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Author Topic: how do bilstein and KW compare  (Read 8012 times)

Offline Janner_Sy

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how do bilstein and KW compare
« on: August 22, 2009, 09:15:40 pm »
which KW kit is the equivalent to the bilstein B14 coilover. JKM now have prices for both for sale, comparing prices the B14 is priced between the V1 and V2 coilovers.

The B16 is priced above the V3(not sure about clubsport prices though)

I might treat myself
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Offline RedRobin

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2009, 09:22:20 pm »
....

If you phone Kate (The K in JKM) 023 9263 9933 on Monday she'll explain the differences I expect and she won't hardsell you.

Of course, peeps here may know most of the answers. Hurdy? Chris? James? plus a couple more.

:happy2:
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Offline GTIjames

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2009, 09:33:04 am »
paid a bit less than that for my B16 pss10's, and that is saying pss9. the 10's are the latest to be released and have one extra adjustment setting, the B14's are non adjustable.

good review and install pics here  http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24492

with 1 been the softest setting and 10 the hardest, i have mine set at 5 all round and the ride is a little harsh on bumpy roads but a soon as you get on a nice stretch it is very smooth and responsive, you can throw it around and it just grips and roll is minimal thats without ARB's, just got it low with 10mm spacers all round, with bsh rear arb soon to come..
 





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Offline RedRobin

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2009, 10:17:17 am »
^^^^
Useful link across the pond, James :happy2: - Now I understand better about why VWR used different spring ratings on my KW-V3's.

@ Sy - The thing about having adjustability is that you don't necessarily have to keep adjusting them for different tracks etc but you have the adjustability to achieve a very sweet setup and just let it be for as long as you want. Also if you do any future mods which effect your suspension, you can re-adjust.

Trouble is that it all costs more money!

:happy2:
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Offline Janner_Sy

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2009, 11:05:51 am »
where did you buy them from if you dont mind me asking. your ride height is about the height id be going for, dont want to go to low.

I was mainly interested in the B14 coilovers as they had been fine tuned on the nurburgring, which is basically a really bumpy and undulating 1 way b road. so i thought they would be awesome for the road.

however since i plan on keeping this car and eventually stripping out the interior and using it predominately on track and as a weekend toy, The B16 pss10 might be worth investing in. plus they look mega easy to adjust the damping.

Where are the adjustment knobs on the KW coilovers. are they in similar positions?
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Offline WhiteGTI

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2009, 11:22:30 am »
I've got the B14's. Had them fitted for around 6 months now. Bit busy at the moment, but I'll reply later with some more constructive comments. Alternatively, if you look here: http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=57.60 there are a few comments on them after I had them fitted.
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Offline Janner_Sy

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2009, 11:49:41 am »
nice one mate, will pop back this evening then.
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Offline RedRobin

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2009, 12:48:34 pm »
Quote from: simonskerton on August 23, 2009, 11:05:51 am

where did you buy them from if you dont mind me asking. your ride height is about the height id be going for, dont want to go to low.

I was mainly interested in the B14 coilovers as they had been fine tuned on the nurburgring, which is basically a really bumpy and undulating 1 way b road. so i thought they would be awesome for the road.

however since i plan on keeping this car and eventually stripping out the interior and using it predominately on track and as a weekend toy, The B16 pss10 might be worth investing in. plus they look mega easy to adjust the damping.

Where are the adjustment knobs on the KW coilovers. are they in similar positions?


....Hi Sy,

My KW-V3's are 'bespoke' from Volkswagen Racing. They have a technical partnership with KW Germany and were able to order a set with the spring ratings they thought would best suit me. My brief to VWR was to give me a Fast Road setup which was practical as a daily - I didn't specify lowness.

Your description of The Ring is perfect! I've only ever done 4 laps (more soon! :jumpmove:) and kept within my comfort zone but the car was very smooth and stable even in the wet bits (where the Quaife helped!).

If the Bilstein B14's have been tuned for The Ring, I'd be very tempted indeed. I chose KW's because of my good relationship with VWR and the other things they do for my car - A more holistic package - They know me and my car well. Otherwise I probably might have chosen Bilstein - Both KW and Bilstein excellent, which doesn't help you choose!

I don't know where the adjustments are on my KW's - I mainly drive road and just occasional track and feel that my setup works for me for both. I leave it to the experts at VWR for my setup.

Here's a bigger pic of my car on The Ring to show its stance : -



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Offline GTIjames

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2009, 03:30:33 pm »
got mine from julian at balance motorsport, nice chap give him a call if you are interested, if you are local to jkm would probably buy through them though as sure they will get a smiliar price and will do a good job fitting them too  :happy2:

by far the easiest to adjust as long as you keep them clean as when filthy is difficult see what number you are adjusting them too
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Offline Janner_Sy

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #9 on: August 23, 2009, 05:30:38 pm »
JKM cant cornerweight though, Have you done a review on your B16 coilies before james?

ive seen plenty of reviews on the KW , just not so many on the bilstein setup.
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Offline Hurdy

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #10 on: August 23, 2009, 08:27:33 pm »
I've looked a little more into the options between KW clubsports and Bilstein B16's. The Bilsteins are much, much easier to set up and adjust between damping settings and this is what I am after. I've still to have it confirmed that the Whiteline adjustable top mounts won't be an issue with them, but I'm hopeful. If it turns out hey are okay then this will be my weapon of choice with a full corner weight set up and alignment :happy2:
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Offline Janner_Sy

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #11 on: August 23, 2009, 08:30:57 pm »
Quote from: Hurdy on August 23, 2009, 08:27:33 pm
I've looked a little more into the options between KW clubsports and Bilstein B16's. The Bilsteins are much, much easier to set up and adjust between damping settings and this is what I am after. I've still to have it confirmed that the Whiteline adjustable top mounts won't be an issue with them, but I'm hopeful. If it turns out hey are okay then this will be my weapon of choice with a full corner weight set up and alignment :happy2:

Do the bilsteins come with their own top mounts or do they utilise the std top mounts? if they use the std ones you should be ok.
Are the Whiteline Top mounts camber and caster adjustable or just camber?
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Offline Hurdy

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #12 on: August 23, 2009, 08:43:42 pm »
The whiteline top mounts adjust both camber and castor, but getting anyone to confirm if they work with Bilsteins is like trying to hold onto an eel in water :sad1:
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Offline Top Cat

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #13 on: August 23, 2009, 08:52:11 pm »
Quote from: Hurdy on August 23, 2009, 08:43:42 pm
The whiteline top mounts adjust both camber and castor, but getting anyone to confirm if they work with Bilsteins is like trying to hold onto an eel in water :sad1:

Just a point to add Hurdy, i am sure you know this, you cant adjust the the camber in the same way you will be able to adjust the dampening on the Billies. You need a camber measure tool and somebody who knows how to adjust the other settings to suit.  :happy2:
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Offline Hurdy

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Re: how do bilstein and KW compare
« Reply #14 on: August 23, 2009, 11:27:53 pm »
Quote from: Top Cat on August 23, 2009, 08:52:11 pm
Quote from: Hurdy on August 23, 2009, 08:43:42 pm
The whiteline top mounts adjust both camber and castor, but getting anyone to confirm if they work with Bilsteins is like trying to hold onto an eel in water :sad1:

Just a point to add Hurdy, i am sure you know this, you cant adjust the the camber in the same way you will be able to adjust the dampening on the Billies. You need a camber measure tool and somebody who knows how to adjust the other settings to suit.  :happy2:

Yeah, I'd get it set up professionally as DIY adjustment isn't advised :happy2:
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