3.2 Carrera Dampers

[Chris_911]

I am looking to refresh all four dampers.

I have Bilstein inserts in my Boge legs at the front - I don't know the spec though.

Rears are Bilsteins from Autofarm described as 'fast road' on the invoice.

All are over 20 years old.

I am bewildered by the various specs on current Bilstein dampers though, some described as 'Std', others as 'Club Sport'.

Does anyone have a breakdown of the various Bilstein options available?

[Ian Comerford]

I’m sure you are checking PP for info too but this one is newish and valid. https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1179825-suspension-upgrade-plan-feedback-requested.html
 

If I was starting again on mine I wouldn’t choose Bilstein Greens as I understand that they are optimised for you car (ie a 3.2) which is heavier than mine. Koni Yellows would be the choice as they are adjustable  

[Chris_911]

11 hours ago, Ian Comerford said:

I’m sure you are checking PP for info too but this one is newish and valid. https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1179825-suspension-upgrade-plan-feedback-requested.html
 

If I was starting again on mine I wouldn’t choose Bilstein Greens as I understand that they are optimised for you car (ie a 3.2) which is heavier than mine. Koni Yellows would be the choice as they are adjustable  

Didn't find that specific thread but did find some other information on PP, specifically:

Bilstein Porsche 911 Fahrwerkssetups / suspension settings

 

Setting	VA/front axle	HA/rear axle
Bilstein SC/Carrera series	140/100	196/133
Bilstein Turbo Serie/series	150/110	196/133
Bilstein Sportlich Strasse/sporty road	225/112	336/164
Bilstein Clubsport	200/170	220/180
Bilstein Rennen 1/race 1	160/160	unknown
Bilstein Rennen 1*/race 1*	200/170	unknown
Bilstein 1000 Seen/1000 lakes rallye	270/100	285/140
Bilstein RSR	160/160	180/170

number x 9,81 indicates the actual force in Newtons
numbers pattern: rebound/compression
all shock absorbers are of type B6
the SC/Carrera series and the Bilstein Turbo series are both green coloured (rear) dampers, the rest is yellow coloured.

I think it's a choice between Bilstein 'Sportlich Strasse' and 'Club Sport'.

I've got some fuzzy recollection that I was advised by (maybe Tuthill) to go with the combination I have - I don't think my fronts are the same spec as my rears but I can't confirm that.

I guess what I'm struggling with is matching what I have (probably impossible without getting the part number for the fronts), or knowing what's closes in the current Bilstein terminology.

I don't do track work, but do like a well-damped road car. Is the current 'Club Sport' spec intended for track use?

[Chris_911]

Anybody have the Club Sport spec fitted and care to comment on their performance?

[SilverWT]

I'm sure it's the Club Sport version on my SC. I will double check later.

I find them to be fine for road use.

I'm also sure it's the Race 1 version on my 3.2, but again I'll double check.

They are quite firm, but OK, on a much lightened and lowered car. Not for everyone in normal use I would say.

[AlG]

I have Sport version front and back on my Carrera 3.0 with Turbo torsion bars at the back. Also running Turbo Fuchs and find it fine for everyday road, but tend to steer round pot holes.

[SilverWT]

6 hours ago, SilverWT said:

I'm sure it's the Club Sport version on my SC. I will double check later.

I find them to be fine for road use.

I'm also sure it's the Race 1 version on my 3.2, but again I'll double check.

They are quite firm, but OK, on a much lightened and lowered car. Not for everyone in normal use I would say.

OK, just checked.

The SC has standard sports spec (the same as original green Bilstein sports)

The 3.2 has Club Sport spec ( which on the Type911 website are also known as Race 1)

 

Mark

[Ian Comerford]

The challenge I see is not spoiling the ride you currently have by going for firmer dampers than are fitted now.  Club Sport sounds tempting but could be an expensive mistake if the car ends up firmer than is acceptable for the kind of driving you now do.  Have you looked at anything on Pelican /Youtube by Ian Carpenter who has a nice Kermit green 911.  He reckons you get a nicer riding/handling 911 by having firmer springs (torsion bars) and softer dampers.  I went in a car set up by him last year when in CA, quite a revelation.

Edited July 12, 2025 by Ian Comerford

[Chris_911]

2 hours ago, Ian Comerford said:

The challenge I see is not spoiling the ride you currently have by going for firmer dampers than are fitted now.  Club Sport sounds tempting but could be an expensive mistake if the car ends up firmer than is acceptable for the kind of driving you now do.  Have you looked at anything on Pelican /Youtube by Ian Carpenter who has a nice Kermit green 911.  He reckons you get a nicer riding/handling 911 by having firmer springs (torsion bars) and softer dampers.  I went in a car set up by him last year when in CA, quite a revelation.

Exactly my concern Ian. I wouldn't say what I have is perfect but it's good - just looking to refresh. I don't want to go through the hassle of rebuilding what I have.

Also I want to avoid anything that would need a ruinous trip to CG for setup, which I feel includes changing torsion bars. I simply cannot afford it.

Might give Paul at Tuthill a call.

[Chris_911]

3 hours ago, Ian Comerford said:

The challenge I see is not spoiling the ride you currently have by going for firmer dampers than are fitted now.  Club Sport sounds tempting but could be an expensive mistake if the car ends up firmer than is acceptable for the kind of driving you now do.  Have you looked at anything on Pelican /Youtube by Ian Carpenter who has a nice Kermit green 911.  He reckons you get a nicer riding/handling 911 by having firmer springs (torsion bars) and softer dampers.  I went in a car set up by him last year when in CA, quite a revelation.

Exactly my concern Ian. I wouldn't say what I have is perfect but it's good - just looking to refresh. I don't want to go through the hassle of rebuilding what I have.

Also I want to avoid anything that would need a ruinous trip to CG for setup, which I feel includes changing torsion bars. I simply cannot afford it.

Might give Paul at Tuthill a call.

EDIT: I found my original receipts. The receipt for the from Bilstein inserts has a number quoted, 911625330340. This appears meaningless now.

[Chris_911]

Does anybody have any experience of the Club Sport spec?

[Nige]

Mine has Bilstein Turbo front struts and rear dampers.  I wouldn't want it any stiffer.

But your ride height will always affect how it rides (hits) the bumps and potholes.  

Edited July 14, 2025 by Nige

[Ian Comerford]

The first page of this thread contains some info you may not have seen.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1176190-build-thread-champagne-dirt.html

[Chris_911]

54 minutes ago, Ian Comerford said:

The first page of this thread contains some info you may not have seen.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1176190-build-thread-champagne-dirt.html

Ha! - yet more valving options...