Bilstein lower perch vs. upper perch feel?

Joined
23 December 2006
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658
Location
Dublin, California
Hi,
I installed my bilstein shocks at lower perch for more than a week now and felt a little bouncier than stock. I don't know if that is the firm feel or at lower perch the shocks were actually being compressed more and gave more bounciness ride. How about upper perch feel compares to lower perch? I know there are lots of good feedback on lower perch ride quality, and I hope the bounciness feel will eventually dampen down soon. I love the handling and the look so I hope I don't have to switch back to stock. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Here are some pics of before and after.

Before
View attachment 32350View attachment 32357

After
View attachment 32353View attachment 32355
 
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Although I do not have the Bilstein shock set-up, I cannot see how the spring being set on the lower perch will, in any way, affect the valving of the shock to make it any more or less bouncy than the upper perch.

That being said, I think you are just experiencing a more "agressive" damping feel and a "sportier" ride quality (for lack of better terms). You changed your suspension set-up, I assume, to change/improve the handling characteristics of the car and there are compromises you have to make in order to attain those goals. Ride quality is one of them.
 
Although I do not have the Bilstein shock set-up, I cannot see how the spring being set on the lower perch will, in any way, affect the valving of the shock to make it any more or less bouncy than the upper perch.

I agree, although when I went from stock shocks to Bilsteins upper perch I didn't think it got more bouncy at all, I thought it became smoother actually.
 
So it seems like no different feel between upper and lower perch settings. Maybe I'm experiencing the sportier feel of the bilstein, but definitely it feels a bit bouncier. Now it feels a little less bouncy compare to when the shocks were first installed. I probably let them settle for few more weeks, if my stomach still can't handle the longer ride than 30 min then my only choice is to switch back to stock instead of to upper perch...... Thanks for your feedback.
 
I've got Bilsteins as well, not on a perch, but an adjustable collar(coilover system). When I first installed them, I lowered the car just over 2 inches and noticed a bounce ride as well. Not bad to me, but more of a sporty bounce.

It now has subsided, or I've gotten used to it. But I really do not noticed a bouncy ride anymore. Maybe it just needs to settle in.

Regards,
 
I just put my Bilsteins on last weekend. Had the car alligned too. I think the ride is softer but not bouncy. Maybe I need to drive it more. Did you have an allignment?
 
I just put my Bilsteins on last weekend. Had the car alligned too. I think the ride is softer but not bouncy. Maybe I need to drive it more. Did you have an allignment?

No I have not aligned my car as yet, waiting for my new tires to arrive before doing alignment. I noticed the bouncing mostly on uneven surface, but on the smooth surface it actually felt a little softer than stock. I love the handling and feel more comfortable entering and exiting the freeway now. I guess just give it time to settle and for me to get use to it.
 
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