Xmas corner balance gone too far!

[billjam]

Where we are going here is to torsion bars, so if you don't know anything about them, go to the next thread now.

I've got a couple of weeks off over Christmas so I thought I'd sort out my from RHF brake lock-up problems. Did lots of searching and hours of reading and decided to get the back end sorted out first.
Did that. Got it nice and level and 30mm lower than it was. Looks much better

Started to look at front end and first problem seemed to be that one side adjuster was wound right up and the other was wound down.
Then I noticed a tear in one of the balljoint boots.

About here, my corner weight adjustment job took a different direction and I started unbolting stuff. Before too much longer, my garage floor looked like this ...



and my car looked like this ...



I decided to pull the torsion bars out of the control arms just to have a look and found this ...



Both bars have about 0.5mm wear on the underside at the rear end of the bar.
Obviously they are scrap now, but is this a common problem?

This gives me the perfect excuse to do some upgrading - but to what?

I am not interested in going for hollow TBs as I am not too concerned about saving weight here. Besides, hollow TBs are larger in diameter than equivalent solid bars, so surely they would have even less clearance to the inside of the control arm and be more likely to suffer the same fate eventually?

I have been considering stiffer sway bars (F & R), but some of my reading here is leading me in the direction of stiffer TBs as a better all round compromise for what is basically an enthusiastically driven road car with ocassional club events.
Our host has a variety of TB diameters available from Sway-A-Way (21mm, 22mm and 23mm). 19mm is standard.
This is where I need to run a poll! Give me your size recommendations.

I will also have to replace bushes but I don't want the hassle of regreasing them.
Weltmeister poly-graphite seems to be easiest solution here without spending lots of $$ (other other suggestions?)
I don't plan to replace the standard Bilstein struts anytime soon, and if I go for heavier TBs, I will also keep the standard 22mm sway bar for now as well. (I'm really looking forward to springing that sucker back in place!)

I would love to hear your comments. If you think I am heading in the wrong direction, or there's a better solution, speak now or forever hold your peace.

PS. My wheel bearings are packed with green gease. I've never seen this before. What is it?

[A930Rocket]

From the wear it looks like your bushings were worn out. Good thing you looked into it. I've got about 10k miles on my urethane bushings without squeaking. The secret is to use a lot if that gorilla snot lube they give you. There are more improved bushings now like the poly bronze or graphite impregnated, but urethane still works.

What's the goal of your car? If you change too much in the front with out any changes in the rear, you may end up with an ill handling car. If you have stock TBs in the rear, I'd keep stock TBs in the front.

I have 22mm sway bars front and rear. Combined with 22 and 29mm TBs (biggest solid bars i could find IIRC), and Bilstein HD struts and shocks, it handles very well

Hollow TB are thicker but with new bushings, rubbing should not be an issue.

BTW, unless you have your own scales, I would get it corner weighted. It can make a huge difference in handling.

[JohnJL]

You're on the slippery slope there!

You didnt say much about your objectives but based on your comment regarting weight savings not being a priority I'll assume you are looking for streetable, improved performance?

I have not had great success with weltmeister but I have with Elephant Racing suspension bushings and bearings. I experienced a noticable improvement in ride and longevity. The servicibility with grease nipples is a bonus too.

Our host sells the parts and kits.

Depending on your desired results you might try just one step up in TB size on both ends but leave the sways the way they are.

And as Rocket says, have a corner balance done. They can check your work as well.

[911nut]

If you like the balance of the car do not go to thicker front t-bars.
If you go with Elephant bushings buy their frictionless mounts for the front. Otherwise you might have bad squeaking within 1k miles of installing the bushings.

[billjam]

Originally Posted by JohnJL

You're on the slippery slope there!

Don't worry, I can feel it!

Originally Posted by JohnJL

You didnt say much about your objectives but based on your comment regarting weight savings not being a priority I'll assume you are looking for streetable, improved performance?

I have not had great success with weltmeister but I have with Elephant Racing suspension bushings and bearings. I experienced a noticable improvement in ride and longevity. The servicibility with grease nipples is a bonus too.

Our host sells the parts and kits.

Depending on your desired results you might try just one step up in TB size on both ends but leave the sways the way they are.

And as Rocket says, have a corner balance done. They can check your work as well.

I have been roaming the PP and Elephant sites when my wife isn't looking.
Based on what I'm reading and what my experience tells me, slightly heavier TBs both ends look like the way to go as you suggest.
I'm still undecided on bushes. Everyone has an opinion one way or the other. Pity they're not all the same price!

The car is used mostly for road driving with the ocassional club event, so good road performance and comfort are still required.

I am looking at shock absorber options as well ... where will it end?

[A930Rocket]

It wont. Unless you run out of money!

Originally Posted by billjam

... where will it end?

[JohnJL]

or by the sounds of it, when your wife finds the pile of receipts!

[waynesco1]

The pricey UPFIXIN slows down when you have two PORSCHES !!!!

[Craig 930 RS]

IF you do plan on tracking it, plan for 23/31 torsions - you virtually cannot get *enough* rear spring rate on a 930.......

[A930Rocket]

That's with hollow bars isn't it? I went with 22/29 solid bars IIRC (biggest I could find 8 years ago).

IF you do plan on tracking it, plan for 23/31 torsions - you virtually cannot get *enough* rear spring rate on a 930.......