Someone please explain this...
 

I just bought the book "How To Restore & Modify Your Porsche 914" by Patrick C. Paternie. I have a question about something mentioned in the book. On page 80 in the chapter on suspension it says "A quick and dirty method of setting ride height used by 914 owners, especially those who autocross, is to set the rear height so that the distance between the fender lip and the wheel rim is 1.75 inches. Set the front so that it sits a half-inch lower than the rear". What does this do , and why is it a quick and dirty method?

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James
Cincinnati, OH
1972 1.7L 914

I don't believe it takes into account proper alignment for a lowered car. When you unscrew your front suspension adjusters or lower too far you need to at least get the bump steer kit


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CWP/VIR
72 914 L20E in rusto.
73 914 L20E 2.0L in resto.
http://members.rennlist.com/a914lover

James:

I bought that book several months back and as a "How To-" book at fell short of the mark. I like the history in the front and there a couple of good hints scattered throughout the book, but it is hardly comprehensive. I ordered it on-line and didn't realize how thin it was.

At any rate, the "quick and dirty" method does little for the car but lower it. Like Conrad implies, your alignment will be off. If the rear is lowered with springs or adjustable shock perches (or, like my '72, both) and you lower the front by cranking down the torsion bar adjusters, you will have to get a 4 wheel alignment (around the $200.00 mark) The rear may need shims in order to rectify camber problems (deviation from vertical) and the front, when cranked down may effect toe-in/out. This can be partially compensated for with a bump steer kit but the toe will still possibly be off and require the use of equipment I'm willing to bet you don't have.

"Quick" sure, the "Dirty" part is where you negatively effect your handling or end up needing tires before their time would naturally be up.

My $.02

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Herb
'72 1.7 Tangerine 'Teen
'74 2.0 Red Rustmobile