Silvia Club of NSW

G'day

I own a S13 Silvia and I've recently ordered a set of Bilstein shock absorber and Dobinson springs to replace my original shocks and springs.

Upon taking my car for rego check I was told that the shocks would needed to be replaced to pass, subsequently i spent the remainder of the day shopping for new suspension.

I hate to sound naive but I don't know too much about suspension. Bilstein shocks were chosen having heard they're a good compromise for the road. I also opted to upgrade to new springs to accompany the shocks. However when presented with the option of either Whiteline 'control' or Dobinson springs at the same price, the brand names meant little to me as I didn't know the difference.

The stuff should arrive in a few days. Yippy! haha

Anyhow, having the chance to sit down and read more about suspension,
sadly there doesn't appear to be much information or experience with Dobinson springs in sports cars.

Anybody with experience of Dobinson springs or Bilstein shocks?

Sorry for such a long post, i guess its cuz I am dying in anticipation and as excited as a kiddy at Christmas eve. haha

Hopefully it turns out good.

In most cases springs are springs, no matter who makes them.

What really matters is the spring rates and whether they suit the car and are matched to the shock.

_________________
meh

Well this afternoon I was very excited as the stuff arrived, I recieved:

Front -
Bilstein shock absorber inserts labled "F4-R36-5023-H0"

Rear -
Bilstein shocks labled
"F4- B46-1916-H0
R33/ S14 Rear"

Springs-
Dobinson springs labled "suit 180sx"

The front shocks are replacement inserts, no struts are included. I would of expected that Bilstein struts were needed.

Though, having now read over some past posts in other forums, it appears quite a lot of replacement shocks for certain cars are only inserts.

Now, upon reading a "R33/ S14 Rear" lable on the box for the rears , I was initially quite concerned that the wrong shocks were sent. However I have been reassured that these will fit and are the correct shocks.

It sort of leads to the impression that the shocks have not been specifically valved to suit the s13. The R33 Skyline are a lot heavier model car.

Seems most brands offer different shocks for s13, s14 and R33.

Having said all that, I trust Bilstein have their reasons. I should really test them first before questioning.

Anyhow, at the moment I've booked to have these fitted first thing tomorow morning at my local Midas. Got quoted around $220 to fit both front and rear.

Will report my impressions on the handling if it goes smoothly. I'm exicted and can't wait to drive on new suspension.

Yup, i agree.

Though atm seems nobodys' sure of the exact spring rates of the springs, and Dobinson doesn't list an email address.

However, I recieved a reply email from Tony at Sydney Shock Absorbers, the retailers of Bilstein.

"Springs sold for road use will generally be useable with even standard
shocks in good order, Dobinsons springs are a reputable brand. Bilstein
shocks being far more durable and efficient will cope with any road rated
spring and give much better handling. "

Which eases my concern. Anyway, taking a break from the technical side of things which i'm still not too familiar with (though still eager to learn), I will report how it 'feels' if everything goes smoothly tomorw.

Whiteline is a very good brand never had a problem with there stuff

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Disclaimer: If you have'nt worked it out by now I CANT SPELL FOR SHIT.

Bilstein are one of the best shock absorber makers in the world.

Assuming the Bilsteins are designed for your car and application, and coupled with a set of springs to match, you can't go that wrong.

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