suspension questions

[gregg911]

After following Frankc's suspension rebuild with interest I'm considering some suspension upgrades to my 80SC coupe. I notice a problem with bump steer when driving hard on the local mountain road, not a problem at autox, just an issue on the street. Being that the car is now close to 30 years old and I notice that the rear sags slightly now, I'm wondering if the torsion bars need to be replaced. I replaced the shocks with Bilstein Sports a few years back so the shocks are good. I drive the car once a week on the street and try to attend as many autox's as possible. I'm mechanically inclined but not a mechanic.

If I were to replace the torsion bars, should I go 22/28? Who's makes the best bars?

Should I install adjustable sway bars? Which bars do you like?

While I'm at it I would install Turbo tie rods, is there any other item I should replace or upgrade on the front and rear suspension.

[ianc]

All depends on how much\money time you're willing to spend and what kind of tolerance you have for ride compliance, or the lack thereof. If you post some more about your budget, expectations and expected usage, you'll probably get a lot of suggestions.

The bump steer kit will definitely help your bump steer problems. Good luck,

ianc

[gregg911]

Originally Posted by ianc

All depends on how much\money time you're willing to spend and what kind of tolerance you have for ride compliance, or the lack thereof. If you post some more about your budget, expectations and expected usage, you'll probably get a lot of suggestions.

The bump steer kit will definitely help your bump steer problems. Good luck,

ianc

Time = a couple of weekends

Ride = I drive a 330 sport pkg as a daily driver, a stiff riding car on the weekends wouldn't bother me. That being said, not too stiff.

Budget = 2-3K in parts would be acceptable

Expectations = I want the car to ride and drive with more response and a more solid feel.

[ianc]

Here's what I did for my suspension rebuild on my 87:

22\29 Elephant Racing hollow torsion bars
ER polybronze bushings front and rear.
Bilstein HD's front, Sports rear
New ball joints
Turbo tie rods
Corner balanced and aligned

Should be doable within your budget if you're doing the bulk of the work yourself and (to me) provides a nice firm, controllable ride that is not too stiff for the street.

Take a look here for more info:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/282878-finished-suspension-rebuild-weekend.html#post2586829

Good luck with it,

ianc

[RWebb]

Ian gave you a good list. You may or may not need new ball joints.

Elephant Racing hollow torsion bars - I also think these are the best bars out there today.

You can spend more and put the needle bearing plates in the rear if you wanted.

The other option is to avoid the sports and go with HD's all around.

Those are 3 options off of Ian's post - they are purely subjective.

You could also add the Elph. braced front susp. tie bar.

Be sure to replace every piece of old rubber in the suspension - anything over 20 years is likely hard by now. That includes the top strut mounts.

[partrin]

+1 on the ER bushings, ball joints, T tie rod ends. Oh, and rack spacers.....Do the fronts first (you can leave the strut and brakes hanging, with care) I went 23 & 30 torsion bars, and the ride is not too rough, altho I do need to get the Bilstein Sports re-valved soon. Corner balanced and aligned. The rear is more complex, but doing the fronts will build your confidence! - next will be adjustable sways for me!
Have fun with it...
partrin

[jester911]

I am doing the suspension in my car as we speak. I am going with 23/30s and ER polybronze.

I have the rear torsion bars out and just got the spring plates cleaned up and ready to install the new bushings. If your thinking about doing it I say go for it. It really isn't that hard.
The biggest advice I can give is get a Bentley manual for your car if you don't already have one.
It gives you good step by step on this work as well as most anything else you need to do.

My car is street/track but I already have a roll bar, race seats and harnesses. I am so far down the slippery slope it is a free fall from here.

I guess I should add the tbars I am using are sway away. Can't say if they are the best brand.