The following are some commonly asked questions
and their corresponding answers concerning Bilstein gas pressure
shocks:
- Why is the shaft on a Bilstein shock always extended?
- As mono-tube gas shocks, Bilsteins are under gas pressure
to deliver the most responsible valving for ultimate control.
This pressure, called the gas reactive force, and Bilstein's
perfect internal seals force the shaft to be extended.
Is the car more difficult to scale with Bilsteins?
- Bilstein shocks have no effect on the results as you weigh
the four corners. The gas reactive force in Bilstein shocks
may raise your car's ride height slightly. Simply adjust the
chassis downward to the desired ride height.
Does Bilstein offer specific applications for the various dirt
and asphalt racing series?
- Bilstein has shocks specifically valved for both dirt and
asphalt surfaces of various track lengths.
Are Bilsteins difficult to understand and use?
- After reviewing the various set-ups, you'll be ready to select
the proper shocks for your specific race car. Bilstein valving
is precise. Once you purchase your Bilsteins, you can be certain
that they will perform at peak efficiency throughout their long
life.
I can buy twin-tube shocks for less money than Bilsteins. Why
should I spend the extra money?
- Bilstein shocks are fabricated from the highest quality components
for long life performance. Typically, Bilsteins are only slightly
more expensive than twin-tube brands. Since they will far outlast
conventional shocks, Bilsteins cost much less over the long
run. Bilstein shocks are the least expensive way to lower your
lap times.
The companies that sell only twin-tube (low pressure gas) shocks
say their design outperforms mono-tube (high pressure gas) shocks.
How can I know the truth?
- Take a trip to a local discount department store that sells
replacement shocks for cars and trucks from about $49.00 to
$111.00. All of the shocks on display will be twin-tube shocks.
Their price reflects the fact that twin-tube technology is relatively
unsophisticated and very low cost to produce. At an new car
dealership you'll find that low cost base line cars and trucks
are factory equipped with twin-tube shocks that add very little
to the cost of the vehicle. On the other hand, Chevrolet Corvettes
have been equipped from the factory with Bilstein gas pressure
shocks since 1984. Factory installed Bilsteins can also be found
on Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, Porsche, Chevrolet Z-71 trucks and
many other high performance vehicles around the world. Finally,
take a stroll through the pit area at a NASCAR Winston cup,
Busch. Craftsman Truck, CART, IRL, IMSA, or Formula One race
and you'll find not a twin-tube shock in sight! The top racing
engineers in the world always use mono-tube gas shocks! By searching
out the facts, you will know the truth; and the truth will make
you fast!