Originally posted by DemonSVT:
Originally posted by RogerB:
The TC is a fairly new animal, I think, and so probably doesn't fit in the C-HD-S continuum. I'm not sure where it lies. Lots of VW guys running TC's with lower springs, and they do have a shortened shaft...

I'm getting a sense that these are an "economy" strut aimed at the tuner crowd, but "economy" in the Bilstein sense of the word. As in, that's a good thing.


The struts I am talking about are the Sprintline series.

Every review I have read has said they are a better strut then Koni for handling and dampening.


BTW - What gives you that sense?

The Bilstein struts BAT sells are imported from Europe. Not even available or marketed in the states.



I've never found a Sprintline strut on any European site. "Sprintline" refers to their "lowering kit." I've read forums where guys are running Sprintline springs with other struts, or they are running the Sprintline kit, which includes Bilstein struts, but which ones I can't tell.

Now BAT is referring to these as the T/C, or "Touring Class" strut. They are a twin-tube, high-pressure design, unlike their usual monotube setup, and in Bilstein's own words, are meant to be an economical way to get Bilstein quality in an affordable strut. (See my previous post, this thread.)

Originally posted by BAT:
By designing a series of more traditional twin tube gas struts
Bilstein is attempting to bring high quality German manufactured
struts and shocks to the masses, that is if you are fortunate
enough to drive a vehicle that is worthy of their attention. We have
been pestering our Bilstein representative in Europe for over a year
now and finally have some of their new, and more attractively priced,
product available for sale. New "T/C Series" struts offer genuine Bilstein
technology, and quality, with features like twin tube high pressure gas
pressure design- for precise handling and control, hard chrome piston
rod, multi stage valving with self adjusting piston, and performance that
exceeds all original equipment specifications.



BAT no longer makes any mention of "Sprintline," which, I think, should clear up some of the confusion.

I'm sure these are a high quality strut, and your driving impressions pretty much have me sold. But, I'm still confused about where these actually sit in terms of performance, relative to, say, the "Sport" model Bilsteins.

Function before fashion. '96 Contour SE "Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998