Ride quality 86 Carrera

[BernieP]

I just took my 86 out of winter storage. It came equipped from the factory with Bilstein shocks, it has 113,000 miles on it. The ride is very harsh almost violent over RR tracks and winter pot holes. My previous 911 was a 1980 SC with Koni's, it was no where near as firm as the 86. Any one out there have a Carrera with the factory Bilsteins? How would you describe the ride? Should I be be replacing mine do to wear?

Thanks,

Bernie P

[Autoban]

I have a '86 with Boge shocks and just replaced them with new ones (68K miles). The ride is firm,but still comfortable. I know, not quite your question, but I thought I throw it in.

[Determined]

my 86 is stiff as well, I'll be installing some coil overs to work with my torsion bars. Actually, I really don't mind the ride as it is right now, it corners very nicely and square.

[Arne2]

My '84 Carrera coupe has the original green Bilsteins on it (listed as "SPORT SHOCK ABSORBERS" on the window sticker) with 155k miles. I'd call the ride firm and controlled, but not harsh.

[pegasus9]

My 86 has the bilsteins. Same here, firm but not harsh.
Mine had similar symptoms over pot holes and railroad tracks, a refurb of suspension bushings did the trick.

[Tippy]

My '87 has torsion bars and coilovers; I'd call it VERY harsh!

[zakthor]

You might want to check if they are the original shocks, maybe you have bilstein sport in the front?

My sc came with bilsteins. When they got old they were rattly and uncontrolled, not harsh just barbaric.

I upgraded to bilstein sports front and rear with stock torsion bars. They made the ride harsh in the front. Back seemed fine.

[Dave Colangelo]

I have Bilsteins on my SC and its not as smooth as my 944 will coil overs but I have always found that rough ride to be part of that car I dont mind it. If you have the original shocks you may want to replace them, spring plate bushings as well, it will make things a lot smoother.

Regards
Dave

[JQ911]

Just acquired my 86 Carrera 6 days ago (my first Porsche). I noticed how stiff the ride was and it feels like the tires are kinda hard on bumps and RRs. Will check what type of shocks are installed.

I have Bilstein Sport Shocks on H&Rs with 2.5 drop on my Merc running on 245X35X19 but ride is not as hard as the Carrera. I guess I will have to get used to it but I am LOVING every second of it!

[86Carrera]

When my shocks needed replacing a few years back I went with Bilstein HD shocks front and rear not Sports. Couldn't be happier with the ride. A must if you want to use the car for road trips. I have the stock 16" wheels.

[Determined]

Question to all, since I'm going to install rear coil overs should I go ahead and:
1. Remove my rear torsion bars
2. Leave them in and select lighter springs

If No. 2 is best advice, I have an 86 Carrera with standard 3.2L, what spring load is recommended. It is not a daily commuter, I'm looking for both smooth ride and performance. Opinions please and my mind is set on going with coil overs I just am undecided if I should remove my torsion bars or not. Thanks.

[Tippy]

I was told that the Carrera shock towers will NOT support coilovers ONLY unless gussetted/reinforced.

On a side note, with the torsion bars (unknown size) and coilovers in my car, the rear virtually does not squat much at all. With the engine in or not, it seems to be only about an inch difference in height..........if that.

[megerian]

Dumb question, but what the heck...

Given that the car was in storage, are the tires inflated to "winter storage" pressure?

I have mine at 45-50 during storage, and 29/36 when I'm driving it. Big difference on ride quality.

[jmh61]

Bernie-P,

I have an 86 with Bilsteins on it. Previous to that I had an 83 SC cab. The ride was comparable on both when the road was smooth. The Carrera was a little harsher over the bumps but not much.

With 113k on it, if the bushings are original they are probably shot. Bad bushings can give you a harsh ride no matter what shock you are using.

[BernieP]

Thanks for all the info. I am going to do the bushings and see if that improves things.

Bernie P