Author: jp

The journey is the destination – this saying does not apply to any sector as well as it does to motorhome tourism. Spartan box cars have mostly given way to rolling hotel rooms which make the journey itself into an experience. “A comfortable suspension has truly become a key factor here”, explains Ron William Kiesewetter from BILSTEIN. Besides passenger vehicles, the renowned German suspension manufacturer also develops shock absorber systems for vans, which also serve as the basis for mobile homes. A real milestone in this area is the cooperation with German Goldschmitt techmobil GmbH, which also builds complete air suspension systems for these vehicles. BILSTEIN has already been delivering the right shock absorbers for several years. Right from the beginning the company from Ennepetal was predestined for Goldschmitt because of its experience in the field of air suspension systems, both in OE as well as in replacement.

“Precision fitting is the alpha and omega to ensure there are no leaks, even after thousands of kilometres”, says Kiesewetter: “This is a matter of tolerances on the micrometre level.” BILSTEIN delivers up to 20 different items to Goldschmitt, totalling several thousand sets a year. After all, Goldschmitt develops its products for the most varied suspension configurations, no matter whether it is the VW T6, Ford Transit, Iveco Daily, Mercedes Sprinter and Vito or Fiat Ducato. But for mobile homes, air suspension is much more than just a matter of comfort – it is a matter of safety.

Due to the heavy structures including the equipment, individual axles can have an additional load of up to 500 kilograms. With air suspension, this additional weight, which also causes a higher centre of gravity, can be dealt with confidently at all times. To optimally coordinate the particular overall system, all air suspensions are tested in a road test on Goldschmitt’s own test track and then readjusted as required. The resulting suspension solutions are not only popular for retrofitting. Large motorhome manufacturers like Hymer are also using them increasingly in original equipment. But BILSTEIN and Goldschmitt are already working behind the scenes on the next generation of mobile home air suspension which can be controlled entirely electronically.

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The VW Golf VII  facelift was launched at the end of 2016, as well as numerous technical improvements, it defends its position with confidence – regardless of the role. To make sure that the Golf VII always stays on the road to success, BILSTEIN delivers exactly the right suspension components for the compact car – regardless of whether it is for replacement parts, improved spare parts, a sporty feel or a snappy lowering. The shock absorbers BILSTEIN B4, B6, B8, and the suspension B12 Pro Kit, B14 and B16 are available for both the more powerful models with a rear twist beam axle as well as the stronger multi-link variants.

The BILSTEIN B4 gas-pressure shock absorber guarantees maximum safety thanks to high power reserves and constant damping force under any load, as well as high traction and precise handling. With the DampTronic® variant, the BILSTEIN B4 also supports all functions of a standard electronic damper control. As an “improved replacement part”, the BILSTEIN B6 offers a further plus in damping force and thus even greater performance and comfort, as well as an extremely long service life – even with regular high loads or during trailer operation. For fans of a sporty lowering, we recommend the especially shortened high-performance shock absorbers BILSTEIN B8. They are the perfect complement for tighter and shorter sport springs.

In addition to pure shock-absorber solutions, BILSTEIN also offers three attractive suspension options for the Golf VII – whether it has a facelift or not. The B12 complete suspension, which is fine-tuned in road tests together with the spring manufacturer Eibach, offers the perfect all-round carefree package for sports-oriented drivers. The attractively priced BILSTEIN B14 coilover kit offers the perfect entry into the world of variable height adjustment. This is already waiting with many features of the B16 coilover suspension which is also available for the Golf VII, but where the rebound and bump are pre-set. In addition, the BILSTEIN B16 not only offers the mentioned additional adjustment possibilities and lightweight construction technology: In the DampTronic® variant, it also perfectly harmonises with an electronic damper adjustment, which can be ordered from the factory. If this is to be retrofitted at the same time, the B16 ridecontrol® version can be used. With the add-on module iRC®, the different attenuation profiles can even be controlled by smartphone.

