Need Soft Shocks on my 1973 1.7

[Brookshire my]

914 is new to me and the ride is somewhat bone jarring. I’m buying new tires as what is on there are 7 years old. Any recommendations for a softer ride?

[Tobra]

Can you post a photo of the shocks on it currently?

It may be that the newer tires solve the issue

[Brookshire my]

I think a previous owner tried to make this into a faster 914 and installed stiffer shocks. It’s a 1973 with a 1.7 redone with a 2.0 crank, larger cylinders, pistons and rods. Two Weber (45’s?) and larger tires. All four cylinders between 160-165 pounds and rated at 125 HP. Different, I think, from standard. I own a 356 SC with a 95 HP set up and this 914 is worlds quicker. I just need a softer ride. From my uneducated view the rear coil springs look pretty big. Tires are 205/50 ZR15

[Brookshire my]

I am new to the 914 world. I don’t believe 4 lug nut wheels are standard.

[Rodsrsr]

[QUOTE=Brookshire my;12519530]I am new to the 914 world. I don’t believe 4 lug nut wheels are standard.


4 lugs are standard on all 914/4's. Only the 914/6 came with 5 lugs. You probably have KYB shocks which were popular but have an extremely stiff ride. Before changing tires I would replace the rear shocks and confirm you have factory coils. Your car also seems to sit extremely high so I wouldn't be surprised if the coils were changed. You can also check the front torsion bars to see if they're factory along with front strut inserts. If these are all KYB, that's your problem. These components are mainly responsible for your ride, not so much tires.

If you want factory replacements I would look for the Boge factory inserts which is what your car was originally equipped with. This is the route I took with my 75 and it rides just like it would have ridden off the showroom floor. The 914 should not sit anywhere near the height yours is set at. Front and rear fenders should be hugging the tires.

I also see U-tabs on the front a-arms, and what appears to be the bracket for a front sway bar just below the brake line, but its kind of hard to tell from the photo. If yours has the brackets and the hole already in the body I would definitely try and source the factory 15mm sway bar since it would be a bolt in. It was an option for these cars and many don't have it. My 75 didn't come equipped with one so I'm having to weld in the brackets and U-tabs for a new bar I recently sourced.

[Brookshire my]

I just wanted a regular 914 to putter down back country roads and it looks like I got more than I bargained for. Did a original 914 have a large oil radiator cooler like the one in my picture? I think I have some BMW brake parts also. Is that a O2 sensor in the exhaust pipe in front of the muffler?

[Brookshire my]

This Boge set on Ebay appears to have much smaller rear coil springs.
https://www.ebay./

[Tobra]

That oil cooler is aftermarket, definitely KYB shocks, aka kill your back.

Boge was standard, I think you could get Koni as an upgrade. I think Bilstein is probably the best overall choice. If I remember right, they do not fit interchangeably, Boge insert for a Boge shock, Koni insert for Koni shock etc

[Brookshire my]

What additional parts would I need to install these Boge shocks?

[mepstein]

That looks like a great kit for your needs. I once had kyb - kill your back shocks on my car. I hated the ride. Stock Boge should give you what you are looking for. You can also play with the tire pressure. Unfortunately, most tires these days are designed around heavier cars. Dropping a couple psi can really help.

[Brookshire my]

But do I need any more parts to install this kit?

[mepstein]

Why not ask AA.

[Brookshire my]

After looking further this whole set is probably what I need at least for the front end. The set I posted above probably does not have all the parts I need. Can anyone confirm?

[mepstein]

No, you don’t need replacement struts just to use oem style Boge inserts.

[Brookshire my]

Originally Posted by mepstein

No, you don’t need replacement struts just to use oem style Boge inserts.

The thing is I don’t know what brand struts are on the front now. Can you tell from this picture? I know the rears are KYB.

[mepstein]

You won’t be able to tell what the inserts are without dropping the strut. Jack up one side of the car, loosen the large nut at the top of the strut tower inside the front trunk with an impact gun. Push the strut down through the tower, collaps the rod and move the strut from under the lip of the fender. Use a pipe wrench to remove the gland nut that holts the insert into the strut.
The good thing is the stock Boge struts can accept Boge Bilstein or Koni inserts.

[mepstein]

Dp

[Brookshire my]

Will give it a try and see what is inside!

[Rodsrsr]

I went with that Boge factory strut set and am very pleased with the ride. Your struts are 4 bolt so they are factory and the Boge kit should be all you need. If you're looking for factory ride I wouldn't waste the extra money on Konis. If it were my car i would install the Boge's all around, (the included correct springs will set the rear back to factory ride height) re-set the front height via torsion bar adjusters, source a factory 15mm sway bar (which will bolt right up) and call it a day. But as others have said, to be sure just remove one of the front inserts to confirm what you have.

That oil cooler is a nice aftermarket piece. Very common upgrade on these cars.

[Brookshire my]

I’m at the tire place now and received a minor shock. When I earlier stated the tires I am having replaced were 7 years old I had only checked the front tires. Rear tires have a date of 1997! That’s 28 years old. Bet the new tires are a bit more compliant. Rim on skinnier spare is a painted over rusty mess. I assume I might find a descent used replacement in the want ads section. Anyone know a best source for a good used rim?