Spring and Suspension advice for 911s needed

[wullie]

Hello all,

finally after a new paint job and some gasoline in the oil circuit I am thinking about some suspension upgrade to my 1975 911s.

The car feels 'around zero' pretty quick in the reaction but is rolling pretty much and is therefore delaying fast cornering. It simply does not feel precise.

According to the previous owner the car has still the original shocks which are not leaking. The bushings look ok.
I have 205/65R15s on the car and would like to stay with 15" to keep it as original as possible.

So I am now wondering if only new shocks would provide a sporty handling for a daily driver or should I go further and change the torsion bars as well.

Any help is highly appreciated.

Regards,

wullie

[pjv911]

Try the shocks first . The torsion bars are a completely different job so it wouldnt save time to do it together . Also the rear torsions are no fun for the do it yourselfer . Your tire size is fine . Be sure the tire psi is correct too . That could take away all steering responce .

Kurt Williams

[masraum]

My '88 had the original shocks which weren't leaking. When I pulled them to replace them they said "gas charged" stamped right into the shock, but when unbolted they would compress under their own weight. They were really really bad. New shocks transformed the handling and ride, but if it's rolling, it's still going to roll, but the roll at initial turn in should be less which should make it react more quickly.

To get rid of the roll you'll either need swaybars or stronger torsion bars.

[wullie]

What shocks would you recommend?
The Bilstein Sport (or similar) might be a little too agressive for the current original torsion bars.
The adjustable Konis would be another option which would leave the opportunity to go as well with stronger Torsion bars. But they seem to be really expensive.

I think that Kurt is right to start with the shocks first and than to go further, if necessary.

[masraum]

I went with Bilstein sports on my otherwise stock '88. Didn't bother me at all, but your car is lighter. You could go with the Bilstein HDs.

Either way the Bilsteins are GREAT shocks.

[stlrj]

wullie,

Before screwing up your suspension you might start with a basic wheel alignment and then go from there.

The alignment tech should spot anything that needs attention.

Joe

[JSDSKI]

Well, it is a 30 year old car and in the long run you will be replacing every part in the suspension system.

Maybe you should start with the above recommendations - general cleaning, lube and grease, adjustments to stock settings - and in the meantime decide how YOU will use and drive the car. From there you can do some research on the board to develop a suspension package and install process for your car.

The Suspension Wizard in the parts catalog is a great guide for this and the Search button is a wonderful tool for past exeriences and guidence.

[HarryD]

I am in the process of renewing my suspension. My goal is an all round car where lots of street driving (up to 2 adults and 2 kids), DE 1-2 times year, and monthly Autocross.

Per Steve Weiner's advice, I went with Bilstein HD fronts and Sport rears. I have stock torsion bars. My rear spring plate bushings were shot and these were replaced as well. My front bushings lookd ok so I did not replace them. As others have noted, my front (Boge) shocks had no resistance in them and my KYB rears, while appearing ok, are not as stiff as the Bilsteins. Right now, it is with Jeff Gamroth getting lowered, aligned and corner balanced. I should get it back next week and hopefully, feel the improvement.

[wullie]

HarryD,

your package sounds pretty similar to what I am looking for. Please keep me updated on your performance improvements.

Regards, wullie

[HarryD]

Originally posted by wullie
HarryD,

your package sounds pretty similar to what I am looking for. Please keep me updated on your performance improvements.

Regards, wullie

Hi Wulie,

I forgot about this note until today.

After the suspension work was completed, I noticed a definate improvement in the handling of my car. At autocross it behaved in a much more predictable manner.

I Autocrossed through the summer and in September I replaced my old tires with Yoko ES-100's. I gained almost 2 seconds due to the tire upgrade and a jump in handling beyond the previous suspension improvements.

Overall, it was well worth the effort and looking back, I should have done it sooner.

[livi]

Replace the shocks. After 30 years they have probably done their duty - especially if they are hydraulic, like Boge.

You would likely appreciate Bilstein standard (HD). I got them for my euro '85 Carrera and the transformation of ride quality was unbelievable. Also the shocks are a fairly easy DIY job.

[bkreigsr]

you are never going to "feel connected" with those tires, no matter what you do to the suspension.
the 65 aspect ratio is way too tall
if you want to keep the same look, go to 6x16's with a 50 or 55 series tires.
how you finish the wheels is up to you. (so you may keep the silver paddles)

[safe]

205/55 looks good on 15s, lower it slightly at the same time so you get less air between the fender and wheel. The lower car will also feel alot tighter and more stable at speeds, well mine did anyway.

[Superman]

Replacing the shocks alone will result in a sharp improvement, and I would suggest replacing suspension bushings. I used the Neatrix rear spring plate bushings, and the "street hardness" front bushings. Big improvement. My tie rods were worn so I went with the Turbo Tie Rod Kit. Do these things, including the inexpensive bump steer kit with the two fat washers and lower the car, then have your car professionally aligned. 55 series tires would help too. These inexpensive and not-too-hard improvements will make a huge difference. And if that is not enough, then you'll know you need stiffer torsion and anti-sway bars in order to be satisfied.

[safe]

Yes, since it a 75 car the bushings will most likely look like on my 77, a disaster waiting to happed...
28 year old front bushings...