AVO Shocks vs Bilstein (Superformance)

agro1 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2002, 06:18 PM

Can anyone tell me the difference in the two ? For track use which is better ? I have heard that since the AVO's are oil filled they become mushy when raced hard. Is this true ? The AVO's are adjustable for ride firmness, but are they also adjustable for ride height ? Also, are the Bilstein's adjustable and how are they any better, if at all ? Thanks in advance.

"Never Lift"

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2002, 01:43 PM

Both are adjustabe for ride height. The avo's have a single collar for height adjustement with set screws. The Billstein's have two collars which work against each other to stay tight. The AVO's are adjustable for dampening, the Billsteins are not. The Billsteins are much better, they don't get mushy, provide comfy dampning for city driving, and are more consistant. I would trade three sets of AVO's for a set of Billsteins in a minute. Who's name comes to mind when you think of shocks...not AVO. Just my two cents.

Great Asp · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2002, 04:17 PM

I have the Billsteins on 1380 now, and wondered if I can let the front end down, and balance the rear tire to fender clearance.

Specifically, the front clearance on the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender seems too great to me in the front, and there is room to let the springs down on the adjustment you spoke of. In the back, one tire has more clearance from the top of the tire, to the bottom of the fender. I would like to even those out, but the springs appear to be set at the same adjustment. have one adjustment differant from the other? That does not seem right, but maybe you can help.

Eric

BTW Perf Engineerings 418 is a beast! Build worked out perfect, and the SS headers make sound like Im running alcohol!

RACER X #99 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2002, 04:29 PM

Mr. Fixit,
Funny how the AVO shocks get acknowledged like some shocks you bought at JC Penny. AVO invented the coilover shock but they do get overlooked by the guys that like to buy big name like Koni, Billstein. Of course when you talk about real performance shocks than you are talking Penske. I would trade four sets of Billsteins for a set of Penske shocks.

Cobras need racing shocks just like they need $40,000. engines

My .02
Cranky

Mr.Fixit · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2002, 05:07 PM

ASP,

You can drop any corner of the car so long as there is adjustement room left at the coilover. On SPF's, I usually set them so the owner's desired ride height is achieved, usually determined by tire to fender gap. Set them so you like the height, then get an alignment. If one side is higher than the other at the adjustement collar, but the car sits right, don't worry about it. If the chassis hasn't seen many miles, all the bushings and such haven't taken their "set" yet.

Great Asp · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2002, 07:55 PM

Fixit,

Thanks, will do!

Cranky,
Right, right, and right!

Eric

ls1ac · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2002, 08:54 PM

FYI
When you back off the collar, let the suspension drop down to the stops. If the springs are moving around and this is the height you want, you should get a set of keeper springs. These are soft flat springs that will keep the collars from moving around. In the case of the AVO's the top collar has a gap for spring removal and if the springs are set too far down it can fall out at full extension.
There are two types of Bilstiens, one sent on the new cars and the racing type by Dennis.
scott