Finally got round to fitting the new BC racing shocks. Was an easy enough but the adjustment and ride height took a few rounds. Fronts are easy to adjust the ride height but rears are more tricky due to the adjustment wrench getting in the way of what feels like everything. On the rears I found it easier unbolt the shocker from the wishbone and unscrew the bottom cup (writhing the limits in the manual). Also I’ve since raised both the front and rear due to the 17 speed bumps I have to go though to get in and out of where I live.

I would say the range or envelope of damping is wider than the standard active shocks soft is softer and hard is harder. Obviously this has to be done manually with BC.

Overall I am extremely pleased with these. I am aware my reference point is a set of very old and tired active dampers, but they have improved everything. What has really surprised me is how much they have improved the braking. On the same road under heavy braking abs just doesn’t come on, like the new shocks are keeping everything nailed to the tarmac. Couldn’t be happier in the context of my weekend use of the car.

Out with the old

In with the new

 

This is great

Surprised to hear that the soft is softer than stock

Will be interested to see how durable these are

 

I came extremely close to purchasing a set of bc coilovers just recently however I received negative feedback in regards to ride quality, ended up going Bilsteins instead .

Please keep us updated with the longevity of these !

 

Hello Graham:
I am so glad that you purchased the BC racing shocks.I was waiting for someone to review the BC shocks before I jumped in. I have been looking at those forever. I not only have a 2013 xkr but I also have a 2005 Vanden Plas that I have been rebuilding. The generic shocks that I oringinally put in the VDP are somewhat firm. I have been looking at BCs for the VDP. I am looking for a softer ride without bottoming out. I have several questions. Once you got the ride height adjusted, how hard was the damping to adjust? It seems pretty easy as you just turn the adjustment knob on top of the shocks. How is the ride over the speed bumps once everything was adjusted? Is the ride much better that stock? Did you measure the length of the shock on old shocks before installing the BC shocks for the ride height? Any further info on the installation and ride of these shocks would great help. Now, I will look into a BC set for my XKR when the time arrives.

Joe

 

The amount of damping is adjusted with rotary knob at the top of the damper. Super easy to access within the engine bay. On the rear it’s a bit trickier with the trim lining in place and it covers the top of the damper. I don’t know if the trim is the same on a hard top. I ran the car for a week without the boot trim to play around. I settled on the midpoint 15 clicks in the 30 click range.

I’m very happy with the ride it in terms of where and when I use the car. The roads where I am and very good and it’s a fun weekend car. It’s not to fidgety or crashy.

Speed bumps aren’t are issue once I had everything adjusted. They can be taken at unnecessary speed without bottoming out so regular sensible speed is fine.

I fully accept everyone would have their own preference. The soft setting was very soft for me. The range is quite large which should allow to dial in what works for you. Note I ordered them with the lowest (standard) spring stiffness.

I would also say that my reference point was with 18 year old original active dampers so some of the large difference I feel from old to new is somewhat unfair as I wasn’t and couldn’t compare brand new active originals to brand new BCs. But I’m chuffed to bits with what I’ve got now.

Measuring the old and adjusting the height before put them on would be absolutely recommend. I was too excited and fitted them straight out of the box and was way too low for me. This is the first time I’ve changed dampers on any car. I don’t know how easy it will be to adjust them off the car without the to top and bottom being held in place but definitely give it a go.

I’m no professional mechanic, I’m just armed with enthusiasm and YouTube. There is a video on Mike’s garage that can help a lot. When taking the lower bolt out of the front dampers the steering link is in the way so you have to tilt the knuckle assemble forward so having a mate to help is a good idea. Plus holding the new dampers in place while getting the top nuts on would be tricky.

I don’t have any photos of the final ride height as the car is in getting coolant lines under the supercharger done which is a bridge too far for my skills.

I hope this helps and good luck when the time comes.