964 coil over question

[wastintime]

Hey everyone,
Well, I've started modifying the RSA... other than some small stuff like splitters and big reds, I only have 2 really big (IMO) projects in the works, 1. suspension Mods and 2. Engine mods

For engine mods I eventually want to do a mass flow sensor, headers, and single-mass flywheel.

I was going to do a mass flow sensor first, but unfortunately Autothority won't be selling any more of their kits for a month... being the impatient person that I am, I moved onto suspension.

As far as the suspension is concerned, I'm not really sure what to do. On my C2, I'd installed Konis and H&R lowering springs, I really hated this setup because the C2 lowering spring kit had progressive rate fronts with spring rates from 190-255. Rather than reducing body roll, this actually doubled the amount of body roll the car had! Oh, it felt more comfortable driving it, but it was not very predictible when cornering, and it was not a good setup.
Originally I was not going to go for progressive rate springs again, but I've noticed that no one really has non-progressive springs that aren't full out race springs. Plus, after installing inserts in the old front shocks I have no real desire to do it again, it wasn't that bad after I got the hang of it with the first one, but all of the cutting and drilling was just ridiculous.
So, I figure, what the heck, go overboard and just buy a whole coil over kit, you know the shocks and springs are well matched and it's easier to install. The RS American and the Turbo take the same coil over kit from H&R (I do like them, just had bad luck with the old springs), the new working spring rates are: 260-285 Front and 275-320 Rear. That's a lot closer together, and stiffer to begin with, so hopefully I wouldn't notice as much of the detrimental effects that the old springs had. The rear has a bigger springrate-range, but the stock RSA rears are already progressive. So... coil overs are pricier than just springs obviously, but like I said, the ease of a simply bolt in replacement, and it'll still raise the spring rates a good bit, and I think it's probably a really nice solution for the track.

Sorry for going on, I didn't mean for the post to be so long, but, that's what I'm looking at doing, but I just thought I'd try to get some feedback and see if you guys think I'll still hate the progressive springs. Also if anyone has installed this kit please give me all the feedback you can.

Thanks,
Andrew

[Tyson Schmidt]

I've driven both the set-up you used to have, and the set-up you want. I totally agree about the progressive rate H&R's. Nice comfy ride, but rather bouncy and too much roll, withou predictability. They are trying to be the best of both worlds, and master of neither.

The H&R coilover set-up is very nice. It's firm, but not painful. Of course ride is subjective, The handling though, will make you happy. But the best upgrade for these cars by itself are the RS adjustable swaybars.

[wastintime]

Thanks Tyson, it's good to hear that someone with the same problem liked the coil overs. I was worried I might have to go to a cup suspension to get around it, and one that's just too expensive, and while I've heard the cars are still streetable I would imagine it would be a harsh ride.
I haven't messed with the sway bars yet since the RSAs have bigger bars, but yes, I have been told that getting adjustable sway bars will be a big improvement.

[Jeff Alton]

On my 90 C2 that I had a few years ago I put the H&R threaded body coilovers on. It was stiff, but the handling was very good. Very easy to adjust also. I think back then the shocks and struts that the kit used were Bilstiens but I am not 100% sure on that. Good value IMHO. A worth while upgrade.

Jeff

[john_colasante]

For combined street/track use go for the Porsche Carrera RS suspension. For racing only go for Porsche 3.8 RSR setup. Both are available new and used. If you want used PM me.