Euro SC owners, do you have turbo tie rods?

[Hook]

I have an 81 SC (Euro version) and am looking to have the cars ride height reset to European standard. My question is, if the car was built and delivered originally in Euro spec, with out the turbo tie rods, does the car require them to address bump steer issues? Did SCs delivered in Europe have a different tie rod/suspension set up? I believe I have the original Boge's still on the car currently. Please let me know your experiences.

Thanks much for the help.

[Glasgow 911SC]

Hook,
I fitted turbo tie-rods to my SC and it made a huge difference to bump steer at the standard height. The acuracy of the steering greatly improved also. One of the best upgrades I've done.

[Erakad]

When I got mine, it was slammed about as far as you can go...and without turbo tie rods. Too make it short, as the mechanic said, "you don't have any front suspension!" Words don't describe how bad the bump steer was. I've had it reset now to just a bit lower than euro height...it's really nice to have a suspension...and no bump steer. I will however, someday, add the turbo tie rods...but that's just another project.

[palle7688]

The turbo tie rods have nothing to do with bump steer correction.
Bump steer happens when you lower your car because your steering rack is lower than where your tie rods are connected to your steering arm. This is why it's recommended to put spacers between the rack and the brigde it's mounted to (to raise the steering rack)
Normal 911 tie rode are with a rubber bushing where turbo tie rods are with steel ball type connection, this gives a more direct feeling.
Euro or not SC's did not come as standard with turbo tie rods, not even the '84-'89 turbo look cars had them.
If you install turbo tie rods remember to install the big "washers" as they are suppose to stop the steering rack travel before it bottoms out and make damage. If you want to know more about what happens if you don't, make a search, there where pics shown here a couple of weeks ago.

[Pettybird]

>>>verifying above post about not having them on my 79 euro>>>

they're on there now, though. it's a very nice upgrade.

doug

[SpeedracerIndy]

Mine was raised when it was imported to the US, then the PO lowered it back down to the euro standard. I have minor bump steer issues, and would like to get a bump steer kit as well as the turbo tie rods. There are other things on the to do list though that will get done first though. It is drivable without being dangerous. I do make sure I have a firm grip on the steering wheel at all times though.

[911pcars]

palle7688 is correct in that turbo tie rods themselves don't correct bump steer.

What are you guys experiencing when you say you have "bump steer"?

I ask because I think we're using a phrase that doesn't fit the symptom. It would be better to use a more accurate term for that effect.

An excessively low car creates more steering wheel kickback while driving over bumps. True "bump steer" is when there's excessive toe in/toe out change as the suspension goes through jounce and rebound motions while cornering.

Sherwood

[Hook]

Thanks for the responses. It appears as though most would recommend the Tie rod upgrade. After reading the responses a bit more, my question is as follows, I am going to return my car to the standard Euro ride height and am unsure as to whether it is necessary / real good idea, to go with the tie rod upgrade. What steering, handling differences should I expect w/o doing the tie rods, will I require the steering rack upgrade? Did cars shipped in Europe have steering/handling issues not experiejnced by their higher riding US versions?
Thanks for the advice.

[SpeedracerIndy]

If you are going to do the turbo tie rod upgrade, it would be best to do it at the same time as the lowering I would think. That way you don't have to get two alignments.

[Jadams1]

Mine does not have turbo tie rods.

[Hook]

Thanks for the replies. As I am watching my upgrade budget, I want to get a better understanding of the issue.

Doug, you mention
>>>verifying above post about not having them on my 79 euro>>>

>they're on there now, though. it's a very nice upgrade.<

doug<

but I never saw the original post. It sounds like you have experience i'd be interested in hearing, can you repost? Thnaks.


John, you mention that you do not have the turbo tie rod upgrade, is your car at Euro spec for ride height? If so, are you running any other suspension mods? did you ever drive the car while at or near a US ride height and if so, how does it differ?

Anyone else with this experience please feel free to provide opinions or insight.

Thanks.

[Hook]

Rob,

>I've had it reset now to just a bit lower than euro height...it's really nice to have a suspension...and no bump steer.<

Did you have spacers installed or any other "upgrade" to address the "bump steer" issue? Are you running Bilstein or Boge suspension upfront?

thanks.

[Erakad]

Hook, like many of us, I bought an abused child...but I did this knowingly and am much more knowledgable (and poorer ) because of it, no regrets. When the mechanic had it up on the lift to reset the height, I had a real good look and saw no spacers. The mechanic though did do a real good show and tell on aligning, height, suspension, turbo tie rods, etc. He's real good about actually getting you in the bay and showing you what's going on.

Will check on types of shocks.

[thabaer]

Mine doesn't have turbo rods. The PO lowered it and the bump-steer is minimal without any fix-it kit, and not a problem.

[Jadams1]

Here is a side shot that shows the ride height. No suspension upgrades, Boge shocks. I did not or plan to raise it to a US ride height.

[Ian Comerford]

I don't know if this helps but I have a slightly lowered euro 79 SC, it was already lowered when I bought it. On advice I fitted the turbo tie rods and a bump steer kit at the same time, and then had the alignment done. The difference was considerable; smoother, more accurate steering, bump steer gone (nearly). The bump steer kit is very simple and cheap (bonus) and does endeavour to re-align the rack to close to its original position relative to the suspension.
Hope this helps.