Bump n Rebound May 2017

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Product update We can now offer B8 shock absorbers for use with a 50 to 75 mm lift kit for the Ranger T6 – including the recent facelift (sometimes referred to as the T7) of the popular Ford one-tonner. These represent a major improvement over the stock units, especially when used with an aftermarket lift kit. Eight seems to be the ‘in’ number at the moment and we can supply Bilstein B8s for the previous-generation Hilux/Fortuner, and also for the FJ Cruiser. These dampers can enhance raised suspension set-ups of up to 75mm, providing improved front ground clearance and overall ride height. Features of these German-made units include: • Height adjustable for use with standard coils. • Variable spring seat positions for the use of aftermarket coils with 50 or 75 mm lifts. • Digressive valving for smooth performance throughout the stroke, irrespective of the speed of suspension movement. • Beefier construction. The humble Volkswagen Caddy van (not to be confused with the Golf1-based pick-up) is a vehicle which has been at the forefront of the trend towards vans replacing single cabs. They’re more secure for fragile or valuable loads and – because they have some passenger car commonality – often more comfortable and dynamically capable. They’re also popular when it comes to modifications and the lowered Caddy shown here is a case in point: the B8 Bilsteins fitted to the front are identical to the Golf5, and the uprated springs are from a sports kit for the GTI of that era. At the back a pair of replacement B6s slotted straight in, while a popular conversion with a lengthened shackle and raised axle mounting point – the actual spring rate remains the same and there’s no heating and bending of the rear leaf springs - reduced the ride height in a safe manner! The winner takes it all Golden Oldie It is going back some, but owners of the sixth-generation Hilux, sold here between 2000 and 2005 and often fitted with the KZ-TE engine, can now choose a heavy-duty Bilstein B8 with an external reservoir. This dramatically increases oil capacity, translating into greater heat dissipation. The Goldwagen part numbers are T4160 (front) and T4161 (rear). Other features and benefits are BILSTEIN’s industry-leading monotube design, and a zinc finish with a multi-layer coating for extreme protection. More Awards! Bilstein’s trophy cabinet had to be unlocked recently and once they had repacked what fell out when the doors popped open, they had to squeeze in two more pieces of silverware. The most recent come from surveys conducted by German magazines Motorsport Aktuell and Auto Zeitung, which saw the brand once again recognized for excellence by two separate groups of readers.
Jaguar driver Dawie Olivier lets it all hang out... The Bilstein boys in blue (and yellow): Shawn Gilbert (left) Marco Pinho (centre) and Michael Pato (right) Need some shock treatment? Our famous Mobile Shock Tester has already tested hundreds of vehicles, – and in many instances found their shock absorbers wanting. In fact, according to Bilstein, one in seven cars has some kind of suspension defect – and that’s in a sophisticated market like Germany. It has been and will continue to be a busy time in the coming months and the MST recently did a stint in Burgersfort and Montana, Pretoria. Then there are are two big events coming up for it: the 4x4 & Outdoor Show at Zwartkops Raceway on August 26/27 and the Festival of Motoring a week later. If you’re interested in using the MST at your store, contact Shawn Gilbert on 011 748 3800 or shawng@wag-online.co.za The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb has become the social highlight of the local motorsport calendar and early in <strong>May</strong> for the last eight years the fastest cars in the country have converged on Knysna for a mad dash up a 1.9-kilometre route with a total of eight corners, curves and high speed kinks. The fastest race cars are doing well in excess of 250 km/h at some points and there’s no room for error. No surprise then that the blue and yellow is there, albeit in a rather subtle fashion. The gaggle of Nissan GT-Rs that dominated the production classes boast a Bilstein at each corner (Reghardt Roets was crowned king in the production car category at the wheel of a GT-R), as does a pride of Jaguar F-Types. The message is clear: Bilstein is the best choice for sports cars! Highly evolved Did you Know? Bilstein also makes steering dampers. The principal is the same as a suspension damper except that the damper controls steering movement and gets rid of unwanted oscillations (usually caused by hitting a decent-sized bump or pothole). A vehicle which benefits in this regard is the JK generation Jeep Wrangler which has a known tendency to develop a steering “shimmy”. If you’ve experienced a ‘tank-slapper’ on a motorcycle you’ll appreciate how terrifying this can be. Evolve Automotive, a UK-based tuning company, offers an upgraded BMW M2, lifting power to about 300kW/600Nm from the 272 kW and 465 Nm stock. It also boasts carbon fibre panels, giving the car an unmistakable presence. Less obvious is what’s hidden behind the huge carbon brake discs. The car started life with a set of Bilstein B16 coilovers but is in the process of evolving further in the suspension department with an upgrade to a full Clubsport set-up – the pinnacle of suspension for production-based cars.
Page 1: MAY 2017 4x4ing and the great outdo

Bump n Rebound May 2017

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