Difference Between Gen4 GT Bilstein Shock Set-Ups

[Ben]

What is the difference between:

1. 06 Sti Bilstiens
2. 07-09 SpecB Bilsteins
3. 07-09 Sti Bilsteins

I know the shocks off the 07-09 Sti's before conversion were sold and are available fairly cheap. What did they upgrade the sti's to?

Would I be best getting my shocks rebuilt, getting some of the cheap one's from wheel power (or whatever they are called), or going something totally different. Not after anything too aggressive (not going to the track), but very happy to go to the performance side of comfort - if that makes sense. Coilovers don't really interest me as I only need one ride height and I'm happy with some NVH.

[blacktop™]

i cant really speak for the 06's cos i dont know anything about it (although i assume they are the same) but the 07-09's are the same shocks just different springs. the GT-B's have yellow springs and the tuned by STi's have pink springs which are slightly lower and i'm pretty sure they're a bit firmer.

the sedans and wagons also have a different springs on the rear. not sure if the actual shock bodies are any different.

[cruisn]

Dont forget the STi decal on the Billies on the STi models in lieu of the Bilstein decal.

[DrivesLikeJehu]

I'm curious to see where you end up with this one. If you're really serious about it, don't forget that thread on the U.S. LegacyGT site forum.
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.p ... ml?t=61108
unclemat seems to have been obsessed with the various billie revisions and their comparative qualities. You may find some of the part numbers he lists cross ref to yours.
I'd expect Aussie spec OEMs to be at the stiff end of a U.S. range. Thats been auto industry standard for years.
And I'd assume STI spec billies will be stiffer valved to suit the STI spring rates. But I'd love to see what you find.

[Ben]

I'm getting a custom set up made up with the help of a forum member, which will be great.

Still curious about the bilsteins. Thanks Lance for the link, having a read now.

Was my understanding that the 06 was more like a JDM set up with firmer shocks, the 07 got revised for AU road conditions hence the increase in ride height. I'm surprised that on the STi conversions they took Bilsteins out and replaced them with the same shocks, seems ass backward.

I've also heard that the 06 Bilsteins were not as good as the 07, again just something I read. Who knows.