Need torsion bar advise

[markmaunz]

I am looking for torsion bar advise. I am starting with stock 84 coupe so Im not sure what are stock torsion bars in the car. How do I identify whats in the car?? If I want to improve the car for street and light track use, what would be the way to improve on whats there. What yrs cars had the best factory setup? Whats ideal for street?? Thanks for the advise, guys. Mark

[Vipergrün]

Your stock bars are 19mm front and 24.1 rear. Your stock sways are 20mm front and 18mm rear, unless someone swapped stuff out. A nice, versatile setup is something like 21mm front and 26mm rear (26mm is stock for the Turbo). However, you need to take into consideration other components as well, shocks, sway bars, etc. They all work together. If I were to do it, I'd install 22/28mm torsions and upgrade to the 1986 Carrera sway bars at 22mm front and 21mm rear. Then, upgrade to Bilstein Sport shocks and perhaps have them revalved to meet your specs. Also, consider lowering the car if needed and having it corner balanced. Finally, replacement of bushings is crucial to the success of your project

[aigel]

Brad has good points.

Sounds like street use is quite some large percentage. I'd go milder on the torsion bars. 21/27. And I would go with sport shocks in the rear and HD in the front. Ditto on the later stock sway bars (86). If you lower beyond Euro height, you will need rack spacers. Also, do not forget to get the big washer off the strut towers.

Cheers, George

[Alan.UK]

I picked up my car yesterday after have the suspension set up, and have the set up George mentions, new 21/27 torsion bars with 22/21 Carrera sway bars. It handles very tight and sharp and feels very responsive without being too harsh.

I have not had time to test it properly yet as the motor has still only done 200miles since the full rebuild.

Alan

[911nut]

I went the economy route and just did 26's in the rear. I'm very happy with the results.

[Wil Ferch]

PB:

Did you actually "feel" a change?? Lots here might be interested in the results.

Wil

[911nut]

Wil,
Yes, understeer was reduced and squat under acceleration was reduced slightly. Overall I feel more confident when pushing the car the little bit that I push it on the street.

[ChrisBennet]

Fronts are 18.8mm for pretty much all torsion bar 911's I think.
25mm rear torsion bars were stock for 1986 Carrera. I went with 22f/29r for my '86.

Keep in mind that stiffness increases as a 4th power of the diameter.

For example if your stock bars are 18.8f/24.1r going to 21f/27r = 1.55X stiffer in front and 1.57X stiffer in the rear

-Chris