Suspension

[BLK76911]

Got a couple of quotes from Elephant Racing on the suspension builder page, concerning my '76 911s. My brother bought it from someone in Chicago in 1998, suspension is stock, as far as I know other than being lowered, per the gentleman I talked to at Elephant this morning. Measures 24" from the ground to the top of the crown of the fender well.
Looked at Restoration Package and Sport Restoration 1, which is what I am going to go with. He recommends going w/a little bit bigger torsion bar? because it is so low. Plan on doing the majority of the work myself. Will order the package on Monday and go from their, am going on a couple thousand mile S Dakota/Yellowstone trip on the 18th of Sept.
Any input is appreciated. Not interested in tracking or... 108,000 miles

[Driven97]

Going a little stiffer keeps you off the bump stops if you must be lower than stock - which let's face it, we all are lower than stock.

Chuck knows his stuff, kinda has to, it's his business. That's why Elephant has such a good reputation here.

No track = stick with all rubber, don't go up much on the front torsion bars, no need for upgraded sways. Off the shelf Konis or Bilsteins should be sufficient vs spending the big dollars for custom valving, but it's your money.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by BLK76911

Got a couple of quotes from Elephant Racing on the suspension builder page, concerning my '76 911s. My brother bought it from someone in Chicago in 1998, suspension is stock, as far as I know other than being lowered, per the gentleman I talked to at Elephant this morning. Measures 24" from the ground to the top of the crown of the fender well.
Looked at Restoration Package and Sport Restoration 1, which is what I am going to go with. He recommends going w/a little bit bigger torsion bar? because it is so low. Plan on doing the majority of the work myself. Will order the package on Monday and go from their, am going on a couple thousand mile S Dakota/Yellowstone trip on the 18th of Sept.
Any input is appreciated. Not interested in tracking or... 108,000 miles

I'd go w/ 20/26 Sanders bars

[Knockdown]

You’re going to have to put in some long days to get installed and aligned in a couple of weeks.

[BLK76911]

Originally Posted by Knockdown

You’re going to have to put in some long days to get installed and aligned in a couple of weeks.

Been thinking about that, may have to hold off on upgrade of suspension till Wisconsin winter time.

[Jack Stands]

It’ll make a great winter project. You may decide to powder coat suspension parts ‘as long as I’m in there’.

[Walt Fricke]

Or you may have so much fun with the car as it is that you will find something else to do. When driving on your trip, think about what exactly you wanted the car to do that it wouldn't. What I realized as I took my car down the slippery slope from stock to dedicated race car was what a nice balance between handling and ride Porsche created. Everything I did, just about, made it stiffer and a bit less comfortable when the highway wasn't very smooth.

Of course, I gradually made the changes, and got used to each one in turn.

However, the suspension rubber parts may have gotten a little worn and stiff. You can get new ones of various types.

[BLK76911]

Originally Posted by Walt Fricke

Or you may have so much fun with the car as it is that you will find something else to do. When driving on your trip, think about what exactly you wanted the car to do that it wouldn't. What I realized as I took my car down the slippery slope from stock to dedicated race car was what a nice balance between handling and ride Porsche created. Everything I did, just about, made it stiffer and a bit less comfortable when the highway wasn't very smooth.

Of course, I gradually made the changes, and got used to each one in turn.

However, the suspension rubber parts may have gotten a little worn and stiff. You can get new ones of various types.

Being new to Porsche, was a classic car/truck guy, every one lowered and a bit stiffer than stock, I am not sure what a stock '76 911s should feel like. I am used to a stiff ride and on good roads the 911 is ok, on bad roads it is not horrible, but being stock and lowered and a 44 year old stock suspension, I am sure it leaves a bit to be desired and I will never really know how it could feel unless I do something and to me the whole suspension enchilada is the way to go. Given a time frame that is closing fast, South Dakato/Yellowstone,I may not get to it till over the winter.

[Cairo94507]

I agree with Driven97 100%. Chuck does knows stuff. I also second that you go with the ER rubber bushings all the way around. The poly/bronze bushings are great for track cars but for street cars I think you would be disappointed as they have zero give. I have the ER rubber in my '71 914-6 and it rides great and I am so glad that I made that call.

[chrismorse]

I'd suggest getting the car ready for your trip, particularly since the car is fairly new to you, stuff like checking brake pad thickness, leaks, lights, fan belt plugs, bearings, cv boots, fluids,, make sure everything is in good shape for a trouble free trip.

If you have some spare time, get your shop set up for the job, make space for the work, get a lot of small things bought, as well as the fun stuff.
My slippery slope 74 started down the slope with a stuck brake caliper, now, it is up to a tranny overhaul, all suspension bits, (+1 for Elephant and rubber bushings), bearings, all brake components, quick steering rack overhaul, pedal cluster, fuel tank, pump lines, PMO ITBs on Al'a megasquirt EFI conversion, light flywheel and aluminum clutch, recovered sport seats, Timmy2 engine wiring harness.........
my point is that it is very easy, OR. necessary to do a bit more, while you are in there. You are going to find some nasty stuff, beat up bolts, rusty parts, cracked brake hoses, or cv boots, maybe a loose bearing, especially on a car that is 44 years old, FUEL LINES. RUST
This ends up taking a lot of time, sourcing parts, getting stuff cleaned up / powder coated or plated.
THEN. you get to the AS LONG AS I'M IN THERE AND STUFF IS OUT OF THE WAY, IT WOULD BE GOOD/EASY TO DO.......
If you are an old arthritic guy, maybe a little ocd and have a busy life, this could end up taking a little longer than a couple of weeks. My dad's 74 is going on 7 years - had to fix the concrete floor, install a used lift...

Have a nice day,
chris