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Bilstein B8 vs. B14 Pricing

25K views 23 replies 15 participants last post by  lijbu8  
#1 ·
Alright guys, I have been through just about every thread regarding springs, dampers, and coilovers on my quest to upgrade my 2013 ST’s original suspension. I have switched from getting coilovers to not and then back again probably 50 times. That being said, I think I’m finally between a set of Bilstein B8 shocks and H&R springs or the the Bilstein B14 coilover kit.

The problem is, I can’t seem to touch a set of B8s for under $850 (that also requires another $250 ish set of springs) but I can find the B14 setup for around $900. That does not make any sense to me.....am I missing something?

So, my question is

1) What is everyone else paying for B8s and where is the best place to get them?
2) Why would I spend more money on a set of springs and dampers vs. a coilover set that is pretty much the same except for height adjustability?

Any help is greatly appreciated.


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#4 · (Edited)
Hey! I've actually been going through this exact same decision for quite some time (but with swift springs), all I can say from my research is that b14's aren't really a true coilover but are suppose to be amazing on the street! If you're willing to give up the adjustment you can choose a better set of springs, however with the H&R springs being your choice, I'm not sure if those are better than b14 springs... I believe they're both progressive.... Anyway, here's the best reputable prices I found for b8's, I thought I was going to buy last week and had my cart all loaded up, sadly my mustang needs my attention instead. Stupid racecar :doh:

Thmotorsports has the front's and free shipping, tirerack has the rears and free shipping. Comes out around $640
https://thmotorsports.com/bilstein/bilstein-performance-b8-performance-plus/29196548/i-1736814.aspx
https://thmotorsports.com/bilstein/bilstein-performance-b8-performance-plus/29196531/i-1737884.aspx
https://www.tirerack.com/suspension...975&24-232975_Qty=2&autoMake=Ford&autoModel=Focus+ST&autoYear=2013&autoModClar=
 
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#5 ·
What do you want to do with the car? If performance is the ultimate goal, I'd go with B8s and a set of linear Swift springs. If you're just looking to lower the car and firm up the suspension a bit, B14s are a great way to go and cheaper as well.

I personally have the B14s and I love them. Very solid choice for a daily driver in my opinion. I don't track my car or do autocross, so I wasn't concerned about absolute performance when I bought them.
 
#6 ·
This is going to depend on what you plan on using your car for. If you want to maintain the cars "factory" balance so to speak, then you will want to go with a spring/damper combo that has spring rates that bias the stiffness more towards the rear of the car. Mountune, Eibach, Steeda, are all progressive, but have their final rates published and pretty much try to maintain the cars factory handling characteristics while lowering the car. H&R is also progressive but does not provide spring rates like it's some kind of secret squirrel crap.

Then the coilover debate. Aside from ground-control, YCW, FEAL, and Megan Racing (if you run the FoRS setup like I do) , the others run some wonky stiff front/soft rear rates. Doing this changes the dynamics of car and may or may not be something you will be happy with from a performance handling stand point. To correct this, folks will throw on a super big ass rear bar but that rear bar can only do so much and can create other unwanted handling characteristics.

Personally I've run the Mountune Clubsports, the B8s paired with Swift lowering springs, as well as my current set of Megan FoRS spec coilovers, and from just an occasional spirited/daily driving stand point, the Mountune Clubsport or the B8/Swift combo were perfect.

From a strictly performance standpoint, I made the switch to a setup with higher rates because I actually compete both on a local and national scale. The need for lots of negative camber and much stiffer spring rates prompted for the change which can be a trade off for daily driving as ride quality is subjective. Some think coilovers ride like junk, others don't.

In the end, your intended use needs to be factored in as to which route you go. If comfort and a slightly lowered ride is all you seek, a good spring shock combo is all you need. If you need anymore than that, or just want to go really low, then you'll have to research which coilover best fits your needs.
 
owns 2015 Ford Focus ST
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#7 ·
Awesome guys! Thanks for the super quick replies!

My car is a daily driver and I do not plan on doing any track or autocross events. I would like to maintain a close to stock ride quality while getting rid of some of the wheel gap and improving the balance of the car. I'm still open to different spring manufacturers and by no means am set on H&R's. After seeing the prices you guys sent of the B8's I am leaning more towards the spring/damper combo over the coilover route. I think the less I have to adjust the better!!
 
#8 ·
FWIW I have a daily driven 2013 ST1 and put the Mountune ClubSport suspension on it a bunch of miles ago. Works great for the street, summer and winter no problem.

B8s seem to be out of stock everywhere right now.

I too wavered between the B14 and the B8 with springs. Got the ClubSport at a great deal with a coupon, and they were in stock. But you will be very happy with the B14 setup as well.

Bottom Line is you have no bad choices here...

Just make sure to get new top mount bearings!

Hope that helps,
Mark
 
#9 ·
Well I place my order for the B8s yesterday afternoon. Today I got a call from THMotorsports, I guess Bilstein is having some supply chain issues and long story short there are no B8s at any distributor in the entire country for the Focus ST.

I’m going to see if the have the B14 kit in stock, otherwise it looks like I may be going with the Koni Yellows......More to come.


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#10 ·
A great alternative to B14's would be the Suspension Technique's ST-X coilover. They are owned by KW Suspensions. Same valving/internal components, but different bodies and lesser warranty. There was a recent 10% off sale which would put it right in line with the B14's. Very solid suspension option. adjustable height, fixed damping.
 
#14 ·
How's the ride? I bought a competitor and hate it, insanely harsh. Want to try another set and am traumatized by my previous excuse so I want to go with something safe like the b14, but Fortunes are bad ass
 
#19 ·