1969 911E suspension recs, 90% street

SP2 · 03-28-2007, 10:42 AM

Hello. Scooter's and Shaun's threads have me thinking. I am doing a little restore project. But in contrast to the other guys, I want this to be for the street. I don't like the current suspension. It is stock, except the original hydropneumatic self leveling struts were replaced with Koni struts. The receipts for the KYB rear shocks are from 1978. The car has the original 14inch Fuchs, which was a "Comfort" option, but standard on the 69E. I see a sway bar at the front but I don't think there is one in the back.

The car sways way too much on even lane changes. I am thinking 21/26 t-bars, but not sure about the other things yet. I want an improved yet comfortable ride. (My SC project will be uncomfortable enough.

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The car was posted earlier, below. I want to keep it sleeper. It is being repainted to Slate Grey right now, Glasurit, single stage, no clear. It is not the original color. I decided not to go with the original Sepia Brown.

1969 911E San Francisco to Seattle

Scooter · 03-28-2007, 10:56 AM

James, for your car, I would put 21/26 and stock size sway bars (15/16 I think). I would also lower the car down to euro height and install new shocks/strut inserts, along with turbo tie rods. Your car should handle great after these upgrades.

Beyond that, it really depends on how involved you want to get. The next step for me would be replacing the rubber bushings, and then the slippery slope continues on and on and on...

Jeff Higgins · 03-28-2007, 11:23 AM

A basic stock rebuild of all the wear points should be the first step. New bushings all around, tie rod ends (just put turbo's on if it doesn't already have them), and that kind of thing. Lose the 14" comfort group wheels and go with 15 x 6's or 7's, maybe even 16's. Chaninging from the very high profile (70 or 78 series?) 14" tires to lower profile, like 55-60 series, 15" or 16" will firm the ride up a bit and keep it from wallowing around on those lane changes as much. Get rid of the KYB's on the back and get some Koni's that match the front inserts. Run them full soft to 1/4 stiff with the stock t-bars. That should make for a nice riding, better handling street car.

Scooter · 03-28-2007, 12:55 PM

Replacing the stock bushings can get expensive $$$. I don't know how I know that, but it can.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-28-2007, 01:08 PM

hi James,

Only adding to Scooter's and Jeff's comments, if you are going 90% street, then you may want to consider a very inexpensive option: stock bars found in an SC/early Carrera: 19/24.1. These bars can be had virtually for free, I've got 2 sets myself. This allows you go "crazy" with all the bushing/bearing work, shocks, tierods, etc.

I wouldn't go with a 16 inch wheel, they just don't look right on early cars IMHO.

Lastly, lowering and a good corner balance will do wonders. Don't forget to factor $300 to $500 (though I've seen shops charge $1K!) for that.

If you go with a 21/26 combo, let me know. I could use the space on my shelf.

SP2 · 03-28-2007, 08:04 PM

Thanks! I think I will go with all of this advice.

Jeff, I might go with Bilstein green HD's in the back first only because I have some old ones in my garage off my 81SC project. I can have them restored and actually even custom valved to my car weight by Bilstein for about $90 (a piece, or a pair?) Yes, I would like to get some 15 inch wheels, but only if they are Fuchs because of the sleeper look I am looking for. It is a bit hard to find these right now.

Scott, I think my car is Euro height right now, just looking at it compared to my SC. And when I turn the wheels full max, I can hear the tires rubbing on the fenders.

The rubber bushing replacement is not as easy as you make it sound, though. I know my options are to buy new A-arms with rubber bushings in there, or install polybronze bushings. I did this myself to my SC on the fronts. Just burned them out with a blow torch ala Chuck Moreland. I like your suggestion of staying with my "stock" Koni fronts and just get new inserts. I have experience with the turbo tie rod install.

Wow, after all your advice, it doesn't sound too expensive. Basically shocks, T-bars bushings and tie rods. I assume my car will already have the stock roll bars. My 901 tranny seems good. The engine seems good, but I think too rich so I can try and tune that up CMA style this spring. John Walker did my post purchase inspection and gave it a reasonable thumbs up. My alignment specialist Byron at Tru-line pointed out that my right rear trailing arm is bent to the tune of 10.5 deg toe in. (It was smacked in an accident before.) I bought a new used arm from JW.

Shaun, yes I am going with 21/26's. Hard to not go with them, for what I am looking for. Steve Weiner also suggested this for me. What do you have?

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-28-2007, 08:10 PM

Hey James, sounds good. Let me get them out of storage and snap some pics for you tomorrw.