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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 133
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Coil Over Question
Ok I know I have been posting a lot but hey IM EXCITED! I have a question, what are coil-over shocks/struts? I keep seeing them mentioned and have NO idea what they are. Thanks.
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12-16-2002, 11:15 AM
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"Coil Overs" are coil springs mounted over (actually around) the shocks. Most cars on the road today use a version of coil-overs with their strut suspensions. For years coil-overs were the norm for formula cars until the advent of inboard suspensions, etc. Note that coil-overs are not legal in NASCAR so they still have the their springs mounted separately from the springs. In general the big benefit of coil-over springs is the reduced space requirement since they are mounted concentrically.
In the case of 911's, most were not designed for coil-springs, but rather used torsen bars (T-bars). For extreme track use (read big sticky tires and lots of HP) you just can't get T-bars strong enough in the required size to hold the car up in the corners. As a result Porsche started to mount coils over their shock around the time of the Carrera RSR. By the time they got to the 935, they dispensed with the T-Bars all together. Newer 911's use coil-overs for the same reasons as other cars. You can do a search on this BBS for coil-overs or T-bars and read considerable discussion regarding the merits of each style of suspension.
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John '69 911E "It's a poor craftsman who blames their tools" -- Unknown "Any suspension -- no matter how poorly designed -- can be made to work reasonably well if you just stop it from moving." -- Colin Chapman |
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12-16-2002, 12:13 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 133
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DOH! so they are "coil" springs nothing more really it sounds like. I was just confused by the term COILOVER. What a dummy I can be! None of the Porsche that I am familiar with or have ever worked on, driven or drooled on have had these. Guess I am showing how long its been since I have played with Porsche!
Last edited by Randy803; 12-16-2002 at 12:22 PM.. |
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12-16-2002, 12:19 PM
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Navin Johnson
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Wantagh, NY
Posts: 8,791
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Another point to consider with coilovers is adjustability. Its much easier to adjust ride height and corner balance with coil overs. Also the range of spring rates available with coil springs is more than with torsion bars, the tosrion bar cant exceed the dia of the splines.
Here is a pic of my car with front RSR struts installed. The Konis are for the rear, with clevises for mounting upside down
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Don't feed the trolls. Don't quote the trolls  http://www.southshoreperformanceny.com '69 911 GT-5 '75 914 GT-3 and others Last edited by TimT; 12-16-2002 at 12:39 PM.. |
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12-16-2002, 12:21 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Anderson, SC, USA
Posts: 128
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Randy,
You really ARE posting alot, but I must say it is enjoyable to watch you get to know your new SC 
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Ben in SC Looking for next project!!! South East SCWDP Region, President |
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12-16-2002, 12:32 PM
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Navin Johnson
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Wantagh, NY
Posts: 8,791
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Don't feed the trolls. Don't quote the trolls http://www.southshoreperformanceny.com '69 911 GT-5 '75 914 GT-3 and others |
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12-16-2002, 12:41 PM
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1969 Porsche 911E 2.0 E