With its comprehensive shock absorber and suspension programme, BILSTEIN offers the right solution for virtually any specific application. However, sometimes the requirements of the tuning and racing industry are simply too specialised to keep an off-the-shelf solution ready for every request. On these occasions, when many others would just make do with what they already have, BILSTEIN’s Department for Special Customer Requests (KSW) in Ennepetal, Germany, springs into action. Together with the US company GTWORX, a subsidiary of Racecomp Engineering, they created an extraordinary cup suspension for the Subaru WRX/STI and BRZ models. Recently launched in the US and based on the BILSTEIN B14 coilover system, it is specially designed for hobby racers, who want to drive their vehicles on and off the track. Linear springs are applied to auxiliary springs and degressive mono-tube Upside-Down shock absorbers. The latter initially react “sharply” due to their design and then soften with increasing force, in order to achieve optimum driving behaviour and adequate comfort at rest.

The partnership with GTWORX has been well-established for seven years, and, in addition to the cup suspension base, BILSTEIN also offers modified B6 shock absorbers. The suspension experts from “good old Germany” are already pretty skilled as original equipment manufacturers, replacement, race and tuning suppliers for various Subaru models, used their expertise for this particular project. However, the GTWORX specification for the customised cup suspension had some very special features: For instance, a 30 mm height-adjustable, motor-racing coilover system should have a fixed damping factor, in order to avoid overloading a hobby pilot with a massive number of adjustment options while offering an affordable price tag. In contrast with pedigree motor racing products, which are not used on public roads, the comfort component was not completely lost. The GTWORX / BILSTEIN Trophy Cup Coilovers combine all these features thanks to their clever engineering using the BILSTEIN kit as well as numerous small alterations in detail. This was also confirmed by tuning and test drives at BILSTEIN USA West in Poway, California.

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Japanese tuning fans will love the new FOLIATEC®.com LugNuzzCovers. They turn even the most boring wheels into real eye-catchers. Simply audibly click the colourful aluminium covers onto your wheel bolts and you’re done!

There are  six stylish colours to choose from:  anodised green, blue, red or gold, chrome or classic black,  The integrated high-performance neodymium magnet keeps them in place at speeds of up to 250 kph.  Even automatic car-washes won’t dislodge them.

FOLIATEC®.com’s LugNuzzCovers are available in both 17mm and 19mm wrench sizes and every LugNuzzCover pack includes a complete set of 20 pieces. So you can get going right away and start to “BE Different“, as the brand’s motto says.

You will find even more inspiration and product information on www.foliatec.com and www.facebook.com/FOLIATEC. Check out instagram www.instagram.com/official_foliatec and our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/foliatec01

Order on-line from www.foliatec.co.uk.

Visit www.foliatecuk.co.uk to find a dealer near you.

Webcon is delighted to introduce a manifold set to allow the fitment of Weber IDF carburettors on a Porsche 356 or 912 to replace the original Solex units.

The new kit is made in entirely in England and features precision CNC manufactured billet manifold adaptors, manifold gaskets and carburettor heat insulators as well as  bolts, studs and nuts to ensure a perfect fitment every time.

Part number MW4050 is available at £145 plus VAT, or as a complete kit – part number PPO201.

PPO201 also includes 2 x authentic, custom jetted, Spanish Weber 40IDF carburettors, along with a pair of top quality air filters and is priced at £795 plus VAT

Available directly from Webcon and from appointed Webcon dealers around the world.
For further details contact Webcon UK on +44 (0)1932 787100 or visit www.webcon.co.uk

Webcon has just released a complete trigger disc kit to suit the Jaguar E Type 4.2.

The Trigger Disk Kit WTK006 is essential when fitting mapped ignition or a full engine management system. It features superb quality, custom made parts including a trigger disc, spacer and sensor mount, as well as an OEM quality Magneti Marelli crank sensor.

WTK006 retails at £203.45 plus vat

Available directly from Webcon and from appointed Webcon dealers around the world.
For further details contact Webcon UK on +44 (0)1932 787100 or visit www.webcon.co.uk

Replacing the existing heavy lead acid battery with a lithium-ion battery is the easiest and most effective method of reducing the overall weight and lowering the centre of gravity of a competition car.

The RPS-LB-B40 lightweight lithium-ion battery has been developed for use with racing car engines up to 4000cc fitted with an alternator and pit equipment.

A lithium-ion battery also enables the battery location to be changed to lower the centre of gravity. Since lithium-ion batteries are sealed they can be mounted in any orientation, even flat on their side.

