Strut identification and optimum application

[James Jordan]

Looking for information and advice on for these Strut legs.
both are Billy’s, however there are no visible marks on them.
was planning on 145lb springs for the silver struts for a road MK1 with 1700cc BDA.
I have 1.5” lowering blocks in rear.

the blue legs are for a race car

Please see pictures

thanks
james

[Miniliteman]

Hello James,
what info are you looking for? Difficult to give any based on these photos.
For both sets, remove the inserts and check that they are in good working order and both sides are the same.
For the silver struts, check the height of the spring platform as Bilstein normally have a lower spring platform. So that you can get the proper ride height springs.

[James Jordan]

I’m trying to get advice l to the best setup using either the silver or blue struts on a BDA road car with approx 170bhp.
While The car is not presently used as a competition car. I would like it have a setup that would make the car capable of performing well if that opportunity arose.
It will mainly be used as a weekend fun spirited drive. And want it to handle well, but not shake my fillings out.
im interested in on opinions for which strut would suit this best.
there are adjustable TCA’s & adjustable Compression struts already fitted. I like advice on
Spring rate, spring length, and ride height for a good starting point.
Also caster, camber and alignment targets

I have 1.5” lowering blocks with adjustable GAZ shocks on rear.
thanks
James

[alladdin]

looking at bottom nut size - blue ones are converted 2.8 capri ?

[rallyrob]

looking at bottom nut size - blue ones are converted 2.8 capri ?

I was thinking similar. Certainly look converted anyway as they look like
they have welded on adjustable/threaded spring platform sleeves.

Or maybe the picture just isn't very good, but the bottom nut is definitely
Smaller which would indicate that.

[James Jordan]

Yes the blue one have the smaller bottom nuts fitted. Silver the larger. But what is the significance of the difference. Is one type favoured over the other, and why?
Thanks
James

[Tony B.]

James, whilst the Blue ones have adjustable ride height, they are unlikely to be competition specification dampers as they have the small top and bottom mounting. They are likely to be road spec 2.8i Capri dampers. The silver ones have competition specification inserts (large bottom nut and roller bearing type top fixing), these could be either forest or tarmac setting, you cant tell from the outside.

For road use you cant use the standard rubber top mount on the silver ones but you can get adapters to allow the blue ones to be fitted with roller bearing top mounts. The Blue ones could be converted to accept the competition inserts, you would have to re-drill and tap the bottom hole to the larger size.

Also check the diameter of the blue insert visible piston rod, IIRC the Capri ones are smaller diameter than the competition ones.