Winter project - suspension rebuild

[turbo6bar]

The broken torsion bar thread pushed me off the bridge. Well, that and the fact the SC rides a little harsh.

I have read the Sander torsion bars are the bars of choice. Apparently, the spline fit is superb. Are they worth the extra bucks? Sway-a-Way solids are $225/$236 front/rear. Sander hollow are $299/350. I know it's unfair to put solids vs. hollow, but those are my top choices.

The 78 Euro SC has green Bilsteins. The car is non-sunroof, no power, but does have A/C. 7/8 16" fuchs with 205/225 rubber. Car used 99.9% on street. Good roads, but I occasionally drive on newer roads that have lots of potholes. I mainly want to tune out some of the harshness, which I think is due to the HD Bilsteins with stock torsion bars??? Looking through the records, I see no indication of the bushings ever being replaced, so I'm certain they are due for replacement. Hopefully, between bushings and bigger torsion bars, the ride will be well balanced and smooth. Not looking for Cadillac smooth

My shortlist:
1) bigger torsion bars to match HD Bilstein (must I upgrade to Sport Bilsteins in the rear)
2) new ball joints
3) Elephant Racing a-arm bushings
4) either Neatrix or polybronze springplate bushings
5) align and corner balance

Later:
revalved or new shocks

any other parts while I'm in there? Already have turbo tie rods.

What size torsion bars? I want to err on the side of soft than too hard. This is not a track car. In the future, I would like modify the engine for more torque/HP (ala turbocharger or 3.6). Will more power affect the suspension choices?

To those who've gone with larger torsion bars, have you regretted it? Part of me says leave the d@mn thing alone and just refresh the bushings. The other side says, better do it now while it's apart...

Jürgen

[turbo6bar]

Heck, Souk just posted a thread that's exactly like mine. Look forward to reading both threads.

Here's my ride:



BTW, I also plan to use Carrera sway bars.
Jürgen

[yelcab1]

My 80SC has bilsteens all around, and stock bars (I think). I find the ride acceptably firm. If I were in for a change like you, I would probably go all the way to coil-overs. That would eliminate the needs for items 1, 3 and 4 on your list. Just my in-expert opinion.