C.Reed

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this question has been posted before, but I've done some research and haven't been able to find an answer. I just recently purchased the Bilstein OEM front struts that came on the MR for my Evo 9, part number being MN101890. I was wondering if they would be compatible with a set of rear Bilstein HD's.

Thanks, Chris.

C.Reed

A little more background information. Its an Evo 9 with kyb struts and gsr springs, id assusme. "car was totally stock when I bought it." With having bought the Bilstein OEM MR struts, my 2 problems lie in front of me. Are the rear Bilstein HD's compatible with the OEM MR Bilsteins, and will my GSR springs work with the Mr Bilsteins and the Bilstein HD's. I'm trying to get out of buying 2 rear OEM Mr Bilsteins because they are about 3 times the amount of the Rear Bilstein HD's. Thanks again, Chris.

MinusPrevious

iTrader: (3)

You posted a good question. Regarding the aftermarket springs, there should be no
compatibility issues w/fitment

Dont know about the damping differences between the 2

lv05evo

iTrader: (13)

Bilstein HD are valved stiffer for aftermarket springs, so I not sure how the MR and HD combo would work out, my guess is not to stable if you like taking corners fast. The GSR springs are fine to use on either model Bilstein.

sr20det91

iTrader: (59)

Different valving (stiffer) as stated above. Hence the HD in the name. Not a good idea to mix and match. Call bilstein in el caljone for definitive info. They can revalve too match and also adjust for your spring rate.

lv05evo

iTrader: (13)

If you can get two used ones from a junk car with front end damage and rebuild them to new, it would be cheaper than the HD I would think. Only problem is the time it takes to do that.

dsm nexus

iTrader: (10)

I'm currently looking for a set, but how do you tell the difference?

barneyb

I have a hard time believing there would be enough difference to ever notice.

dsm nexus

iTrader: (10)

Then why by the HD's?

Mr Chef

Ok I just replaced my stocker Mr bilsteins with HD's because my stock ones were shot at 100,000 miles of dd on crappy NY roads.

At any rate I did alot of investigating this option before I sprung for the HD replacements. I found most information here on EvoM. But I also called Tirerack where I got them from and spoke to them about fitment, valving and realworld performance and comfort.

The rates are very similar but definitely Not the same. The HD's have slightly firmer valving. This equals to slightly more of a jittery feeling on rough road surface.

So are they a good affordable replacement for a near stock setup? You betcha!

But to have the softer valving in front and firmer in the rear will not yield an ideal setup. It is possible that a more tail happy and non linear feel would present itself at the limit of grip and or during an emergency maneuver.

Me personally I would Not mix valving like that.

dsm nexus

iTrader: (10)

Thank you! How much did your set cost you for 4?

Mr Chef

$764. plus tax for all 4. From Tirerack.com

tha_yen

iTrader: (1)

Mr Chef - How would you compare the ride with the MR Bilsteins to the HD's? What springs are you using? My struts are on the way out, currently at 110k, and am looking for options. Missed on a set of MR bilsteins here w/ 20k miles.... I'm interested to know though if the ride is considerably stiffer than the the MR bilsteins. I've read here that the only difference is on the rougher roads, where the HDs don't abosrb as well as the MR bilsteins. How has your experience been so far?