Astra G 1.8 - Bilstein B12 kit. Overkill

[The 2nd Womble]

I see that I can get a B12 kit for not much more than the B8's, on ebay frim chernany atm, but is it really worth the extra being forked over?
I plan on fitting a sway bar and possibly a strut brace to get the most from whatever I do fit in the new year, but I dont want handling if it means come telly sacrificing ride quality either.
Do the b12's provide a firmer ride than the lesser kits, or is it just better built with similar performance?

[glider]

B12 is B8 shocks + eibach pro-kit

[guy 27]

can also get them with sportline springs which gives even further drop on the front.

If your after quality then its a no brainer especially considering b12 kits can be had for under 1k.

next step up would be coilovers which increases the price as well.

[daves_cally]

Got the B12 pro kit in the calibra, it's firm but still comfy!

[balker]

Got the B12 pro kit in the calibra, it's firm but still comfy!

:thumbup:

[MikeCheck]

can also get them with sportline springs which gives even further drop on the front.

If your after quality then its a no brainer especially considering b12 kits can be had for under 1k.

next step up would be coilovers which increases the price as well.

Can you provide a source for the B12 kit for under $1000? Everywhere I've been have been quoted ~$1200 which is way over my budget.

I was planning on getting the Sportlines only, but then my front shocks decided to start knocking so they're due for a replace anyway but adding the B8s to the mixx seems to shoot the price up quickly.

Cheers

M

[The 2nd Womble]

Simply search using Astra G and Bilstein as your keywords. I had similar issues, but as long as you don't search for Suspension, Shocks, Coilivers etc you will get better results.
Searching for Astra G and another brand name shows additional not before seen results.
Because of this I've also found a host of similar kits including Koni (again using the same Eibach springs as the B12 kit), Spax PSX, H&R Cup and the Dutch Apex stuff which I've always been a fan of.
Thanks for the comments regarding the ride of the Bilsteins as well guys. Glad they don't sound as kydney destroying as my Koni/Dobinson Spring set up on the F a few years ago. I had those suckers adjusted so turn on the front I had to watch every inch of the road to avoid bouncing everywhere.

[The 2nd Womble]

...adjusted so firmly that*

[balker]

Got mine from LMF

[MikeCheck]

Thanks for the info guys.

My mechanic said he can get some shockies for ~$140 each wheel and some Pedders suspension (SportsRyder or whatever it's called) for trade so I'm inclined to go with that.

I really only want the drop and a bit firmer ride; it won't be a track car or anything or the sort so I don't overly care about performance and I think any of the Bilstein stuff might be spending more money than I'd ever use.

Cheers all

M

[guy 27]

I can't recommend the bilstein shocks high enough. Well worth the extra money especially if you're going to be keeping the car for a while.

[gowsa]

+1 for bilsteins

[MikeCheck]

Gah come on guys I had my mind all made up!

Why you gotta make me go and second guess myself into spending more money :P

Cheers

M

[gowsa]

If you don't want to spend the cash then go the pedders they will be fine mate my ts 1.8 had king springs and kyb shocks and I drove every day thru winding roads handled like a cart with whiteline all thru of course

[dutchy]

whatever you can afford obviously. I got the Koni yellow adjustable on mine. Cheapish, reasonable quality, firm ride... and oh did i mention cheapish ... :smile5:

[daves_cally]

Got mine from LMF

:thumbup:

[gowsa]

still cost over 1000aud with shipping from lmf

[guy 27]

still cost over 1000aud with shipping from lmf

all depends on exchange rate. earlier in the year they were below the 1k.

[gowsa]

Subtotal: £520.87 (€619.84, $822.97 )
Shipping cost: £255.00 (€303.45, $402.90 )

Total: £775.87 (€923.29, $1225.87 )



775 British pounds sterling = 1200.4517 Australian dollars



Even Courtney sport



Premium Suspension Kit (B12) - Astra G Mk4 & Zafira A
Astra G Mk 4 All Models and Zafira A All Models. Our Premium Suspension Kit for these models uses premium Bilstein damp…
Application: Astra G 1.8 Coupe PSKASGZA ∞ £520.83 £520.83
Delete - Remove Item Subtotal: £520.83


Delivery: International Courier (£195.00)
Points From Transaction: 2604
Basket Total: £715.83


Which is $1107 AUD

[The 2nd Womble]

Simple. Don't buy from the UK.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=290777963682&index=5&nav=SEARCH&nid=78348363223

[The 2nd Womble]

Postage $120...
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=251045191992&index=12&nav=SEARCH&nid=85159268220
Postage around the same on these...
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=270512817872&index=4&nav=SEARCH&nid=45660241012

[gowsa]

Postage $120...
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=251045191992&index=12&nav=SEARCH&nid=85159268220
Postage around the same on these...
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=270512817872&index=4&nav=SEARCH&nid=45660241012

Funny looking bilstein b12 kits
Apples and oranges

[The 2nd Womble]

Funny looking bilstein b12 kits
Apples and oranges

Generic photos as expected when you probably have 300+ ads for similar products for other marques on ebay

[gowsa]

Generic photos as expected when you probably have 300+ ads for similar products for other marques on ebay



Did you notice how ebay at the end of your post goes to a link,its put there automatically (well done)

[rwy16r]

i am thinking of only changing my coil springs for the back , i have already changed to kyb shock absorbers, what recommendation for a stock astra G ts 2003? do i needs mounting for these springs, what are the stock measurement for the springs.