The RPS-LB-B40 battery has a nominal voltage of 13.2v and a nominal capacity of 20.0Ah (264Wh). The charge current is 50A and the pulse cranking current is 960A.

The RPS-LB-B40 battery comes with M6 female terminals and retails at £779.99 inc VAT.

The RPS lithium-ion charger (RPS-L100C-14.4) is included with this battery at no extra cost to maximise the performance and lifespan of the battery.

For individual prices and further details please visit: www.rps-battery.co.uk

For more details contact Brown & Geeson Ltd.
+44 (0) 1268 764411 or visit their website: www.rps-battery.co.uk

Power isn’t everything.
How you tap into it is just as important.

Your engine’s response characteristics depend on how directly it responds to the commands of the accelerator. In other words, how quickly the engine provides power and how far the accelerator must be depressed for noticeable acceleration.

With the Response Control you can easily optimise your engine’s response characteristics with six different settings that increase or decrease the engine’s reaction time to suit any driving style: from fuel-saving comfort to the response characteristics of a racy sports car.

Response Control doesn’t change your engine’s power but it does enable you to activate it much faster, making Response Control the ideal partner for RaceChip chip tuning. Of course, it also works perfectly on its own. Simply plug it into the accelerator and choose where to mount the control unit. Retail price is just £164.99 inc VAT

Brown & Geeson Ltd are official UK distributors of RaceChip products.

For more details contact Brown & Geeson Ltd.
+44 (0) 1268 764411 or visit their website: www.b-gdirect.com/racechip

Powerflex has just released two new bush kits for the popular Smart Fortwo 451 (2007 – 2014)

PFR68-130 REAR BEAM MOUNT BUSH. The OE rubber bush is only supplied as part of the rear axle beam assembly making it extremely expensive to replace (£300 plus labour) when it fails. Powerflex is now making a two-piece voided bush, offering a cost effective replacement solution that can be installed in situ. With this one bush being the main mounting point for the rear axle, its operation is vital for rear end control. Worn rubber just simply won’t do! Retail price: £ 41.94 including VAT each.

PFR68-120 ENGINE MOUNT INSERT/ Fitting the new insert reduces engine movement caused by the torque reaction of the engine during acceleration and deceleration. Gains can be seen in power transfer to the road along with less stress on the exhaust down pipe, hoses and wiring.
Retail price £ 23.94 including VAT each.

Although the Smart Car might seem an unlikely basis for a race car, there is a competition series for them, so for vehicles used in motorsports or predominately on track these parts are also available in the Powerflex Black Series range which is manufactured using a 95 Shore A compound that boasts 25% increased stiffness over the Powerflex purple 80 Shore A performance material.

Powerflex bushes offer improved reliability over the original parts and, of course, carry a Lifetime Warranty.

For more details visit www.powerflex.co.uk or call 01895 460033.

Powerflex has just released various track control arm bushes for the current  Jaguar XJ X351(2010-).

The front suspension setup comes with both cast and aluminium lower track control arms and Powerflex offers bushes for both options.

For models with the original cast arms:
PFF27-704 FRONT LOWER TRACK CONTROL ARM INNER BUSH is made using the Black Shore A 95 material which helps to reduce unnecessary geometry movement and improve handling.  £64.68 incl. VAT per set.
and…
PFF27-705 FRONT LOWER TRACK CONTROL ARM OUTER BUSH attaches the anti-roll bar link to the control arm. £57.48 incl. VAT per set.

PFF27-702 FRONT LOWER TRACK CONTROL ARM INNER BUSH is used with the superseded aluminium arms.  £64.68 incl. VAT per set. This bush set also fits other Jaguar/Daimler models going back to the 2002 S Type. See ‘Jaguar’ listing on the Powerflex website for details.

For vehicles used in motorsports or predominately on track these parts are also available in the Powerflex Black Series range which is manufactured using a 95 Shore A compound that boasts 25% increased stiffness over the Powerflex purple 80 Shore A performance material.

Powerflex bushes offer improved reliability over the original parts and, of course, carry a Lifetime Warranty.

For more details visit www.powerflex.co.uk or call 01895 460033.