Terrible Handling

[fast911s]

Just went through suspension on my '71T...Bilstein Sports all around, 21/26 t-bars, and 22mm adjustable sways. The sway bars are set to the softest settings both front and rear. Have not yet realigned since suspension work.

The car is now scary twitchy over 80...feels like driving in a blustery cross wind. Balance is poor, with immediate response to steering input up front, and delayed rear response...feels loopy (oversteer?).

Other than alignment, would stiffening the front sway settings get me headed in the right corrective direction?

[450knotOffice]

I would say yes, but get it aligned and corner balanced first. You are no doubt aware that these cars are extremely sensitive to both alignment and corner balance being right or wrong.

This is money you have to spend.

[charlesbahn]

You've probably already done it, but check and double check the tires/wheels. Even the slightest bit out of balance or out of round at that speed will through off the handling (a lot). Maybe try mounting another set of fronts and see if it's the same. I was amazed at how poorly my car handled at 60MPH + (it was fine at lower speeds) with out of balance front wheels, and how the problem completely went away when I just put on another set.

[patkeefe]

Don't overlook the condition of your suspension bushings. How were they when you did the T-Bar work?

[Chuck Moreland]

Originally posted by fast911s
Have not yet realigned since suspension work.

Until you get this done, you don't know what you have. Get the alignment done.

[fast911s]

All bearings and bushings were replaced. Car was well balanced (but soft) in stock configuration. This was supposed to be a performance "upgrade". Ooops.

[mmastro]

Sounds like you are toe out somewhere. I agree w/ all saying get the alignment & corner balance done ASAP!

[stlrj]

"Get the alignment done."

Amen.

[Barrpete]

Alignment absolutely. When I changed to turbo tie rods I drove pretty much directly to the shop for alignment and handling was noticeably poor similar to what you described - and I never went anywhere near 80 mph. After alignment

[GaryR]

Alignment and corner balancing!

[fast911s]

Thanks to all for your tips.

Went to alignment shop this morning...front toe was in 1.25 inches...not degrees, INCHES. He also found that my new turbo tie rods were hanging on to the steering box by 1 thread.

Car now has vibration at speed...not like a wheel imbalance; more like a high frequency occilation coming through the chassis, (not the steering wheel). Could running with so much toe in have wrecked by wheel bearings?

[GaryR]

I would go right back to the shop (assume it's a Porsche specialty shop) and take them for a ride.

[zachsbug]

When I did the same to my car I eye balled everything as close as I could. When I took it in for the alignment I got to see the screen that the tech had for the how the wheels were positioned. Eye balling was way off. An alignment will probably do the car & work done better justice.