[DET17]

Bilstein front shocks & SPC 550#/in. springs...too weak compression?

After about a year of driving my 70 with the SC&C St.2+ front suspension, and specifically the SPC front springs, I'm convinced my BILS shocks are just too weak in compression.

Rebound seems OK, but they just seem too soft on compression.

From chatting with Mark @ SC&C, it seems there aren't many choices. He mentioned some of the old school KONIs.....the red ones and perhaps a "special D" shock as well. I think he said the tech. is really old on these, but they might be better on compression than the Bilsteins???

Anyone running his spring setup with Konis up front? I know there are God awful expensive options (QA1 perhaps) but it ain't $400 each bad I think the Koni fronts only listed for around $125 each or so.

I had to install some 1/2" spacers up front to keep my crossmember from occasionally hitting bank speed bumps, and while I've got more daylight now (maybe 4.25" at the cross member) I still feel the compression is just too soft.

What shocks/dampners are y'all running with this setup?

 

[DET17]

Re: Bilstein front shocks & SPC 550#/in. springs...too weak compressio

Did you ever consider the shock being to long for a dropped setup; I'm running the Stg2 w/SPC UCAs & LCAs and had to go to a 64-67 SPC spring since the set of 68-72 SPCs drooped my front 4"- couldn't even clear the alignment rack with my stock 235-60-15s.
The change to the 64-67 SPC springs brought me up about an inch to 3" drop [with 1/2" of spacers] and I'm using Edelbrock IAS shocks which are OK, but I know better exist and I have the speed bump issue w/the header flanges.
I'm going to change the LCAs to a design that brings the spring pocket up about a 1/2" and together with rolling on 245/50-18s, I might be ok. Still need a shock built to that height/spring rate combo to be fully reliable suspension swing arc.
I can't endorse Marks' expertise anymore than my suspension mechanics own common sense- my mechanic doesn't sell parts either.
Lower COG only goes so far with these cars until you create other problems which require an almost entirely different suspension system.

I've always heard that Bils are fine with "slight lowering". I also run Bils HD struts on my Volvo 240, and I know they tolerate lowering (like the Konis) when others are tempermental and blow out. I can't tell you that I've pulled these front shocks and check for blow out, but they are not leaking and the "bounce test" tells me they are still dampening, as it's a one push and STOP. They just seem too soft on compression....others have reported the same thing. Yes, the front springs are shorter, I think maybe 1.5 inches or so? I did have to add the 1/2" spacers to avoid hitting the crossmember, which it no longer does. Still hoping to find experience of someone running Konis up front with this setup.