The Bilstein B8 dampers were installed today, to accompany my existing H&R Super Sport springs. If you wanted to do the whole shebang, you could buy the Bilstein B12 kit, which consists of B8s with Eibach lowering springs. At the same time, lower arm Superpro poly bushes front and rear were installed, as well as Superpro lower control arms, adjustable toe controls and Whiteline anti-roll bar drop links front and rear. It also got a full laser alignment. By the way, I ordered the Bilsteins last October and they only just arrived this week. Be prepared for a long wait.
Abbey did the usual superb job and threw two technicians at it, so it was all completed by early afternoon.
Ride quality is firm but fluid. You certainly know that you're no longer on stock dampers, but at the same time it remains supple and always in control. There is no bounce, especially over large undulations. There is certainly no crashing or harshness. It's just firm. But that leads to...
Roadholding. Goodness me, this is different! In the damp conditions driving home, and off motorway as much as I could, the level of grip and control around bends and coming off corners and roundabouts is on a different planet. Being able to put down a goodly amount of supercharger power and not have it scrabbling for grip is amazing. No, I didn't sneak a set of 255s on the wheels, they're still 235 PS4s. However, I am not used to being able to give it so much pedal so early coming off a corner. It really is a new kind of fun.
Was it worth it? I think so, as the investment in a good boosted setup is wasted if you don't pay as much attention to the chassis, and stopping, as it needs.