So thoughts on the suspension kits.

I've got two options if the shockers do need replacing and that is standard or uprated, so I'd like opinions on both options.

In the standard camp I have the springs that are already there plus:

- OEM dampers

- Bilstein B4 dampers

In the uprated camp I have:

- Koni FSD + Eibach

- Bilstein B12 dampers/spring kit.

The Bilsteins offer a warranty for as long as you own the vehicle, which all said and done is quite a nice piece of mind. Do Koni offer anything similar?

Anybody on here running Bilstein Dampers and if so thoughts please.

Also if any of the suppliers on here want to drop me a price for any of the above that would be great too, either delivered or fitted.

Thanks

I had the B12 kit on my Astra. To say it was "firm" would be an understatement - handling was beyond belief, but it got really tiring really fast on the motorway.

B4 are really only a like-for-like replacement of the OEM shocks.

I assume it's the springs on the b12 kit that are rock hard.

I was putting the b4 up against the OEM as I'm wondering if they are any better built as I'm certainly more than a bit miffed that the OEM ones appear to have only lasted a tiny 55k miles.

I just get the feeling the FSD are expensive for what they are.

My friends are running Bilstein's on their Octy's I 20vt.Both sets of shocks have well over 100,000 kilometres on them and they're still damping incredibly well.

Even though I have FSD's I think I have to vote for the Bilsten shocks. Ive had either Koni or Bilstein aftermarket dampers on every car Ive owned and the bilsteins seemed... errr... better Better engineered and less compromised in the ride department.

Saying that; FSD's are the best Koni's ive ever had!

Lee

So you're saying the Bilsteins are a better all round package for every day driving than the FSD?

Which Bilstein kit were you running?

I assume it's the springs on the b12 kit that are rock hard.

They're H&R springs, and they ride remarkably similarly to the H&R Cup Kit which is an all-out trackday setup.

B12s are OTT for what you want I think Mark.

Are B6/B8 available for the Octy. B6 work well with standard springs or a small drop, B8 work well with a small - medium drop.

I just get the feeling the FSD are expensive for what they are.

There is no other Shock that offers the combination of supple ride with firm handling response that the FSDs do and at a price only a little above a conventional 'sport' shock they've got to be good value; other than the Bilstein B16 electronic adjustable kits that are about 4 times the price! :eek:

B12s? why not use Koni Sports (yellow ones); quite a good shock, rebound adjustable BUT FSDs are soooooooo much better.

So you're saying the Bilsteins are a better all round package for every day driving than the FSD?

Which Bilstein kit were you running?

This is where my memory will let me down but I had two sets of Konis on one car - one set were red and one were yellow - one of these were top adjustable, the others had to come off the car for adjustment. One was called 'Sport' kit I think.

Then the last set that were Bilsteins (on a Focus; which had four different setups on and this was the best all round) were PSS9's. Not sure how these compare with what is available for the VAG market but I remember I always feeling they just seemed better engineered - like they had been more thouroughly developed for the application if that makes sense?!

Lee

Brother in Law had the full B16 Bilstein kit on his A3 S Line Quatro, and whilst the handeling is superb; after a long journy I have no fillings left!! My Personal view is the FSD's offer a blend of handeling & comfort that makes them a great day to day option. However if comfort isn't an issue, and all you are after is the best handeling, then go for the B16!

Cutting a long story short, the Brother in law is now using the B8's with the Eibach pro spring kit, and this seems a good compromise too!