calling all upgraded Carrera Targa torsion bar experiences

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Just put a new set of F/R Bilstein Sports and a strut brace on. What a difference!

Next I plan on turbo tie rods and lowering the car. While I've got access to the bars, I thought it would be a good idea to replace them (car has 215K) with solid or hollow bars. Has stock sway bars.

Looking for advice:
Solid or hollow bars?
Weltmeister or Sander or ?
21/28 too stiff for a Targa?

I appreciate any help and advice.

Shaun

[kstylianos]

Shaun,

It was recommended to me that 22/28's with Bilstein HD's in the front and Sports in the rear are a pretty good match for the Targa. The Targa is a little more flexy than a coupe and you dont want to go too stiff on the t-bars as then the frame will start to twist more to compensate for the stiff suspension, theory or truth, I don't know. Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to test out the new suspension quite yet. Sorry I couldnt be a little more helpful. Ask me again in a couple months

[mm86911]

Been running 22/29s solid Sway-a-way brand with Bilstiens for over a year (strut bar, turbo tie rod ends, rack spacers and r-compoind tires at the track) and find this combination perfect for my tastes. Unless you plan to be serious about striiping down the car to lose weight I wouldn't bother with the hollow bars and use the money on something else.

Just upgraded the rear sway bar to TRG type - nice piece and I can really tell the difference - even on the street.

[pbs911]

22/28 Sway-Away tosions on my 78Targa with Bilstein HD front/Sports rear, and 86 Carerra anti sway bars. I went with the solids torsion bars. Ccmfortable ride. The 17" wheels do more for ride degregation than torsion bars. Next time I do the suspension bushings and need an alignment/corner balance, however, I will replace the Sway-Aways with hollow 22/29s.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks everyone for the stories. Just purchased 22/29 solid Sway-aways from Pelican. Now if only I hadn't seen that bronze bearings Elephant Racing has out.

Car is being done next week. Will let you know how it goes.

Shaun

[thulsadoom]

What's the update on your mods? I've got a 1980 SC Targa, and I'm thinking of similar... any advice / experience appreciated.

Did you do a strut bar?

Tx.
-John.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Hi John,

Here's where the car is at now and it's everything I hoped for, really it's a new car:
lowered a little lower than european spec (had to roll front fenders)
front lip, rear duck (combined make a big difference)
bilstein sports
front AJUSA strut brace
Elephant racing bearings front and rear
turbo tie rods
22/29 solid sway bars
7x8x16 with SO3s

if you don't mind a firm around town ride, this is definitely the way to go.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Shaun

[ChrisBennet]

I've been running 22/29's on my '86 coupe for years and I really like the combo. I expected a harder ride on the street but they ride fine.
-Chris