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3/23/2016 10:08 AM  #1


Bilstein shocks - which valving

 Which valving did you go with on the front Bilsein shocks, street or sport? Are you happy with the choice.
Mine is a 66 mustang sbf v8, 620 springs, larger sway bar. Are they gas charged and do they change the ride height at all, front or back?

 

3/23/2016 11:56 AM  #2


Re: Bilstein shocks - which valving

I've no direct experience with Bilsteins on a Mustang, but from previous experience on other vehicles they tend to be a tight shock.  Consequently I would use the street valving.  My complaint with Bilsteins has been that they tend to override the spring, so the ride becomes unnecessarily harsh.  A proper spring should have the right rate to do the job, and the shock should simply dampen the spring.  The Bilsteins felt as though they were making the springs stiffer in compression, though rebound was typically okay. 

Shocks should not effect ride height. 

 

3/23/2016 2:02 PM  #3


Re: Bilstein shocks - which valving

I have street bilsteins on the front of my 65.  They are nice compliments for my 50 year old GT springs.  They have nice dampening and there is no harshness.  I only cruise this car, and I like the smooth ride.  620 springs are somewhat stiff for my taste, and I have no experience with 620's & bilsteins.

 

Last edited by TimC (3/23/2016 2:04 PM)

 

3/23/2016 3:30 PM  #4


Re: Bilstein shocks - which valving

65 fastback with stock suspension.  I had 620's and KYB shocks.  The ride was very bouncy.  I switched to Mr.GAS progressives with the KYB's and still to bouncy.  I Replaced the KYB's with Bilstein Sport's and the ride is perfect; no more bounce.


Mustang Steve Bash in Gruene, Texas September29-30, 2023
 

3/23/2016 6:12 PM  #5


Re: Bilstein shocks - which valving

Shaun over at Street or Track sells Bilsteins that he says are specially valved for our cars.  That's what I bought but my car hasn't been put back on the street yet so I can't comment on them.  My own personal philosophy on street shocks and springs is bias low on the spring rate and bias high on the shock valving.  I had KYBs and 600 psi springs but the car was too still for me.  I would also look at doing things to free up the suspension so it has to overcome as little resistance as possible in order to do its work:  using bearings to replace rubber in spring perches, the idler arm, and delrin, UHMW or similar high impact plastic in the leaf springs.


Cheap, Fast, Good:  Pick Any Two
 

3/23/2016 7:14 PM  #6


Re: Bilstein shocks - which valving

I have tried about every combination of springs and brands of shocks on my 66 fastback in the last 24 years I have owned it.  The street valved Bilsteins are by far the best shock out there.  I am very pleased with them.  I bought mine through Opentracker but they were shipped from MustangsPlus.  He got them for me for $99 each.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

3/23/2016 11:11 PM  #7


Re: Bilstein shocks - which valving

DBrown,
I will trade you my new 200 mile Bilstein street shocks for a set of Bilstein sport. Street ride is firm and good, I just like throwing my mustang into the corners a little more than some others and would like to upgrade to the next level.
Thanks

 

Board footera


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