TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:00 pm

Well until I go to build my hoops. Is there a huge difference between the Bilstien 7100's with reservoirs and without? Is the reservoir worth the 45-50 a pop? I should mention I am going with 4 rears and 2 fronts. I have considered using reservoirs in the front but not the rear. I'm going to get them Monday and can't make up my mind. Am I going to see a huge difference in performance. Remember most of my riding is trails, little rock crawling and hill climbing..not open desert going all out. There are only a couple places that I can get it going pretty good. Thanks.

Sat Jul 16, 2005 12:15 am

A reservoirs only function is to add extra cooling capacity to a shock. The added cooling helps to keep the shock from fading, or even ulitimately failing under hard use. The difference between a reservoir and non-reservoir shock is fairly substantial in regards to shock fade and heat build up. However other than that, there is no difference in performance. If you do not push your shocks hard, you may never need the added performance that a reservoir offers. However, if you do push them hard and they fade you will effectively have a squishy sponge for your suspension dampening, and your car can actually become dangerous at that point. After you come to a stop and allow the shocks to cool, the performance will return. However, A worst case scenario would be the seals completely blowing out of the shock due to the heat, requiring the shocks to be rebuilt. The choice is yours on what your car and setup will require. The bottom line, reservoirs are better.

I will make a point about dual shocking a setup too. Basically, a dual setup in a way is performing the same thing as a reservoir. With two shocks, your valving will be considerably softer in each shock, meaning it will produce less heat. With two shocks producing less heat, shock fade is less of a concern. Of course, with dual shocks you will be able to dial in your valving more accurately as well. However, most recreational guys buy a recommended setup and never look back. They do no "dialing in".

In the chain of command regarding shocks it goes something like this; single shock, single reservoir shock and then dual shock, dual reservoir shocks and so on will produce the least amount of heat for a certain application. Of course, the farther up this chain you move the more money you will spend.

SHMO

Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:05 am

Thanks for the info. I got the call this morning that made my decision for me. One of our suppliers carries the 7100's. I can get them 18% under jobber. Basically it makes the reservoirs free. Thanks for the help :D

Sat Jul 16, 2005 12:56 pm

Just curious,

what was your cost?

SHMO

Sat Jul 16, 2005 12:59 pm

my price on the 7100s: 2X 14", and 2X 10" for about 600.

Sat Jul 16, 2005 1:40 pm

Damn Brad, that's cheap.

Was that before tax, and did you have to do anything that left you feeling "dirty" for that price?

SHMO

Sat Jul 16, 2005 4:08 pm

This morning I talked to an underling not the bossman. The price was $120 each for no res and $165 each for res. The price will come in under that. I'll post once I talk to the boss on Monday.

Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:02 pm

620 out the door with shipping. I owe Dave big...

Sun Jul 17, 2005 10:35 am

Ya you do. To get a set of 7100 rezzies like yours delievered for under $650 is a pretty large feat. Now I know you live close, but shipping still had to be at least 15-20 bucks minimum. If your price included tax and shipping you paid less than $140 per shock. That is an EXTREMELY good deal. Nice job Bradley :wink:

SHMO