EK Bilstein/Ground Control sleeve install

**Redeg** · 28-01-2011 03:25 PM

Ok, my shiny new GC sleeves arrived this morning to suit a recently arrived set of Bilstein B6 shocks for my EK. All seems perfectly straightforward, except I feel I must not be understanding something...
One set of sleeves is obviously designed to sit on the spring perch circlip as per the factory style Bilstein, but the other set has an internal ring that takes the ID from 55mm down to 40mm. (Making the ID smaller than the bilstein shock body) And be damned if I can't figure out how this set is meant to fit on either the front or rear shocks!

Has anyone used the GC units on bilsteins here, and if so what am I missing? I've spent the last three hours at work (slow day) searching the net for any info without luck.

In short, someone help?

**JohnnyJohnJohn** · 28-01-2011 10:19 PM

I think your best bet is to contact ground control directly, email them? I personally don't have GC sleeves, but I am definately considering them in the future, that said are you sure you got the right type cause im pretty sure GC sleeves have different variations for different shocks, I.E. Koni's opposed to other brand names.

**Redeg** · 28-01-2011 11:25 PM

Yeah, ordered them specifically for EK Bilstein sports. The rears are a perfect fit, just the fronts have me stumped.
Oh well, shall email them once I get back to work I guess!

**Redeg** · 11-02-2011 10:18 AM

Quick update, just in case any other Bilstein owners run across the same problems - They did indeed just send me the wrong ones, at least, the wrong spacer ring. New set turned up, and was tapped in easily to fit the 50mm bodies perfectly. Everything works now as it should, just remains to get them in the car!

For the record, as I think it needs to be said, the guys at GC were very helpful in sorting it out, and the product seems high quality. Can't wait to drive it.

**JohnnyJohnJohn** · 12-02-2011 05:10 PM

good to hear it all worked out well! expecting pics when installed

? btw mind telling me where you bought your gc coils from? and for how much? planning to get a set real soon.

**blackk** · 12-02-2011 05:34 PM

u can get them either at thmotorsports or wek sos

**Redeg** · 12-02-2011 05:51 PM

Me? I just went straight to GC themselves. Super easy to deal with, and they were happy to help advise on spring rates to match the Bilsteins. Ended up around the 400 mark landed for the conversion kit with the current exchange rates, with which I'm pretty happy.
Can't say on the shocks. Imported from Germany at cost. Bit of a sneaky job that... don't tell my boss.

**CaP** · 27-03-2011 10:46 AM

redeg ? whats you view with the ground control kit? worth the money ?

been reading up on the Koni/GC setup

**Redeg** · 27-03-2011 02:55 PM

now it's all in and set properly, I think it's pretty brilliant for the cost. My only issue with it is that since the shocks I'm running arent really designed for such a short spring they aren't fully trapped, but it's not an issue so far, even with a few dodgy driveways. That'd be solved with a shorter stroke unit, which I can get the Bilsteins rebuilt to spec at a later date - or you can get the Koni race ones I think?
Other than that, it's an easy install, the rates match the shocks well (it seems) and I have no complaints at all about the handling or ride. Though it did highlight an overwhelming lack of tyre grip from the crappy budget rubber the previous owner installed, so that required more spending to get the most out of it all

**string** · 28-03-2011 05:44 PM

Good choice. Ground Control sleeves are great. What are your spring rates and lengths? Swaybars?

**Redeg** · 29-03-2011 10:15 AM

aaah.... 440lb 8" fronts, and 350lb 7" rears. Standard EK4 swaybars for the moment, as I'm trying to save money for a holiday!
Was I doing it over (and may yet do so) I'd probably opt for a slightly longer spring set, and ever so slightly softer rates for daily use. But I'm happy for now. Just need to drive it more than just to work and back!