911 Bilstein Struts on a Narrow 914, Too Stiff?... Options

[Detroit]

So, I have a set the above mentioned Bilstein struts for my six conversion. While I would love to do a few track days once finished, this will not be a track car. Additionally, Michigan roads are pretty rough. I therefore don't want to venture far (or at all) from the factory spring rates.
Recently I watched a video where a guy was lamenting about the Bilstein struts he put on his lightened 911. He alleged that they were far too heavily damped. And, this was in California where the roads are rather smoother than frost/thaw ridden MI.
What are all 'y'all's thoughts?

[VaccaRabite]

They will likely be fine. You are increasing the rear weight with the engine swap. And its easy enough to change them again if you are not happy with the ride.

My guess is that springs will be more important to you then shocks.

Zach

[Superhawk996]

My guess is that springs will be more important to you then shocks.

Zach

Zach has it right. Spring rates are what will have the largest effect on ride.

Use springs to support the vehicle

Use anti-roll bars both front and rear to add roll stiffness. Anti roll bars allow the use of softer spings to preserve ride and improve handing by increased roll stiffness.

Bilsteins are inverted monotube dampers. The inverted damper reduces unsprung weight which is highly desirable. The monotube design provides faster damping response than a twin tube damper. The internal gas piston chamber provides higher gas pressures than typical low pressure twin tube designs for better anti-foam anti cavitation control. Monotube dampers provide better heat dissipation.

Most Koni’s are twin tube but they do have a few mono tubes in the market. As far as I know, their externally adjustable 914 strut is a twin tube.

FWIW, I have a set of Bilsteins that I fully intended to run on Michigan roads before life changed forcing the move.

Keep in mind that adjustable dampers only adjust the rebound side of the damping curve. Once you pick a setting, you will likely never adjust them again for typical on-road use. Likewise the rebound side of the curve doesn’t have much effect on the initial impact harshness that occurs when the wheel initially goes over a bump into compression.