Yet another Bilstein B8/Eibach Pro spring kit thread ...

So after much consideration, I've decided that I don't need the added complexity (nor indeed cost) of the V3 KW's, therefore my options are to go with KW V1's, which are basically identical to V3's but with no external adjustment for compression and rebound, or alternatively to go with the well proven and simpler option of Bilstein B8's and an Eibach Pro Spring kit. But I have some questions for you guys on the Bilstein B8 dampers ... Being based in the UK, Design 911 are frequently the most competitive when it comes to aftermarket stuff for the 996 suspension. They offer this B8 kit : https://www.design911.co.uk/p/bilste...orsche-996-c2/ Which their blurb opens with : " Bilstein Sprint B8 FRONT and REAR shock absorbers PACKAGE Porsche 996 C2 Upgrade for cars with stand (sic) suspension just like M030. Cars with lowering springs". But which then goes on to say : The shock absorber for those drivers who prefer a sports suspension but are not particularly interested in lowering the body and then : "The BILSTEIN B8 Sports shock absorber is the ideal solution for drivers revelling in the understatement . The wolf in sheep's clothing snarls, when necessary, but otherwise goes reliably about its work in daily traffic with no lowering of the body whatsoever " So which is it, are these black B8's for use with lowering springs or not ?? But they also sell these B8's Front (sold as pair) : https://www.design911.co.uk/p/bilste...005--vn7-4613/ Which states : Fits cars: - with sports suspension. The shortened, high-performance shock absorber for lowered sports cars. And : Rear (sold individually) : https://www.design911.co.uk/p/bilste...ber-24-029940/ Which states : Fits cars: - With sports suspension M030 option - Cars with lowering springs And an Eibach Pro kit which drops the car 30mm front and rear. https://www.design911.co.uk/p/loweri...ibach-pro-kit/ Does anyone know what the difference is between the full front and rear damper kit containing the black B8 dampers, and the yellow B8 dampers available as pair for the front and individually for the rears ? Do I need to use the standard OE bump rubbers with the front B8 dampers and Eibachs or the shorter X74 items ? Likewise do I need to use the X74 (or M030 ?) rear bump rubbers with the rear B8's or should I use the stock OE items ? Lastly, will I need shorter front and rear sway bar droplinks, or will the stock OE items accommodate the 30mm drop without an issue ?

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I can only tell you from my experience that the yellow B8s 4 996.1. The Carrera 1998 B8 build with Vogtland springs (advertised as a conservative spring were firm, firm, firm). This is on roads of glass of our national Capital Canberra and the free way to Sydney, where the suspension became harsh. I replaced my suspension arms and stock rubber bushes with stock arms, except for adustable rear toe arms. What are your goals? I assume just fast road and touring. Stock bump stops are fine, as are stock sway bar endlinks.( I like adjusting suspension now and have adjustable bars at each end now). I have hated every coilover set up in every other car I've installed them in (too firm) except for Feals 441+ in my 996.. I ordered Feals from Australia direct from Feal. Feals or a more premium coilover with carefully chosen spring rates will in my opinion give you more day to day satisfaction then any Bilstein B8 suspension build, especially if you end up lower. I can only share my experiences and opinions. The Eibach springs have been great in my BMWs, the real ones E30, E28, E34. There's something about the 996 that is different, and very suited to premium coilovers vs a spring and shock build. Everyones experience can vary. My 2cents.

My understanding is that B8's are for cars with lowered suspension, such as the factory M030 option. I don't see a black Bilstein B8 in their product lineup. https://cart.bilsteinus.com/results?...55556012481506 As for the lowering numbers, what is their starting point? Euro stock height, US stock height, something else?

Littered with errors that description on design911.... Choose here directly from the Bilstein catalogue https://web1.carparts-cat.com/defaul...04&14=4&12=130 Or cross reference the part numbers as used on 911design site with the bilstein catalogue using 'search by part number' on https://cart.bilsteinus.com/details?...92206809791619 And then order with 911design if they have what you want.

Atgani - Cheers to Hardtailer for the part numbers. I can confirm, with both RoW M030 and Eibach Pro (current) springs, I used the M030 compensator discs (3mm front/4mm rear) and M030 bumps. Have you considered the Feals? Apparently the euro version of the Bilstein is built with unobtanium with those list prices! In US we can get the set of B8s for $1100 and Eibach Pro springs for $350 pre tax. Feal 441+ are less than $2000.

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I've spoken to my contact at Bilstein UK directly today, and it appears those black B8's are made specifically for Design 911. I'm awaiting their specs with regards to the damping rates and damper rod travel. With regards to prices, the whole of Europe and the UK is being hammered currently, I suspect a large percentage of the increases are Greedflation rather than solely being material and energy costs, but that's a story for another day ... I've read Feal's website and the excellent reviews on their coilovers on here, but I have concerns over getting them serviced cost effectively. Feal does have an "online Euro shop", but Porsche isn't listed in the product menu. If I have to import them from the States myself, I'll get hammered for VAT and import duty, which in turn makes choosing the KW V1's a no brainer ...