Porsche 928: Shock Absorber Reviews

This article applies to the Porsche 928 (1979-1995).

Manufacturers equip cars they build with a suspension that usually comprises of shocks or struts, springs, tie rods and ball joints, axles and sway bars, and so on. All of these components wear over time and require regular service and replacement. There are many options available on the market today that are either similar to stock or an apparent upgrade. Your vehicle use adheres to which setup works best. Many Porsche owners track their cars while others just like to cruise the streets. Many of the choices available double up as maintenance and upgrades. With so many options on the market, it could be difficult to decide which is the best option for your Porsche 928. Read on to learn how some popular names in suspension compare to one another.

Shock Absorbers

Boge

Price – $450 (set including stock springs). The more upgraded set that could be used for sport/track called the "Boge Reds" comes with Bilstein springs and costs ~$850.

Ride Quality – Soft; A good upgrade over stock but retains the original equipment feel; Improved handling.

Performance – Recommended for street use.

Life Span – These can be rebuilt for shocks/struts alone or could be paired with aftermarket springs.

Warranty – Manufacturer.

Forum members have elected this shock/strut as the best upgrade over stock for the price. It is good to know that these are not preferred for track/sport use. But, for daily driving and better feel/handling, these are a good upgrade option. They have another upgraded option called "Boge Red." For the price point, they are comparable to Koni's. Recommended for those who want to restore the original ride quality of their 928 at a reasonable price.

Bilstein

Price – $120-342 (front and rear, also heavy duty or standard). This is not including price of springs. Eibach springs are between $100-200.

Ride Quality – Sport; A good upgrade over stock and doubles up with use on the track.

Performance – Recommended for sport use on the track. These are non-adjustable; ride quality can be "stiff."

Life Span – These can be rebuilt for shocks/struts as well as paired with upgraded springs.

Warranty – Manufacturer.

Forum members have elected this as a good option over stock and even moreso over the Boge counterparts. These are more intended for sport/track use, and users have claimed harshness in the ride quality if used daily. If used on the track, these perform well, allowing superior handling/cornering. The downside is that they are not adjustable, and the Bilsteins are known to ride more stiffly than other shocks. Recommended for those who prioritize a firmer ride quality in their 928.

Koni

Price – A blowout sale on the forum sold them in sets without springs for $560+s/h. Resellers typically sell a couple of variations from $189 for fronts and $249 for rears.

Ride Quality – Sport; Mainly intended for track use but could be used over stock, Boge or Bilstein setups. Since they are externally adjustable, ride "stiffness" or "softness" can be adjusted.

Performance – Recommended for sport use on the track.

Life Span – These can be rebuilt for the shocks/struts but can also be paired with upgraded springs.

Warranty – Manufacturer.

These are the best of all worlds. They are mainly intended for track use. They are a definite upgrade over stock and even moreso than Bilstein setups. Additionally, they are externally adjustable. This adjusts the "dampening" or how soft or stiff the ride feels. At full soft, these shocks have been said to be more comfortable than Bilstein in their standard form. At "full stiff," this setup is fully ready to handle track days. Recommended for those who may plan on attending autocross or track events in their 928 or value dampening adjustment.

Related Discussions and Site

• Boge & Bilstein Prices and Part #'s - PelicanParts.com
• Best Bang for Your Buck - Rennlist.com
• Best Shocks Discussion for Porsche - Rennlist.com