Torsion Bars question again!

[GH85Carrera]

I have searched and read and now I want some fresh opinions. I think I can find some opinions from this group.

I recently rebuilt the front suspension on my 1985 Carrera. I want to keep things as stock as possible with new Elephant racing rubber suspension bushings. My old front torsion bars had rubbing and rust so they had to go. The stock 19 mm bars are not available so I had to go to 21mm up front. While I was in there I replaced the shocks with Bilstien HD, turbo tie rods and new ball joints. The rear shocks will be replaced with Bilstien HD as well.

Now I am ready to replace the rear bushings. I was going to replace the trailing arm bushings but from what I read that is not usually necessary. I will skip that part and just replace the spring plate bushings. With the front torsion bars 2mm bigger than stock I feel I need to replace the rears with 27mm.

Now for the opinion part: Should I replace the rear torsion bars with 27mm? That is what I am thinking is the correct size for my setup?

The front is done, I am happy with it. I want the rear to match the front. The shocks will soon match so all I need to know is what size rear torsion bars to order from Pelican.

[wildcat077]

Glen,

You have to keep a certain balance with the suspension.If you stiffen up the front suspension,you have to compensate with the rear otherwise you will have some serious handling problems.
Since you want everything close to original, in your case 21/27 would be good !
If your car were a G50 equipped car,an even stiffer rear bar would have been required due to the heavier rear weight of the car.

Cheers !
Phil

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I have searched and read and now I want some fresh opinions. I think I can find some opinions from this group.

I recently rebuilt the front suspension on my 1985 Carrera. I want to keep things as stock as possible with new Elephant racing rubber suspension bushings. My old front torsion bars had rubbing and rust so they had to go. The stock 19 mm bars are not available so I had to go to 21mm up front. While I was in there I replaced the shocks with Bilstien HD, turbo tie rods and new ball joints. The rear shocks will be replaced with Bilstien HD as well.

Now I am ready to replace the rear bushings. I was going to replace the trailing arm bushings but from what I read that is not usually necessary. I will skip that part and just replace the spring plate bushings. With the front torsion bars 2mm bigger than stock I feel I need to replace the rears with 27mm.

Now for the opinion part: Should I replace the rear torsion bars with 27mm? That is what I am thinking is the correct size for my setup?

The front is done, I am happy with it. I want the rear to match the front. The shocks will soon match so all I need to know is what size rear torsion bars to order from Pelican.

GH85,

I was in similar situation a long time ago when I decided to upgrade to larger torsion bars. With HD rear shock absorbers and front inserts, I started with the following combo from the original 18.8 /24 mm (front/rear) of an SC to:
21/26...........rear still soft
21/27...........excellent street combo
21/28...........good compromise
22/29...........great for the track but harsh for daily driving
23/30...........have to install yet.

All the above set-up with 22/21 mm Carrera sway bars on SC car. Since you have already the 21 mm front, you cannot go wrong with a 27 or 28 mm rear TB. It is a matter of choice and for what you'll need. If you like a stiffer suspension for the track go for the bigger one but for a semi-DE car, 21/27 is a good compromise. Experience the suspension upgrade and decide where to go next in the future.

Tony

[GH85Carrera]

27 rears are looking good !

I do NOT wat a track car ride.

[porschenut]

I agree with Tony. 27mm would be perfect with a 21mm front set.

I recently upgraded my '86 Carrera bars from 19/25 to 22/29, and it is a distinct improvement in steering feel. The ride is noticeably firmer but I wouldn't say harsh. I have Bilstein HDs all around.

[burgermeister]

If you are not interested in stiffening your suspension, 19mm bars are readily available used & in good condition from any of the salvage yards. 2 used 19mm front bars are cheaper than a new set of 27mm rear bars.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by burgermeister

If you are not interested in stiffening your suspension, 19mm bars are readily available used & in good condition from any of the salvage yards. 2 used 19mm front bars are cheaper than a new set of 27mm rear bars.

The front is DONE. I have ordered the rear 27mm bars from our host.

Thanks for the input, but 21 front 27 rear is where I will end up.

[RWebb]

and how do you like the 21/27?