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Bilstein B6 or B8

Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 7:03 pm
by RayF593
I have a 2007 MX-5 PHRT , sport pkg with 75,000 miles on original dampers. She has added weight of after market American Racing wheels, Hard Dog hitch (18lbs) 6-10 lbs of added stereo equipment(guessing) 260lbs of passengers :( and once in a great while tow a small box to carry golf clubs. Decided after reading all of FCM videos and maybe 50+ more hours of research I'm staying with mono-tube shocks.Wish I had the budget for tuned monos but not going there. So with the added weights would the Bilstein B8 HD be a good choice or adding the Progress Spring with the B8s work well? Or should I stick with the stock B-6 shocks and or Progress springs. Confused a little on which bump stop to use too. HELP!

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8

Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 10:35 am
by Brian
Very easy answer: if LOWERING the car with Progress or any other lowering springs, you want the shorter Bilstein Sport for max travel. It is really as simple as that. I would still use the FCM kit for lowered cars too, to give you even more free travel before you start using the stops (otherwise with the extra weight you mention you might be pounding the stops too often, and this effect would be even worse on full length shocks and lots of extra weight). Links provided above, just click for more info.

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8

Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 1:25 pm
by RayF593
Should I order new damper bushings as I guess they don't come with shocks anymore and also probably need to replace factory shock boots. If I stay with the stock springs and B6 what bump stop size would you recommend ?

Re: Bilstein B6 or B8

Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 2:54 pm
by Brian
Given the extra weight you mention I would still use the shorter stops. Yes, good time for new shock boots..and any other bushings getting old and cracked.