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1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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, Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:59:48
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Paul H did put on SAS bars and HD Bilsteins. So that's 2 things at once. And they are related. Let's break them down:
The shocks/struts are the biggie, especially in terms of ride. I have not used the Bilstein HDs myself, but in researching this thoroughly before doing my suspension a couple years back found that most people find them too firm. Bilstein calls them an upgrade, and I think they are on many cars, but on the Saab 9K they seem too stiff for folks living where there are frost heaves, pot holes etc. The Touring version, which is still a bit firmer than stock, seems to be the best way to go if buying Bilsteins for a 9K.
The SAS bars are at least 2X stiffer than the stock bars. This does affect ride on one-wheel bumps, but in my opinion is not bad in itself. It IS harsher than the stock bars, and I do notice it here in NH. The poly bushings that come with the bars contribute to the firmness. The benefit with the bars is improved weight distribution when cornering due to greater roll resistance, and the car is more responsive when cornering, even at turn in. Worth the trade off, IMO.
Now put the firmer ride from the Bilsteins together with increased one-wheel bump stiffness from the SAS bars and yeah, the car's going to ride a LOT harder. This is fine for some people, and it is maybe what you want if you're doing a lot of track days, but maybe not for the commute to work or a long trip.
My recommendation is that Paul H goes to a different shock/strut, maybe the Bilstein Touring. You can sell the HD's to someone who wants the firmer ride--plenty do.
FWIW, I just picked up a nice '96 9K and it will be needing shocks and struts fairly soon. I'm doing the Bilstein Touring and SAS bars, and keeping the stock springs, even though I don't like the ride height.
My other 9K (on loan to my daughter) has the Aero suspension and SAS bars and is just about ideal IMO. The slightly firmer and lower springs work well with the Sachs shocks/struts. And if I replaced the shocks/struts on that car I'll do the Bilstein Tourings.
, Sun, 17 Apr 2011 22:07:14, Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:32:16, Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:59:48, Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:40:01
, Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:37:29
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