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Maybe it’s not that big of a deal... hard to know.. I’m interested in the difference between the top hats now too.
12-14 spring is indeed TOO SMALL for the Bilstein perch supplied. The 08-14 top hat fits the spring but it looks like the shocks are 08-11 only unless they offer a different perch? It seems the Tire Rack has the fitment backwards.
I guess we’ve derailed this thread, but it’s related. I’ll start a condensed summary thread after it’s more sorted out...
I was under the the impression that 2012-14 at least had the same springs, based on aftermarket suppliers. But not according to the mothership.
Date: 08/10 to 08/11
08/11 to 08/12. I have these on the bench
08/12 to end
When you get sorted out I’d be interested in buying your 2014 OEM. Or borrowing them for this test I’m working on.
looking at the part part numbers online... the top hats from 08 to 10/12 are the same and there’s a different part for 11/01/12 on. It shows replaced though so maybe an improved design for all models.
Im doing this on my phone and I might have better luck sorting it out on multiple site on my PC at work. So grains of salt issued to all readers.
Hey 2008 starfire pearl F here. I got the swift springs for mine and upgraded to the bilstein struts in the rear. Drives good but still on stock tokico struts in front with the swift springs on it. Can’t go wrong with Bilstein
I guess we’ve derailed this thread, but it’s related. I’ll start a condensed summary thread after it’s more sorted out...
I was under the the impression that 2012-14 at least had the same springs, based on aftermarket suppliers. But not according to the mothership.
Date: 08/10 to 08/11
08/11 to 08/12. I have these on the bench
08/12 to end
When you get sorted out I’d be interested in buying your 2014 OEM. Or borrowing them for this test I’m working on.
looking at the part part numbers online... the top hats from 08 to 10/12 are the same and there’s a different part for 11/01/12 on. It shows replaced though so maybe an improved design for all models.
Im doing this on my phone and I might have better luck sorting it out on multiple site on my PC at work. So grains of salt issued to all readers.
It seems the tops of the springs are all the same diameter but the bottom size had changed and that's why mine don't fit the perch that Bilstien supplied. I may get the 08-11 Swift springs but I really don't want to run the rears and have the saggy rear end. It's up in the air now, not certain on which route I'll be going. I didn't want to do coilovers but It might be the only option.
Once I get mine sorted out I could let you borrow but I will be keeping it in case I choose to sell the car eventually. I'll keep you posted on what I choose to do.
Finally got everything on and I'm very impressed. The 2014 suspension was so soft it almost had a pogo/bouncing effect. Or possibly the struts were toast at 59k? But the Bilstein/Swift combo rides great. Firm but not bouncy and very compliant over the small bumps as well. I'm not good with suspension terminology so I can't really go into to details on what makes it better but it makes the car much more enjoyable to drive. I've never been in an 08-11 so I'm not familiar with how they ride but this is much better than the OE 12-14 IMO.
As stated above the Bilstein shocks only work with 08-11 springs due to the different diameter at the perch. The top hats look to line up whether 08-11 or 12-14.
I used:
Bilstein shocks
08-11 Swift Springs
New top hats/strut mounts
Figs rear shock spacer due to the rear end sag provided by the Swift springs
What is the official verdict of Bilstein B6 with Swift Lowering Springs? I'm kinda up in the air, originally was thinking this would be a no brainer, but it looks like a lot of people end up taking them Bilstein and Swifts off for coilovers.
I am looking at Bilstein B6 / Swifts or Greddy KW Coilover. I will also be putting on a RR Racing USRS.
I have a 2008 and it is a weekend car so it doesn't get daily driven, originally wanted to stay under $1500 so I could afford a new wheel/tire combo.
I actually don't hate the way the stock 08 rides, just want to get rid of the wheel gap on the front but was also concerned about adding the USRS on a 08 without doing any suspension work.
I think the Bilstein B6/Swift combo is a good combo for the $$.......that being said since it's an affordable suspension replacement (along with lowering the car a bit) for the OE suspension 08-10 it makes sense if you want to save some cash vs coilovers (Bilstein approx $600 & Swift $300). I've had my combo on for about 3 years and it's been good but not great compared to upper end coilovers. When I took off my stock suspension it was toast so this combo was a definite step up in that regards!
I am going to a higher end suspension set-up here pretty soon.
Bilstein plus 08 springs.
the rear have a bit more droop than the OEM maybe an inch more.
when doing the front you’ll want new dust boots. Can he had at OReilly.
It’s possible to lathe the front lower spring perch a half inch or so to provide about 0.6” drop. I didn’t do that.
the low speed compression damping is lower than the OEM and that is the biggest improvement. I avoid potholes so I can’t really comment on high speed damping but it also feels softer.
I think the rebound damping may be a bit under damped. I’m still trying to firm that up, but that jives with a guy in Europe that was complaining about bounce on the highway.
Bilstein plus 08 springs.
the rear have a bit more droop than the OEM maybe an inch more.
when doing the front you’ll want new dust boots. Can he had at OReilly.
It’s possible to lathe the front lower spring perch a half inch or so to provide about 0.6” drop. I didn’t do that.
the low speed compression damping is lower than the OEM and that is the biggest improvement. I avoid potholes so I can’t really comment on high speed damping but it also feels softer.
I think the rebound damping may be a bit under damped. I’m still trying to firm that up, but that jives with a guy in Europe that was complaining about bounce on the highway.
Do you have any pictures?
I was going to pair Bilstein B6’s with Swift Lowering Springs, after that review.. really not sure if I want to do that.
I definitely don’t want to lower rear anymore than the 0.6” that the swift are going to lower it.
On my stock 08 my measurement in a level floor in my garage.
Front: From the ground to middle bottom of fender it’s 27” (passenger)
Rear: Ground to middle of bottom fender it’s 25.75” (passenger)
Seems if I were to do anything, I would want to run Bilstein in the Front with Swift and 08 Stock Tokico damper in the rear with Swifts
What are you at? Lol probably in meters seeing your in Europe.
05-16-19, 04:20 PM
