Got my Bilstein PSS9 kit from ECS today...

[krazylegz]

Finally finished (at 3am). WOW. What a difference. MUCH less body roll now. I set the damping to '9', to see how the ride would compare to stock.

Performance:
At a setting of '9', the ride is actually slightly better than stock, more than enough to pass the girlfriend test (unless your other car is a Cadillac). Handling is MUCH improved, even at this setting.

Installation:
Install was pretty straightforward. Frank Sheperson's Coilover Suspension Installation tech article (http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel28.shtml) was helpful at times, but note that he installed H&R Streets, so there were some differences in my install:

Front:
1. I removed the tie-rod end and front lower control arm to ease removal of the lower shock mount bolt.

2. You do not need to use the stock bump stop with the PSS9. In fact, you would have to remove so much material from the center that they would be next to useless anyway.

3. You do not need to use the stock dust covers.

4. You do not need the stock spring seat, Bilstein includes a nice aluminum piece and tapers the springs anyway. You DO still need the rubber cap.


Rears:

1. Get a wheel chock and release your parking brake. This makes moving that cable around a bit easier. I do not know what Frank means by "you'll need to move it", it will not go very far.

2. It is next to impossible to use a spring compressor on these springs. If you are like me, ~140lbs, and working alone, you will need to get creative when you put the new shocks in. My method consists of improperly using a point and then a screwdriver, and finally pounding the screw in (intelligently).

Notes:

1. There are helper springs on the front shocks. Hopefully they will not make any noise.

2. Wrenches for adjusting the spring perches are not included. Remember to buy your own. I had to leave mine at the factory settings, but I think I will want to change that once the suspension settles.


Good news! If you got screwed because you don't weigh enough (see hint #2), you can probably adjust the rebound damping WITHOUT REMOVING THE WHEELS FROM THE CAR!! You can do a 'blind' adjustment if you are bit of a contortionist. This worked for me on all four wheels. I can already imagine getting ready to go out to the girlfriend's house: crank the shocks down to '1', race to her house, then crank them up to '9' in her driveway. Be sure to point the dials out, of course. Have fun!!

[krazylegz]

to dive in as well?