87 suspension set up thanks to all

[Len VanderJagt]

Over the winter, many folks on this list were mighty helpful with my suspension redo, third edition. I thought I would post some feedback on how it all worked out.

Complete elephantized suspension, the works, less retaining crappy weltMeister sway bars. Adjustable bump rod ends, 24 and 33 mm torsion bars, with custom valved Bilstein shocks (and thank you so much Jack French at Bilstein). Eight and 9 x 17 wheels.

The big surprise, and true "magic of this set up is the perfect interplay of the torsion bars and shocks. While the car is far more stiffly sprung, it actually is far less jarring than the old 23 -- 30/koni sport set up. Combined with virtually frictionless elephants bushings, and no bump steer, the car is so much easier to drive that it's hard to express.

I have been running 2.7 and 3.3 negative camber on sport cups, which so far is working very well. I don't have the car dialed in all the way yet, and have run into an awful lot of rain over the first seven track days , but I am getting it close to dialed in. The car is 2 to 4 seconds faster, depending on the track,. And, it is so much easier to drive, from whence comes that speed.

Again, thank you pelicans.

Len VanderJagt
87 Targa

[87coupe]

Congrats! Dare I ask what the total bill was?

[Steveinatlanta]

Len -

Thats pretty much the same setup I have. Wow, what a difference. I was wondering if you have modified your brakes?

I ask because I chewed through a new pair of front rotors pretty quickly. The car's new found stability made me much more generous with the brake pedal.

It probably had something to do with picking the car up and going strait to a DE...

Just curious

[Len VanderJagt]

Hi Steve,

Yes, Boxster monoblocks on the front, and a Turbo master cylinder. The master cylinder change resulted in a high brake pedal, so after the first event I raised the gas pedal. I haven't had an off the dry hot track time yet to really tell, but the way or on the front calipers seems quite reasonable at this point, and they may last double the old Carrera pads, which is good, because they cost twice as much.

Best,

[Steveinatlanta]

Thanks Len

I'm going to have to do this, I was wondering if you thought the Boxster monoblocks were the best choice / value etc. for the 3.2

I really don't know and have read a lot of posts on the different choices, most relating to the SC.

Leave the back brakes alone?

If I do this on a used parts basis, whats my plan a and plan b.

Respectfully asking you to waste your time on my problem, Steve...

P.S. after doing the suspension work, I thought it would be too uncomfortable to use daily on the road. I use it almost every day. Except for the occasional pothole, it is actually very well mannered, rides like a much newer car.


Thanks again

[Len VanderJagt]

Hi Steve,

Not enough experience yet to have a firm opinion, but it is beginning to look like what I may do is try to play with the brake bias in order to get more out of the rears. Of course, how it is now is the safe way, as the fronts always lockup for the rears, but I don't have enough wear data yet to know if I should go down that road.

So far, I am very pleased with the Boxster front set up.

I would suggest trying the front calipers without changing the master cylinder. From what I understand, about half the folks that put on the Boxster brakes retain the stock master cylinder. The petal throw will be longer, but perhaps give more "feel". My set up results in an extremely firm that I with very short travel.

,
best,
Len VanderJagt

[Chuck Moreland]

Originally posted by Len VanderJagt

Complete elephantized suspension, the works, less retaining crappy weltMeister sway bars. Adjustable bump rod ends, 24 and 33 mm torsion bars, with custom valved Bilstein shocks (and thank you so much Jack French at Bilstein). Eight and 9 x 17 wheels.

The big surprise, and true "magic of this set up is the perfect interplay of the torsion bars and shocks. While the car is far more stiffly sprung, it actually is far less jarring than the old 23 -- 30/koni sport set up. Combined with virtually frictionless elephants bushings, and no bump steer, the car is so much easier to drive that it's hard to express.

I have been running 2.7 and 3.3 negative camber on sport cups, which so far is working very well. I don't have the car dialed in all the way yet, and have run into an awful lot of rain over the first seven track days , but I am getting it close to dialed in. The car is 2 to 4 seconds faster, depending on the track,. And, it is so much easier to drive, from whence comes that speed.

Again, thank you pelicans.

Len VanderJagt
87 Targa

Len, glad to hear you are pleased with the results. With those tbars (very stiff) you'll be even happier when you can get out on dry track