OK, I ordered the Damptronics yesterday....I started a thread earlier asking about Damps vs Spring/Sways...we have beaten this subject to death really.

But I decided on the Damptronics based on the fact I thought it was safe and reliable...when I read DrKBrents thread on 997 turbo thread regarding his "snapped" Damptronics I was concerned and was going to just do GMG springs/sways but after Bilsteins report noting install error as the cause of failure, as the cone washer was missing causing the shock to snap off at the base of the pin, concluding it was install error seemed reasonable.

So I thought this was a dead issue, hence I ordered yesterday...now the OP said the other side just snapped off yesterday at same exact spot!...now I am concerned, as he took photos and the cone washer was there!...so Bilsteins thesis was wrong. OP is even questioning whether the pics Bilstein took of shock showing excessive where from missing washer was even his shock.

I have to decide by today whether to cancel my order or just go through with it...what would you guys do????...as noted before, I use my car as weekend car and will do 3-4 track days per yr at most running novice at first and then intermediate group(havent been to track in 6 yrs).

 

I would say stick with the order. It's really rare to hear about failures on Damptronics. Keep in mind, you're stock shocks are Bilstein. If there's a failure, I'd be willing to bet that it's an isolated case, and definitely not the norm. There are hundreds of people running the Damptronic setup without an issues.

I think you'll be happy. Just take it to a knowledgeable and trusted installer, and I'm sure you'll be extremely happy with the results.

 

definitely stick with the order. sounds like an isolated case

 

I'm in the same boat too. I read the entire thread with great interest because I wanted to lower my car and did not find springs by themselves to be an acceptable option. I am already scheduled to have my damptronics installed next week but have some significant reservations. My biggest problem is that the root cause of the failure has not been determined, and therefore, I could potentially have the same problem! Installer error has commonly been blamed as the problem, but it is not clear to me what the specific error was, if any.....

I'd be inclined to believe that this was either a counterfeit or "bad batch" of coilovers, but since the coilover was actually sent to bilstein, the former seems extremely unlikely unless they faked the entire write up and didn't even look at the strut to see if it was real or not. Regardless, I'd like to know what the underlying problem is so I can avoid it.

 

Stick with the order, these are great, and the same thing could happen to OEM shocks. The nice thing about buying new, is that they are covered by a lifetime warranty.

 

With any suspension it is very important to choose a qualified installer.

 

the guy on the Turbo thread did not have his coilovers covered by warranty. They claimed installation error and he used someone who was considered to be reputable.

 

well that is obviously true...but in that guys case it was assumed it was installer error based on the missing cone washer theory which Bilstein themselves promoted via a lengthy report and pics...but now we know that isnt the case anymore because the cone washer was there this time and the same exact thing happened yesterday.

Still doesnt mean it wasnt installer error but to say it was a missing cone washer doesnt fly anymore...now were back to installer error with some other issue or "his" damptronics was faulty in materials or construction.

BTW, OP isnt the only one who said his shock snapped off, there was someone else on his thread that said it happened to him also.

But we all know this anyway because most of us read that thread already with much interest.

One thing for sure, we all must accept risk when we do mods because, as the guy who I bought the damptronics from told me, he has broken Motons and another brand I cant remember sitting in his shop right now...these things do happen at times with ALL manufactorers I am guessing.

Unless these things are happening with a significant number of the units, its just bad luck most likely and if it happens to you, youre gonna just have to deal with the consequences like adults and move on, preferably without alot of whining....

In other words, if mine snap off(assuming I install Damps), I wont blame anyone but myself as I have been warned...but if I get killed, my wife and kids will be pissed but I prob wont care at that point......just kiddin.

 

I haven't kept up with the thread (long thread) . Did he choose the same installer?

Bilsrein has a long outstanding history in racing.

I have them on both my cars . In fact I really love the improved handling . (6k miles on them with the Turbo and 3800 on the 997S)

It is key to select an installer who has the proper training and qualifications to do any work on ones car.

 

Yep, same installer! He could have made everything right by going with a different installer the second time around.

 

For better or for worse, I just re-confirmed my order for Damptronics...should be here by early next week...I am going to pay a little extra and use the installers Mike at AWE rec's here in Portland OR...will get alignment done but should I do corner balancing also?.

Now if there is a black C4S layed out on our freeway in pieces you guys will know what happened hehe...oh well, ya only live once....

 

Wow, I guess there are ways around everything, or perhaps this tells the story as to why the suspension broke.

 

are you up to date with your life insurance premiums??
FWIW, my installer claimed (Lucent Motors in Los Angeles) said that there wasn't a benefit with corner balancing because the sway bars were not adjustable.....

 

Maybe some of us should take out a policy on him, a new kind of CDS: a "coilover default swap".

I've previously heard something about the corner balance not being important before. Is this true? I'm having Damptronics installed next week, and had planned on the full alignment/corner balance. But if the corner balance isn't necessary, I may as well save my money.

 

I thought corner balancing is done by adjusting ride height on each individual coilover. Adjusting sway bars should not have anything to do with it?