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[Diamond Black Geezer]

So... as I slowly get the V6 back on the road after a tiny hiatus (of 7 years) I am sure the dampers are shot, she's bouncing like a 70s Cadillac. I have pattern wishbones which will be receiving Polys and genuine VX bushes. SO when it comes to dampers as far as I understand it Bilstein B4s seems to be the OOF recommended option. Slightly better and cheaper than original VX. I'm looking for as solid and controlled a ride as possible, without losing too much of that Omega waftability comfort.

I'm assuming that the suggestion of replacing the springs will also appear in this thread - which I am open to.

So, I'm thinking some facelift MV6 springs, plus Bilstein B4s... any other options I'm not aware of/forgotten?

[Kevin Wood]

If you can find some facelift MV6 springs in good nick, then yes, bite their hand off, IMHO.

Can't really comment on the shocks as mine are original MV6 (with 170k on them. Might be time to swap them, actually). 

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Ahhh, right. So they're a rarity, then. Thanks for the Heads up 

I seem to recall there's a difference between FL and PFL MV6 suspension?

[chrisgixer]

" Lowered sports chassis " is face lift mv6 only for v engines, and has a 15mm lower ride height.

Pre face lift have standard springs but differant shocks only. They'll be well buggered by now anyway, most likely.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Thanks. Just means if I see a PFL MV6 in a scrappy I'm wasting my time paying up for what I'd assume to be sports springs.

So assuming I'm running the standard springs for now, are we talking the B4s, gents? I think probably MV6 springs at some point in the future, but wouldn't really want to have to change the dampers again. I have shallow pockets! I'd rather do it once, and do it right :-)

Again, happy for any new contenders to be suggested.

[Marks DTM Calib]

My view is that the B4 is still the best all round shock available.

You can add a set of Eibach lowering springs for a more taught ride (about 30mm drop)

[VXL V6]

Have both setups, the 3.2 is on Eibach Springs with B4's and the 2.6 is on LSC MV6 springs with B4's.

I prefer the handling of the 3.2 setup but it's no good for carrying too much weight and every half decent speed bump needs to be considered if you value your sump, hence why my daily driver that needs to carry various weights of kit has been put on LSC MV6 springs.

Both suspension setups were made up of brand new parts as I personally believe second hand springs will mostly have done large mileages by now. You may struggle to get new MV6 springs as when I bought mine there were only two sets left in Germany (VX don't have the storage space in the UK, so any spares that are slow to sell for cars over 10 Years old go back to Germany for storage as I understand it off someone on here!).

[TheBoy]

I'd vote for the B4s as well. Or B6, even B8 if you want a spine cracker

B4 are the direct OE replacement, but I would say slightly stiffer than GM (although hard to compare unless you have brand new side by side). Ride quality is still excellent.

30mm drop at rear is too much. Way too much. Irmscher made a right royal balls up there, and everyone copied them

Obviously if you have self levelling, your choices are already made.

[VXL V6]

I'd vote for the B4s as well. Or B6, even B8 if you want a spine cracker

B4 are the direct OE replacement, but I would say slightly stiffer than GM (although hard to compare unless you have brand new side by side). Ride quality is still excellent.

30mm drop at rear is too much. Way too much. Irmscher made a right royal balls up there, and everyone copied them

Obviously if you have self levelling, your choices are already made.

Self levelling, yuk. 

[chrisgixer]

Personally
B4 all round
Irmscher front springs. Or Lsc or no more 30mm drop
Mv6 rear springs. Or no more than 20mm drop for geo reasons. Standard will do.
Poly front
Poly donut rear.

But that's  to taste. Each one of those adds a little bit if firmness some may not like. Then add in 18" wheels. Some won't like the ride. But the corner grip and lack if roll is awesome over the soggy standard Elite, comfy as they are.

...ahhhh the world of compromise.


Magnetic ride control anyone?

[tooleater]

You better make that 1 set left then

[05omegav6]

Plod heavy duty springs,standard shocks and working self leveling... polybushed to buggery... works for me

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Thanks to all above 

So I'm assuming that B4, B6 and B8s are stiffer and [suitable for] lower [springs] respectively?

I think (touch wood) I have sourced a set of FL MV6 springs off here, and shall be most likely fitting B4 dampers all round. Heard much good about these donut bushes at the rear recently, having heard nothing about them before.

Being taken for a spin in the other half's brother's Audi S Line, then driven home in the TD (with heavily worn rear wishbone bush at that) has made me realise just what a massive difference competent suspension makes.