Shock question?

JackT · 03-19-2005, 10:32 AM

I am going to make some changes to my suspension, one thing at a time. First I want to change my shocks then later change my torsion bars to 22mm front and 28 mm in the back while at the same time changing out the front and back bushings to the elephant stuff. Then later I am going to do the sway bars.
I drive the 911Sc on the street and do 7-8 drivers eds a year. Right now I am in the blue group at the PCA drivers ed and I usually will solo after a couple drives with the instructor, so I do not have a lot of experience.
My question is should I put the Bilstein HR's on the front and sports on the back or is there a big advantage to having my shocks re-valved to exactly match my torsion bars? I do not track the car and probably never will. I do enjoy the drivers eds.
My second question is will the shocks make a big difference without the other things being done for a while or do I need to do the torsion bars at the same time as doing the shocks.?

JackT · 03-20-2005, 06:26 AM

bump

dweymer · dweymer's Garage

Drew,

I am currently saving up parts to do mine all at once; but it is my understanding that just replacing shocks will make a huge improvement. The sports are firmer than the HD's and I don't think custom valving is necessary for those of us with not so much track time. I am also going to 22/28 and will be using bilsteins f/r. Shocks should match with the t-bars though. If you put in new HD's with stock t-bars you will have too much damp for that spring rate. I am not sure how much or what effect that will have on the ride/safety, others with more knowledge will chime in hopefully.
Personally, I hate doing things twice do I am saving all my pieces for one large project. I don't have to worry about t-bars not matching shocks, or 2x labor to remove a-arms etc. You could always buy the shocks, install them; and take them back out if it feels bad. I have an extra set of rear HD's (used) on the way if you need a set.

masraum · 03-20-2005, 06:48 AM

I once read an article, in Excellence I believe, where they tested one car at a track one weekend with 3 or 4 different sets of shocks. Drive several laps, change shocks, repeat. If I remember correctly the right shocks actually made a difference to lap times. I'd say get shocks that are valved for your car. I think they'll perform best for you in the long run.