My ‘06 2.7L
Boxster
’s suspension w/88k mi was tired, particularly at higher speeds.
I wanted a modestly stiffer than stock setup while maintaining the stock ride height (all my spirited driving is on rough, undulating canyon and mountain roads).
After much research I went with
Bilstein B6
Struts which are supposed to be 20% stiffer than stock or
Bilstein B4
’s.
After about 60 miles of city cruising and 140 more of spirited mountain canyon roads, the ride under 30 mph on poorly maintained city streets was noticeably harsher, bordering on annoying at times. At 40 mph and higher, much less annoying.
As for spirited driving, I’m really pleased. The car felt much more planted, much more responsive to inputs, braking and steering. Undulations, particularly in turns, didn’t upset the chassis as it had before. Everything felt far more predictable.
I’ve read that the low speed harshness will decrease after 1,000 mi or so, which would be nice. The combination of being able to have a mellow cruise when I’m in the mood for it as opposed to pushing the car hard is important to me. But, because the capabilities of the car are so much better at speed, if I had to do it again I’d stick with the B6’s.
Great review! I am in same boat. I want original "tall" ride height and compliance for those Virginia mountain backroads.
Toying with B6 and
Koni
single adjustable so I can knock the compression down if I want.
Any other stuts come to mind? Love to have rebound adjustable.
Don't want to go all crazy and spend $$$$ on
ohlins
and sooo many comments call the
R springs
too stiff. (Specifically Matt Farah driving an R on California back roads....If Matt thinks it is too stiff on cali road I am sure it will be too stiff on a Virginia lumpy road!).)
$$$ were a consideration for me as well. I considered KONI's as I read that they are more compliant in "normal" city driving speeds and road conditions. However their cost was higher than what I found the Bilstein's for and since I had other suspension and maintenance work performed and mostly take the car out for spirited driving, Bilstein's became the choice.
pascalmg, glad you're enjoying the B6's. Personally, I found them a bit too stiff/harsh for the condition of the roads in my area but stuck with them until they gave way many miles later. yes they need a bit of running in but I found the ride a little bit high though. you are right - ride does get smoother at higher speeds.
went for a full coil over solution
next
as I needed something was adjustable vs. non adjustable.
read about my previous experience with B6 here:
bumpy journey of changing absorbers
Absorber stops were disintegrating. Probably works well as an indicator of absorber health! :) Since the car was about 5 years old I decided to go ahead. with the fronts as they were the most urgent. Wanted to keep stock height for ramp and basement parking clearances on my 987.2. I tried...
www.planet-9.com
Yours was one of the posts that made me want to try the B6’s. Thank you!
