Ok,

Just wondering what the ratings mean.

For example, one set of inserts rated at 300/70. What would the difference be if I changed them to 270/120 or 170/120, 250/120 or even 300/200?

What would be good for gravel and what would be better for tarmac (track) and what whould be better for road?

 

that van of urs dont half see some action

 

damp and rebound rates
depends on what you need your car for depends on the settings you will need

 

Daz, Bilstein rate their dampers in this way, and if memory serves correctly, the figures relate to the piston force required to achieve a given piston velocity, either compressing (bump setting) or extending (rebound setting).
So assuming the same test velocity is used in each case, the figures relate to the resulting piston force required to achieve that velocity, and can be compared directly, the higher the number the "stiffer" the damper - the first number IIRC then is the rebound setting and the second the bump.
I'll apologise now if my memory turns out to be shit..

The common MK2 escort bilstein strut insert ratings were 260/60 for forest and 300/70 for tarmac.

 

That makes logical sense.

Rick, the van WILL be at MSD eventually for a few alterations!

 

ah.. here we are..
http://www.bilstein.com/motorsports_cat.pdf
there's some useful info there possibly Daz? page3 outlines an example of damper rating values
more downloadable stuff here - http://www.bilstein.com/dl.php

 

Cheers Rich.

Looks like I might have to have a play around with a few different rates.