Anyone own a H&R Touring Cup Coilover Kit?

[drewjp]

I am debating between these and just Bilstein struts/shocks.
Does anyone know who makes the shocks/struts in the H&R kits? I can't seem to find anywhere if they are monotube or twin tube, or if they are even made in Germany.

And, are Bilsteins still as good as they've always been?

 

[d00df00d]

AFAIK: For H&R coilover kits, H&R makes the damper housings and Bilstein makes the internals. The dampers should be monotube. No idea where they're made but I'd say Germany is a good bet.

Bilsteins definitely are still as good as they've always been, if not better. It's just a matter of whether they're right for what you want to do.

What car is this for? What are your goals -- street handling, track days, mild/large improvement, longevity...?

 

[ourfamo4]

The struts & shocks in the Cup Kits are manufactured by Bilstein for H&R. I don't believe they use the mono tube design, but they are designed for lowering springs.

I have Bilstein sports shocks/H&R springs on both my Jetta & Passat, and the ride is nice. I also ran a H&R Cup kit on a older MK3 GTI, and loved it. The car was driven daily so it was a nice ride while handling well, also did a few track days with it.

The quality of the Bilstein shocks is still as high as ever, you get what you pay for in my opinion.

 

[drewjp]

These will be for the PT Cruiser. Longevity is my number one goal. I would like to not have to replace the struts/shocks again. Ride quality would come second.

I know Bilstein monotubes seem to last forever, and if that is what is in the cup kits, then I'll go with them.

FWIW, the Cup Kit would end up being $90 cheaper than the Bilsteins alone. I wouldn't mind a mild lowering in the least; better MPG on the highway!

What route would you guys do for this application?

 

[d00df00d]

It's weird that the Cup kit is cheaper than a set of dampers...

Either way, though, definitely go with the Bilsteins. There's no reason for stiffer springs and altering your suspension geometry if longevity is your primary goal.

You won't get better MPG from lowering. Even if it does improve your aerodynamics, it slightly increases friction in your CV joints because they'll be running outside their normal angles, and your tires will probably scrub more because the suspension geometry will be different.

 

[drewjp]

Thanks, guys.

I actually put in my order for Bilstein HDs today. I found a site that had a Christmas sale - 10% off all shock orders, with free shipping and no tax...ended up being quite a bit cheaper than Tire Rack when all was said and done.

I think I'll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that the Bilsteins are on there and I'll never have to worry about them (the same way I feel since I've filled my tranny up with Redline C+)

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: drewjp
are Bilsteins still as good as they've always been?


Bilstein has over a dozen factories worldwide, including one in Ohio. What you buy may well be made anywhere, I suppose.