Improving front-end feel

[Vereeken]

I want to improve the feel of my SC by tweaking the front end. I hope to improve the way it turns in and get less of that light feel when doing 90+mph.

Assuming I can do the following, what would you invest in first to improve overall feel (the front end is Ok from a technical perspective in the sense that it passes MOT-like check-up obliged in Belgium, but I am sure it is not all fresh underneath; car has now 120K km -so some 80K miles). She stops very well and does not pull right or left. No after-bounce in shocks. I am on European ride height with front lip.

So what (combination) does give me the biggest bang for the buck?

1. Replacing rubber bushing of anti-roll bar.
2. Upgrading anti-roll bar to xxmm
3. Replacing torsion bar (noticable difference left to right)
4. upgrading to Turbo Tie rods
5. Replacing ball joints
6. Replacing shocks
7. any other suggestions

Thanks for any advice.

Michel

[jester911]

First off you want to start out with front struts. Have they been replaced recently?
If not go with something like Bilstein sports or Konis. Just changing struts and shocks on my car made a world of difference. I wouldn't worry so much with upgrade unless you plan on tracking the car.

Replacing the rubber bushings is a good idea anyway. The age of the rubber by now is 24+ years so it should go. The turbo tie rods won't make a lot of difference in feel unless your old ones are fairly worn but it is still a worthwhile upgrade.

I did mine recently mainly because the rubber boots were torn and the tie rods themselves were a little ratty.

One other thing before doing much in the way of upgrading other stuff is you may need a bump steer kit. You may need this to keep the front end planted better in the turns.

Also a thought is to go to a triangulated strut brace. This will also help do the same thing.
I am sure others will have more to follow.

One more thing I forgot was if your car does not have the front lip spoiler it should have one in combo with a whale tail. This helps from getting so much lift in the front.

[David]

Do you have a front spoiler? A front would help at higher speeds and if you have a rear spoiler, you really need a front one.

Better shocks do wonders for the feel.

[Bill Verburg]

If it only feels light at high speeds, that indicates air going under the car, since you do have a spoiler, try lowering the front a bit more.

[Vereeken]

The bump steer kit is cheap, so I might just as well go with that, I do have the front spoiler but no rear spoiler anymore as I am a sucker for that clean look without whale tails.

When you guys talk about schocks and struts what is the difference? My knowledge of English does not take me that far...

Michel

[lfot]

before you do anything, get an alignment.

one step at a time, and you need to make sure that the alignment is correct before you start diagnosing everything else.

[jorian]

If you are going to change bushings, tie rods etc., it is a good idea to get an alignment AFTER. If you get an alignment you should get a corner balance at the same time. Shocks, bushings a turbo tie rods will make a noticeable difference. Torsion bars are probably OK but ball joints are most likely worn if they are original.

[jorian]

Also don't forget the most important part! How are your tires?

[fly4val]

Typically, struts are the whole enchilada, i.e. suspension and
shocks. Typically shocks, sometimes called inserts are installed in or on the strut(s) depending on the suspension design.

[Vereeken]

Originally posted by jorian
Also don't forget the most important part! How are your tires?

Tires are near perfect,3000 miles. Dunlop Sport on the original Fuchs. Balanced on the car both ways.

So the way I figure with this info:

0. ALIGNMENT
1. Bump steer kit
2. Bushings
3. ALIGNMENT
4. If not satisfied, turbo tie rods
5. Shocks
6. ALIGNMENT
7. Ball joints

Sounds like a plan to me and I can always stop at 0, 3 or 6 whenever I feel it is better.

Michel

[tonythetarga]

Originally posted by Vereeken

When you guys talk about schocks and struts what is the difference? My knowledge of English does not take me that far...

Michel

The strut is the lower portion with the axle spindle, tie rod arm and the brake caliper bracket. The shock insert fits into the strut to become a strut assembly.

[stlrj]

I agree with IFOT, start with an alignment before spending needlessly.

Your suspension shopping list looks like a shotgun approach where so many parts are being replaced that you never find what is causing your problem which might be something so simple.

I would start with the basics.


Cheers,

Joe

[Vereeken]

Thanks Tony; a picture tells a thousand words.

Indeed, I'll go for an alignment first. Can never harm.

Michel