[16v808]

They arrived at my parents house on wednesday and now I have them all to myself Anyways, after searching these forums and doing research, Im gonna order Bilstien Sports after I get my next paycheck, as well as spring pads and new strut mounts. My dads mechanic suggested I change out the stabilizer bushings also, but I dont know exactly what those are and where to get them. So, where can I find them? I dont really mind going to the stealership, but if I could get them cheaper, I'd rather. Also, any other bushings I should change out? It seems like the lower control arms are easier to find and I should probably replace them at the same time, but any other suggestions as to what my next step should be? TIA

 

[Kynyption]

I would only assume that the "stabilizer bushing" (never used in benz tech terminology) that he is referring to...would be the front sway bar bushings. These can be picked up anywhere, and i don't believe the part is too costly at the dealer, when you compare it against shipping charges to HI. I don't see how this would be compared against your springs, or why the two would be made in reference to one another in the point that it needs to be changed....He could have been referring to the LCA bushings... That would seem more reasonable. When it gets to that it seems generally more cost effective to replace the entire LCA and then you don't have to worry about the ball joint either.

Lol posting at midnight about H&R's gotta love it.

 

[Funky Mad]

If they are the front sway bar bushings, get them elsewhere than the stealer as they are quite pricey (at the local one here anyway). I replaced them recently.. a local shop had them for 2$-ish each. Stealership price was 12$ each.

 

[ducatipaso]

which H&Rs did you get? I'm interested in the Touring Cup kit, as I don't want to go super low. What concerns me more is that H&R lists all of their products for the 2.3 and my car is a 2.6.

 

[pbtakacs]

Yes I would be concerned too as I believe the 2.6 is still no supported. Rik at 2phast.com tried to use the 2.3 kit but it did not work and he had to remove the kit.

That being said I went with the "super low" sport cup kit with #3 pads all the way around and I FREAKING LOVE IT!!!!

 

[Kynyption]

For the 2.6 engine the closest pads would be the 16vlv. This being because the 2.3 engine weights substantially less than both the 2.6 and 16vlv. The 2.6 and 16vlv are closer in weight than the 2.3

 

[16v808]

I would only assume that the "stabilizer bushing" (never used in benz tech terminology) that he is referring to...would be the front sway bar bushings. These can be picked up anywhere, and i don't believe the part is too costly at the dealer, when you compare it against shipping charges to HI. I don't see how this would be compared against your springs, or why the two would be made in reference to one another in the point that it needs to be changed....He could have been referring to the LCA bushings... That would seem more reasonable. When it gets to that it seems generally more cost effective to replace the entire LCA and then you don't have to worry about the ball joint either.

Lol posting at midnight about H&R's gotta love it.

Ill have to ask the mechanic exactly what he's talking about. I was thinking he either meant the sway bar bushings or the LCAs, but Im not sure. He said he thought Eibach made an upgraded bushing set, so I was gonna try call them too. So Kyn, whats your suggestion as to what I should do next? Im probably gonna order the Bilsteins in a week, then the strut mounts, and new bushings should help the overall feel of the car. Am I forgetting anything? And yes, posting at midnite about H&Rs is probably the best time to post about H&Rs :thumbsup: btw, the "Warning" sticker that comes with the springs is awesome/hilarious

 

[cypress188]

Make sure you get your strut mounts from MB!!!!

You forgot these.....

 

[ducatipaso]

For the 2.6 engine the closest pads would be the 16vlv. This being because the 2.3 engine weights substantially less than both the 2.6 and 16vlv. The 2.6 and 16vlv are closer in weight than the 2.3

hmmm... interesting thought. I wonder how a set of OEM 2.3-16 springs would work out in my 2.6? I need to research the exact engine weights.

 

[ducatipaso]

hmmm... appears the M103 weighs around 440 lbs

 

[16v808]

So the strut mounts from the Tire Rack wouldnt be as good? I think theyre made by KYB...

 

[MTI]

For the 2.6 engine the closest pads would be the 16vlv. This being because the 2.3 engine weights substantially less than both the 2.6 and 16vlv. The 2.6 and 16vlv are closer in weight than the 2.3

How you figga?

1987 Weights

190E 2.3L 2,780
190E 2.6L 2,835 (+55 over the 2.3)
190E 2.3-16 3,010 (+230 over the 2.3 and +175 over the 2.6)

The extra weight on the 16 valve = body kit, SLS rear suspension and other bits, including 8 more valves.

In 1987, neither the 2.3 or 2.6 had lower body cladding.

 

[Kynyption]

Just going by status words by your faithful mods in canada...

 

[ducatipaso]

230 lbs is a substantial difference. I guess I could source some OEM sportline springs? Maybe the euro sportline spring is lower and stiffer than the USA version? I just want a mild drop/stiffen. Maybe I should... *gasp* cut 1/2 coil out of the spring?

Most of the improvements will come from high quality tires and dampers anyhow.

 

[MTI]

230 pounds is substantial, but it's not all or even mostly in the engine bay.

 

[ducatipaso]

50 of it is in cladding, etc [judging from the weight increase in the 2.3-16] so thats still 180 lbs and with the length of this engine, I think that there's more weight ahead of the front axle, which is where the difference will start to show with different spring rates.

ideally, a coilover setup would be best then I could dial the height I want or even more ideally have the car corner weighted. :thumbsup:

 

[MTI]

50 of it is in cladding, etc [judging from the weight increase in the 2.3-16] so thats still 180 lbs and with the length of this engine

I can only say that it's obvious you have no idea of the weight of the 16 valve bodykit and suspension if you're guessing 50#.

The suggestion of a "coilover" setup on a stock W201 also is telling. The suspension geometry and mounting points aren't designed for a coilover installation. So unless you're also planning massive changes to the suspension and bodywork, coilovers aren't an answer in these cars.

 

[ducatipaso]

I can only say that it's obvious you have no idea of the weight of the 16 valve bodykit and suspension if you're guessing 50#.

The suggestion of a "coilover" setup on a stock W201 also is telling. The suspension geometry and mounting points aren't designed for a coilover installation. So unless you're also planning massive changes to the suspension and bodywork, coilovers aren't an answer in these cars.

I was guessing at the 50 pound number. would you care to inform me what the kit does weigh?

what is "telling"... are you attempting to disparage me?
note i said "ideally"

 

[ducatipaso]

How you figga?

1987 Weights

190E 2.3L 2,780
190E 2.6L 2,835 (+55 over the 2.3)
190E 2.3-16 3,010 (+230 over the 2.3 and +175 over the 2.6)

The extra weight on the 16 valve = body kit, SLS rear suspension and other bits, including 8 more valves.

In 1987, neither the 2.3 or 2.6 had lower body cladding.

wait. if the 2.6 only weighs 55# more than the 2.3...
someone above said putting the 2.3 springs really slammed their 2.6

I'm going to continue to do some research on this subject. there's gotta be a proven setup for the 2.6 somewhere that's not a dump job. no luck with eibach or H&R according to the websites.

 

[Kynyption]

You guys are talking two diff numbers, haha MTI is talking combined bodykit + sls system. ducati is talking just bodykit. rotfl, stop bickering.