I had them installed).