Considering replacement shock absorbers for standard suspension set up with 18" wheels, anyone got any suggestions or gone down this route to try and improve ride comfort over OEM set up?

Done a bit of research and Bilstein B4s look like they may fit the bill to improve comfort?

You will love a set of Billies

Eyup Andy, are you talking from experience? Which ones did you go for? There are a few comments on the Octy II forum recommending them.

I had a B12 kit on my O2 - they are firm but not overly stiff and give a very progressive ride.

 

And the bright yellow shocks under the arches look cool

 

You are best going the whole hog and getting the kits with springs to match the dampers - but it ain't cheap!

I had a B12 kit on my O2 - they are firm but not overly stiff and give a very progressive ride.

 

And the bright yellow shocks under the arches look cool

 

You are best going the whole hog and getting the kits with springs to match the dampers - but it ain't cheap!

Don't tell me, yellow springs?

Nah, brown.

Nah, brown.

No, I'm on about the suspension, not your seats.... Oh.......................................

I've tried B6 (the yellow shocks for standard springs) on O2 and it is a nice upgrade, low speed ride is tad firmer but the ride improves the faster you go.

 

Not sure if the poor ride of your O3 is due to the 18" wheels though?

I've tried B6 (the yellow shocks for standard springs) on O2 and it is a nice upgrade, low speed ride is tad firmer but the ride improves the faster you go.

 

Not sure if the poor ride of your O3 is due to the 18" wheels though?

I'm thinking B4, don't really want to go firmer, but looking for something that will be less harsh than the standard dampers. What I can't get my head round is even though I accept 18" wheels will not be helping, compared to my old Superb II which also had 18" wheels and standard suspension, the O3 really thumps and bangs over joints in the road!

I'm thinking B4, don't really want to go firmer, but looking for something that will be less harsh than the standard dampers. What I can't get my head round is even though I accept 18" wheels will not be helping, compared to my old Superb II which also had 18" wheels and standard suspension, the O3 really thumps and bangs over joints in the road!

It has a harsh suspension set up. Even those with updated dampers. I expect the Superb is set up to be a lot more comfortable, and less sporty.

Matt, had you been out in a run-in vRS as yet, at the Meon Hut last Tuesday I got to drive one and it was a considerable better ride than my Elegance on stardard 17"s

 

Kinda makes me think its more the lighter rear end setup of the Elegance than the shocks and the new shocks will only take the edge of the thumps and bangs.

 

Maybe I'm wrong, its just another prospective

 

Regards

T

Matt, had you been out in a run-in vRS as yet, at the Meon Hut last Tuesday I got to drive one and it was a considerable better ride than my Elegance on stardard 17"s

 

Kinda makes me think its more the lighter rear end setup of the Elegance than the shocks and the new shocks will only take the edge of the thumps and bangs.

 

Maybe I'm wrong, its just another prospective

 

Regards

T

I would suggest you are probably right, as I've supposedly got the revised dampers, and my ride is still fairly harsh at times. Especially over joins as Matt suggests.

Strangely, even with extra weight of the family in the car, it gets worse! Going to test drive an L&K soon to compare!

Strangely, even with extra weight of the family in the car, it gets worse! Going to test drive an L&K soon to compare!

Well probably more the case that the VrS benefits massively from the different suspension. Hence why so much better. Believe you have said that yourself previously haven't you?

L&K benefits from improved soundproofing (we think) and updated dampers (assuming you have originals)

Well, if SUK will not accept any responsibility for early builds having inferior dampers, I'm not going to waste any of my cash on replacing them with updated OEM dampers, I may as well take a punt on a set of Billies, nothing to lose!

Well, if SUK will not accept any responsibility for early builds having inferior dampers, I'm not going to waste any of my cash on replacing them with updated OEM dampers, I may as well take a punt on a set of Billies, nothing to lose!

Oh crikey don't waste your own money on revised dampers. They aren't worth it. Find something better if you are gonna spend your own money.

Oh crikey don't waste your own money on revised dampers. They aren't worth it. Find something better if you are gonna spend your own money.

£50 ish a corner for the Billies ain't going to break the bank but if anyone can recommend anything better, that's why I started the thread!

Edited 6 December, 201411 yr by Matt Pez

£50 ish a corner for the Billies ain't going to break the bank but if anyone can recommend anything better, that's why I started the thread!

That seems reasonable. Is that fitted?

Only thing that puts me off is the colour. I have no wish for yellow dampers.

That seems reasonable. Is that fitted?

Only thing that puts me off is the colour. I have no wish for yellow dampers.

No, prob another £25 a corner for fitting, but could probably fit myself although don't like getting hands oily these days! B4s are black, B6s and above are yellow afaik.

Do we know for sure these will improve things?

Do we know for sure these will improve things?

No, was hoping someone might have tried, there are a few similar threads over on the Octy 2 channel, and they seem to be rated highly, but more for the B6s or B8s which are higher end sports dampers and often in conjunction with lowering springs. Might pop into Coil Springs in Sheff for some advice next time I'm passing.

Let me know how it goes. If they are good there, I may speak to them and see if the standard setup can be improved with just these dampers.