KRGS4

Just had new Bilstein Sport Shocks installed.
I've had the following shocks/set ups:

1. OEM Spings + OEM Shocks = Plush, mushy, numb swaying, HWY floaty
2. Eibach Pro Kit + OEMs = Perfect drop/stance Firmer but bouncy, just didn't feel like a good match,
3. Eibach Pro Kit + LTuned = 15% firmer on the off ramp, some float, nice ride
4. Eibach ProKit + KYB GR2s = 25% firmer, "harsher bumps" noHWY Float
still leans on the off ramp, still dips down on the quick 90degree turn, people will tell you that they are the same as the Ltuned but I can tell you...having both...the GR2s are slightly better in turms of performance, but not really a plush ride.

5. Eibach Pro Kit + Bilstein Sport Shocks = Totally different ride. Absolutely No HWY Float. car feels more contained, Firmer by 100%, HWY lane changes and 90degree turns...I can "Plant my foot and Go" just like a basket ball player. Amazing.

Almost feels like I bought a Rear Sway bar! I can literally be getting off the offramp (with minimal leaning) and jerk the car side to side and the car gets "stiffer"...like it wants to plant and go...so when the BMW 3 series...you know...the "318 Ti" guy, who tries to tail you on the offramp...you can literally 'take off" or "blast off" on that ramp/turn...he will loose control and 'lean and swerve" all over. and be like "wtf"...


The ride itself is slightly harsher but honestly..it is equal to the GR2s decent ride with passengers in it. On a rough road, the bumps are "numbingly" still felt but certainly not Teeth Jarring.

for those of you more on the "Athletic" feel of a desired suspension. I say Bilstein Sport Shocks and the Eibach ProKit.

Those of you that desire the "nice ride" ...the GR2s are a great bargain oem replacement.

Those of you that like the "Olympic" feel of desired suspension you may begin the Coilover debate.

I am a fan of coilovers but I only "tool" around with them on my AWD Talon Turbo....with the LEX...I just Jump in and go now!

blue99GS4

Yeah, I agree with you 100%. I have Bilstein sp / Eibach prokit and am loving it.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

blue99gs4, where in CA are you located? wondering if i can get a quick cruise in your setup; since i'm on the fence between bilsteins and kyb's.

Seize

Nice write up, thanks for sharing your experience with us

PushinLEX

iTrader: (9)

Whats the average price of that setup? Eibach/Bilstein SP?

Sometimes I regret spending so much on CS V.2, especially since I'm not really that aggressive about dropping.....

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

i think its about $800. About $300 for eibach and $500 for bilsteins. But dont forget any taxes, shipping, and/or install costs.

KRGS4

4 Bilstein Sports
SHOX.Com $459.00 Free Shipping currently
Tire Rack $444.00 + add Shipping
AJUSA.com $458.10 Free Shipping currently

Eibach ProKit
SHOX.Com $238.00 Free Shipping currently
Tire Rack $232.00 + add Shipping
AJUSA.com $250.07 Free Shipping currently

Worth every penny.

Install Costs for shocks/springs(estimated) I called around in Chicago.
Lexus Dealer #1..$1100.00...$275 x 4..w/alignment
Lexus Dealer #2 ...$700.00...$175 x 4...no alignment
Lexus Dealer #3 ...$620.00...$155 x 4...no alignment
Toyota Dealer ...$500.00...$125 x 4...no alignment
Local tuner shop 5star Inc...$375.00...no alignment
Meineke local ...$300.00.....$75 x 4...no alignment

so about $700 parts + $375 labor = $1,075 installed.

bighitbike

Or you could just get a used set of Coilovers for around 1k and 5 hours of your time

Or just get coilovers for 750 a bit more used, and get them installed for a bit cheaper because they don't need to put the springs on.

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

Most people aren't really up to the task of doing a full suspension swap out on their cars. I mean most of the guys DIY experience on here covers installing intakes, mufflers, brakes, and changing oil. Moving onto a full suspension change is quite a leap. Anyways, I would of recommend you to buy a set of used coilovers on the forum (usually pops up here for $800-1000 for a good set). Shops usually charge less to install coilovers VS springs/shocks because theres no disassembly and reassembly of the spring and shock unit. The coilover is a direct drop in a go affair.

But, with that said...Bilstein's lifetime warranty isn't too shabby either

NiteOwl

Interesting - thanks for the input.

This has only further confused my decision between replacing the shocks or going with a set of coilovers. I have an 03 GS430, that just turned 33k miles. I have a set of Tanabe NF210s that I had installed 12k miles ago, along with a set of Daizen sways. Perfect drop, much better handling, but still a little boucy during 80+MPG freeway runs. I don't want it any lower, and I don't care about the adjustability of coilovers. However, I do want the best combination of a good/fairly good ride and stiffness/performance. I have been thinking about the Tien CS 2.0s or the Tien Flex or just a damn good set of shocks. Any thoughts?

Also, just got one of those rear lower chasis braces from ebay/Singapore. Have not installed it yet, but it can't hurt.

KRGS4

I just came home from a 50mile HWY trip

started testing the "float"

I got up to 120ish... I felt no float.

other Bilstein/Eibachers can chime in...but the car seemed much more
plated and tight in the 80+ range, safer and secure, planted.

Bilstein makes a high quality product.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

Yea I think they provide the stock suspension for some of the German ladies.

JDMsedan

Hey KRGS4, What size wheels do you have with that set up? Just curious because that would have a direct effect on handling and ride quality.
BTW, I'm new here. Sup everybody?

KRGS4

19X8 35mm offset
245/40 19s Michelin Pilot Sport A/S

I have to update my page:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/749906

Lexamatic

Eibach pro kit is the best all around in terms of ride and handling, and with the Bilstein Sports it really is a decent ride quality. Firm to be sure, but compared to stock its like a different car. Significant handling improvement. Also the Eibachs have a mild enough drop that the correct camber can be set without a camber kit. On the highway the car is so much better behaved. It takes some getting used to after living with the wallow and sway of the stock setup. After all, lets not forget Lexus tuned the GS suspension with a luxury bias, and when the stock parts are worn, it makes for a really mushy ride. (When doing springs, dont forget to replace lower ball joints & tie rods!)