Suspension upgrade opinions

bornrich · 11-25-2002, 08:23 AM

First. What I want to achieve: Occational DE (6 or so a year), autox (just for fun) and weekend trips. So I don't want a rock hard ride (firm is okay) nor a real lowrider.
I did get a suggestion from ther folks at Smart Racing produst for the following:

Torsion bars: 21fr 26 rr
Sway bars: From a an 86 or newer 911 21f/20r

or their Adjustable bars 23f/23r

I like the idea of the adjustability for tuning.

What do you think? Is this a good "sport" package? Should I go higher on the torsion bar rate?

Also I want to use race belts for DE in the future? What are good belts. and Do I have to have the harness bar for use with the shoulder belts?

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

I have almost the same set up on my SC Targa daily driver/DE car, but would suggest stiffer in the rear. I have 21/29 torsion bars and the 86+ 21/20 sway bars. I really like the feel and it is not too stiff for a daily driver. The 86+ sway bars are a very economical way to go. Eventually I may go with the fully adjustable Smart Racing bars. But considering the $1000 difference, the point has to come where my sway bars are really holding me back.

You may want to consider some HD/Sport Bilsteins to compelte the package.

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

I'm running 22/29 torsion bars and stock sways with Bilstein HD's all around on my '86 911. I think it rides fine but more importantly my sweetie thinks the ride is fine also. I've heard that running sports on the front can make for a stiff ride but a friend of mine runs them and his rides great. I've done over 60 days of DE and this setup hasn't been holding me back (I'm still slow but not for that reason). I'm sure the Smart Racing sway bars are very nice but I think the same money spent on track days would be a better investment.
-Chris

89911 · 11-25-2002, 07:48 PM

I think your too soft in the rear, (your car that is!) I wouldn't go softer then 27mm or 28mm bars in the rear for your car. The ride quality does not suffer as much as you think. Then again, your talking to someone who has 30mm bars in the back with revalved shocks to 325lbs, 27mm SmartRacing Bars, and all polyurethane bushings and still thinks it could be stiffer!