I'm constructing my bilsteins now and have questions for you experts:

1. Why are we bothering to replace the bump stop? The bumpstop on my MSM bilsteins look pretty much identical to the integra. Just slightly different shape.
2. Why then are people replacing the top rubber bushing with the leftover integra bump stop piece?
3. How are people glueing the: Coil Spring Isolator 9.6103G (Glued to underside of Maruha top hat)? That coil spring isolator feels like silicone and doesn't feel like it will be happy to be 'glued' to anything.



Why are we even bothering to use the intergra bump stops for the bump stop and the leftover piece for the upper rubber

 

did you ziptie washers to your shocks so it looks like you have spherical bearings that need holding together while not assembled?

 

Hi All,

I've taken the plunge and started building my own Bilstein suspension setup. I've spent time reading through this thread as well as many others to try to get up to speed. I'm looking for feedback on my setup, so feel free to roast me if I've made any bonehead decisions. I'm putting these on an NA. I went with B8 Bilsteins and 450/300 because Sixshooter said it's "plush on the street" and I intend to use the car for spirited weekend driving and maaaaybe Autocross/HPDE down the road.

Parts:
Bilstein B8 Front shocks x2 24-065504
Bilstein B8 Rear shocks x2 24-065511
Integra Speedthane Bump Stops x4 310-3019-50
Energy Suspension Spring Isolaters x4 ENS-9-6103G
Allstar Coilover Sleeves x4 ALL64162
Allstar perches x4 ALL64180
NB Tophats x4
Rear Springs: QA1 300lb/in 7 inch springs x2
Front Springs: 450lb/in 6 inch springs x2
Home Depot Fender Washers 3/8in ID x8
Delrin Washers x4 70010828




For installation I cut the bumpstops into one main 36mm-ish section, and then two more remaining chunks to use as the upper and lower bushings. I ordered 5inch Allstar sleeves from Summit but the ones they sent were 7 inches. Regardless, I cut them to down to size so the sleeves end about 0.5 inches before the top of the shock body. Then with everything in hand I put it all together (hopefully in the correct order).
The final pic is the assembled shocks.

One question: should I return the fleabay 6 inch 450lb springs and purchase 7 inch springs? I thought I was being frugal when I purchased them, but now I realize that for effectively the same cost I could have an extra inch of travel. Or should I return everything and purchase 8 inch springs because I have the available length on the sleeves? I'm in Atlanta and it's about 30 min to drive to Summit Racing so I could have different springs same-day.

Any other feedback?

 

I would have used 7in with the 450s but what you have may work ok.

 

 

Ok cool. I measured the springs and I should be able to avoid coil bind. I'm going to start with these and then I'll swap if necessary, or if I decide to change the spring rates/ride height.

Ok thanks for the heads up, I just saw your post a few up. I'll swap out the lower bushing there for the stock one.

 

Have you tried these on the car yet? Interested to hear what ride heights are obtainable with 8" springs. 7" seem to be the safe bet, but I dig how those look.

 

I'm guessing those bottom bushing sleeves are not the Miata length, so those washers are to take up slack. Fairly common thing to do in general.

 

I don't think anybody serious is recommending you use the leftover bit in place of the OEM top bushing.

You are replacing your bump stop because you have new (to you, at least) shocks and your old bumpstop is all worn out, and putting your old shot to **** bumpstop on your new shocks is stupid.

 

I use the leftover bit in place of OEM top bushing.

Just not lower bushing. That's a bad idea.

 

Isn't the bumpstop material significantly...squishier (not sure the right word) than OEM rubber?

 

No.

I don't know if it's an improvement in any way. I just know a certain someone does it while charging you a billion dollars for the pleasure, so there are those of us that do it for $Free.99 because we already have the slices.

I've had them on my car for years with no ill effects.

 

So one of my front Hard S Bilsteins is blown, won't rebound. Didn't figure this out til I took the car apart. Anyone local to the Tampa area have used Hard S shocks on hand?

 

I use 8 inch front and rear

 

If you are interested i can send you new rod guide and seals for billies

 

I have for sale car set of NB bilies equipped with shraders and custom valving - i can provide dyno graph from current valving setup.
They are brand new, only original spring seat is needed.
Feel free, i am looking for offer.

 

What bushing do you use for lower shock mounts? Any part number? I'd like to change these bushing on my second-hand NB bilstein.
Thanks in advance.

 

Those are custom made bushes if you need i have some spare ones. You have to send me only what is exact diameter of your bottom mounts. Tomorrow i cand check it as well to confirm because i do not remember and i do not have units now.

 

I'm far from US - in Moscow, Russia) So it's better if someone know the part number to order these bushings in Summit - so I can order it there.
Bushing size - outer dia - 35 mm; thickness - about 28 mm
Pin size - outer dia - 22,5 mm

 

My offer: $ban