Underdog Posted June 30, 2007 Share Posted June 30, 2007 Over the past few months I have been thinking about what direction I would like to take my suspension modifications. I'd really like to do it once and do it right, however I know there has to be some room for flexibility. I have never tuned a suspension before. However, I feel I have a good understanding of the McPherson Strut and Multi-link suspension. I think the most frustrating thing is the lack of information on how to properly balance the damping performance of the strut and the spring variables for a particular goal. There is a plethora of information about swaybars and tires yet the 1st (or arguably 2nd) most important component/system is almost completely absent from my searches. I have started reading the suspension forum from oldest post->now, I'm on page 114 of the forum. Google searches have turned up nothing. Most people are content to slap parts on their car just for the rush it gives to buy something new (I love that feeling too!).. Many spend the time and effort to find components that are well reviewed and even backed up with vendor/manufacturer/consumer claims of compatibility. I just can't help but look for that next step of quantifiable data in order to give me the warm, fuzzy feeling. What I propose is that we collectively have people who are buying shocks (all Bilstein options at least) have them dyno evaluated and post the results in an official post. Other owners would then be able to directly reference the shock and possibly answer a questionnaire that would allow us to make the best use of the subjective data possible. The particular spring obviously makes a huge difference along with complimentary modifications but with a large enough sample size we can zero-in on the root differences. Maybe we could come up with LegacyGT.com custom valving stages for Bilstein HD's. Then we would have an inexpensive, custom, dyno proven shock. Revalving is only $65 per! Why get any other Bilstein if the HD's can be made to that spec for much less? So, I know it's a long post but hopefully someone is interested. I'm planning on buying HD's real soon and I'd be willing to have them dyno'd. I can afford the extra turn-around time because I won't have everything together for a few months. The USDM Bilstein HD dyno/spec and compiling the data would be my contribution... Any other takers? The Crimson Dynamo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackHole Posted June 30, 2007 Share Posted June 30, 2007 I know of dyno charts for the following dampers: OEM SpecB Bilstein; KW v2; BC-BR (assume Megan Racing is the same); Tein Flex; and at least one more (Tokico?). I made a nice graph comparing them all but can't seem to find it. OB Lee's Koni thread had some good data and links. Kyle "BlackHole" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waxiboy Posted June 30, 2007 Share Posted June 30, 2007 The problem I see here is that most if not all JDM Bilsteins (all revisions) out there are take-offs with no validity on their mileage and age....except claims of the original seller. It would not be a fair evaluation comparing a 4 year old rev A strut with a b'new HD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted June 30, 2007 Author Share Posted June 30, 2007 People who have the take-offs could have their shocks rebuilt to the original spec. which comes with a dyno chart as part of that $65 dollar fee. Just to have a shock dyno is only $25 per. If I was buying a set of used shocks I would want the peace of mind that comes with the relatively inexpensive rebuild. The biggest sacrifice is the down-time to those that need the struts the car for some reason. There have to be some sets that are sitting and waiting in a parts pile somewhere though... The Crimson Dynamo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huey Posted June 30, 2007 Share Posted June 30, 2007 How about a link/info on how to contact Bilstein for rebuild/dyno options? Edit... I found it: http://www.bilstein.com/services.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted July 1, 2007 Author Share Posted July 1, 2007 D'oh! Thanks for the link. I called Bilstein to inquire about the differences between the HD and OEM Spec. B struts. The guy, Dan, said that the HD was similar to the B6 model that is sold worldwide but is tuned for the USDM Spec. B based on Bilstein's tuning philosophy of increasing comfort and linear range performance without compromising at-the-limit handling. The Crimson Dynamo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_m Posted July 1, 2007 Share Posted July 1, 2007 Why not just buy Konis and be done with it?...ifetime guarantee and you know they will give you a fine ride! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted July 3, 2007 Author Share Posted July 3, 2007 Bump for interest... The Crimson Dynamo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted July 19, 2007 Author Share Posted July 19, 2007 Ttt The Crimson Dynamo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zennoodle Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 I'm curious about this too and would think this be advantageous for the board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edkwon Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 What I propose is that we collectively have people who are buying shocks (all Bilstein options at least) have them dyno evaluated and post the results in an official post. Other owners would then be able to directly reference the shock and possibly answer a questionnaire that would allow us to make the best use of the subjective data possible. The particular spring obviously makes a huge difference along with complimentary modifications but with a large enough sample size we can zero-in on the root differences. Im not familiar with dyno evalution of suspension components, please explain how that is done and what kind of information you are hoping to gain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bosco Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 i'm curious also bosco Stay Stock Stay Happy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_sharp Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 lol.. .not sure if OP knows what "dyno" means. Dyno = dynomometer = a device to measure torque from a motor. Not sure how that works for suspension parts lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutter2k Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 ^^There is a damper/shock dyno. Thats different info http://www.roehrigengineering.com/2vs_shock_dyno.htm http://www.circletrack.com/techarticles/shock_absorber_shock_dyno/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edkwon Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 OP is making the assumption that we all live within reliable distance of such a facility, i don't know if thats true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoopMan Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 ^^There is a damper/shock dyno. Thats different info http://www.roehrigengineering.com/2vs_shock_dyno.htm http://www.circletrack.com/techarticles/shock_absorber_shock_dyno/ That was great info sutter2k! Thanks! Sure would be nice if the mafufacturer's made these plots available to those who were interested though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted July 23, 2007 Author Share Posted July 23, 2007 Edkwon, I'm not assuming that most people are within a reasonable distance of Bilstein. However, I am saying that I would be willing to buy HD's have them shipped to me in Boston. Then I would send a f&r shock to Bilstein in NC or CA to have it dyno tested (thanks for the backup sutter2k). The resulting graphs would be posted on a thread so that everyone would have this valuable information. The only thing I'm looking for in return is other people offering to have the same thing done to their JDM or USDM Bilsteins so we can see what the real differences are. Bilstein will also revalve/rebuild shocks so people with JDM take-offs could make sure that their shocks are in factory-approved condition as well as contribute to the general knowledge base of the forum. Google search for "shock dyno": http://www.shockdyno.com/howitworks.html http://www.circletrack.com/howto/82884_buildling_shock_dyno/ The Crimson Dynamo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted January 22, 2008 Author Share Posted January 22, 2008 In talking with Kevin @ AllShocks.com I learned that there is a place local to me that will dyno evaluate the shocks and provide me more information than I could possibly need. I may have a month or two before I install my new parts so I'm seriously considering doing this. However, without feedback, I might be a bit too lazy to ever get around to it. TTT! The Crimson Dynamo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_sharp Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 dyno evaluate the shocks How, exactly, does that work? lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted January 22, 2008 Author Share Posted January 22, 2008 The shock is hooked up to a rotary-linear linkage. The motor rotates at a set speed and the linear resistive force exerted by the shock is detected by a load cell at the top of the strut. Graph the results. Please look at the links in the posts above. edit: I'm not an expert by any means. I'm merely looking for a quantifiable way to compare shock options and how they match to different springs. The Crimson Dynamo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_sharp Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Please look at the links in the posts above. Doh! mybad... can't believe i missed that. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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