So I see Bilstein finally got smart and started making struts for the front. Or maybe I just never saw it before. Anyway, has anyone used these? Also it talks about modifying the strut housing? Any input would be great.

 

Search helps:

https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-w...thread-955929/

 

I read that thread. He does not use the Bilsteins made for the FC in the front.

 

They've always made them as far as I know.

what are you going to use them for? they're probably going to be too long to lower the car much...

They also use 30mm pistons which are bilsteins smallest sized monotubes.

also, yeah, you have to cut/gut your stock struts and put the insert in. drill a hole in the bottom of the strut, cut the top part off, and it bolts through the hole in the bottom... it's similar to how most koni yellows work.

 

That sounds fairly simple to do.

I just need new shocks. I wanted to get the Tokicos rebuilt, but nobody seems to do that. I think the car already has lowering springs on it. I didn't really see any markings on the springs, but they are redish in color.

 

Bilstein 46mm Universal Motorsports Struts

 

Still better than KYBs or monroe...

But yeah they are shock inserts like the Koni's but also I do not know if you can find Koni's for the FC.

 

They discontinued the konis for the fc but you can put Koni race inserts in AWR housings and be better off...

 

Thats what I thought. Yeah those would work great but I'm not looking to go to coilover yet for my application. AWR does has some great stuff.

 

Sorry for asking, but I am wondering what it is all about the bilstein inserts ? I hear they are some sort of swap ? Can anybody please give me an explanation on this ? That would be great, so I cann pass off aftermarket shocks as stock since the government basically interdicts aftermarket suspension.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Brgds
Steven

 

Here are some pictures from a how to on a random forum I found, the rx7 would be very similair.

Cut the top of the strut off and take the internals out:




drill a hole in the bottom:


insert slips into the strut and bolts into the bottom:

 

@eage8

Thank you for your help ! I think I got the idea.
So you basically just cut the old shock tube open and remove the internals.
Now that you have a clean tube you slide in the bilstein, the hole/nut in the oem bottom tube holds the new strut in place.
And then you install the aftermarket strut and pass it off as OEM
If you put a new the rubber protection buffer over the strut, no one will notice its aftermarket, unless it gets taken apart.

How about the rear schocks ? is there a similar procedure ? Wondering as you dont have access to the lower part to drill a hole there. Would be great to have a way of fitting a set of bilsteins on my car and be able to pass it off as stock.

How "secure" is this shock modification ?

Again, thank you for your reply.

Brgds
Steven

 

The rear shock is an OEM replacement... it looks stock, but it's yellow. I guess you could paint it. Not allowing replacement shocks sounds pretty silly and a recipe for a lot of people driving around on old worn out suspension.

 

Its pretty simple, you are only allowed to legally install OEM produts. If you want to install aftermarket products, they need ABE certificate or similar from the german TUV/DEKRA stating that your product is safe for use on car XYZ. If your product doesnt have that one you are not allowed to install it. I havent found one aftermarket schock for the FC that has said papers. People usually just install OEM and call it a day or drive on aftermarket shocks without papers. If they get caught then the car will be immobilized as its a hazard for public safety. And you loose most likely insurance coverage. Thats it.

If you have money to spare and order a fully custom build and engineered suspension from a big name company they will usually figure the legal part out for you for an additional "fee". But that requires them having the car for several days to present it to the officials.

As for the rear schocks I found a few dealers online that sell bilstein schocks, the rears really look similar, just need to sand them, primer them and paint black ... But still I guess there is a number/name engraved in there which could pose problems ... But good to know, will order a set and take a look. Actually I would love to upgrade both of my RX7 with bilsteins XD

 

They have a bunch of sales contacts in luxembourg.... I wouldn't be surprised if they're legal.

International Sales Contacts

 

Thank you for that link, I didnt know they had sales contacts here. As for the legal issue, even if the manufacturer/seller says they are legal or "no TUV needed" it is still the inspectors decision that counts. You might meet one that overlooks this or that, but if a certain part is not legal then it is not. If I paint the shocks black I guess the inspector might just think they are OEM and doesnt look further. But screaming yellow shocks will surely get an in depth inspection

Small anecdote, I was passing my 08 civic type r through inspection, and it has Tarox front discs. Course they are legal, I hand over the ABE paper to the inspector, and even with ABE he was muttering about the discs, finally he let it pass but wasnt happy about it... Thereby Tarox is top notch stuff and surely not cheap... Oh and the OEM wheels were also suspicious "You sure they are stock ?"

Brgds
Steven

 

Just wanna point out to those who don't know and may get the wrong impression. The shocks that you insert into the stock strut housing are NOT a swap or half assed solution from another car. They're designed for the FC. It's just that Koni decided not to make the whole strut assembly (basically the lower spring mount).

Personally, though, I'd rather have the whole assembly brand new and not have to modify the old strut. It's too bad, since I really like the brand.

 

Thanks for the instructions! Pictures make everything easier.

 

It still goes beyond my understanding why they only make inserts for the front and a whole assembly for the rear, but so be it ...

As long as I can pass them off as OEM I am happy. I only heard / read good things about the bilsteins. I will give them a try.