Suspension Setup Article - Need your input!

[3D914]

I've noticed several posting about rear suspension setup, and I'm at the point where I need to do something with mine as well. I would like to gather as much detail information about current setups and compile this for a PP Tech article (all contributors will be mentioned in article).

Here's what I need:

[*]Rear shock manufacturer & model[*]If adjustable shacks were used, note which setting is being used.[*]Rear spring manufacturer & weight (100, 110, 140, etc) - also note if any cutting was done to reduce unsprung height, then also provide installed height of spring.[*]Tire size (205/65-HR15)[*]Wheel size 15x5.5[*]Rear - Left & Right measurements: measure from level floor to circular jack pad (under car).[*]Front - Left & Right measurements: same as rear.[*]Add any pertinent info that would affect final ride height, like; V8 installed, or mother-in-law in trunk.[/list]
I might suggest that contributors cut&paste this list into an email (with your data added) and send to me directly.

Thanks,


------------------
Gerard
74-914 2.0L
3D914
rodrigos6@juno.com

[Jim Smolka]

Here is my setup.

180 Springs.
Koni Adj Sport Shocks (lowest setting)
Poly type bushings from Pelican
Stock trailing arms.

Tires:
Street Tires 205x16x55 on 16x6 Fuchs
Old Track Tires: 205x16x55 on 16x6 Fuchs


New Track Tires 225x15x50 on 15x7 944 Phone Dials



[This message has been edited by Jim Smolka (edited 10-13-2001).]

[Brant]

Here is my rear set up on the rear:

-adj. rear spring perches
-225lb rear springs
-ext. adjustable koni shocks
-boxed trailing arms
-braced suspension console
-7 x 15 inch rims
-hard poly bushings
-rear welt. sway bar with adjustable drop links.

2.0 4 cylinder car.

brant

[Brant]

Gerard asked about ride heights. I'm sorry I don't actually have those numbers with me, and I'm not even sure that I kept them after my last corner balance job. (As a side note I was able to get my corner balance within 5lbs total, with driver).

The ride heights that you use should be dependant upon hardware and not set in stone. Here are a couple of my observations:
- slight downward rake towards the front of the car.
- too low is not even good on the track. My car is a track only car and I don't worry about dips as much as I do about track edges now.
- There needs to be both suspension travel and air flowing under the car.
- Of course the lower the center of gravity is the better to a point.
- Pay attention to the angle on the steering rods and set your front ride height so as not too compromise this.

I'm using 225/50 tires all around and of course your tire selection is going to have an impact upon the ride height numbers as well.

Long story short..... I didn't answer your question Gerard. I choose to go very low as my car is only on the track. I would recommend that you set your front ride height enough to clear a parking curb and then put the rear at a slight upward rake.

With the adjustable rear collars it is infinitely adjustable. You can always index your front torsion bars as well. I'm guessing that my front suspension bolts have 5 or 6 inches of clearance but this is on an aluminum front cross frame and may not directly correlate to a steel front cross frame measurement. I don't set my heights to a certain measurement, but rather, I set them to my needs and then make sure they are equal.

Hope this is of some assistance.
brant

[Eat-um-up]

I am curious. what is all that information for stock specks?

------------------
Sweet Blue 72' 914
Check it out at
http://www.geocities.com/eat_um_up/914.html

[3D914]

OK, here's some more detail.

Brant, the reason I was after specific measurements is to give others an idea what setup they could use to get a specific height (or range of heights). As you mentioned, your rear collars allow setup to be infinitely adjustable - and this would be an important factor for the data I'm compiling. If you'd be willing to provide at least your current heights (measured as indicated), then I can relate that to your setup.

Eat-um-up, I would like to know that as well. The stock parts would be no problem, but finding the stock heights might be more of a challenge. All I know is that mine are way too high - just over 7in (from ground to circular jack pad) in rear, and 5in in front. The rear tires barely sit inside the wheel well (1/2 in overlap, maybe).

I just figured all this effort I go thru shouldn't have to be redone by others - especially if I can gain input from those who have already done it.

Thanks,


------------------
Gerard
74-914 2.0L
3D914
rodrigos6@juno.com

[campbellcj]

My current setup:

Rear shocks: Bilstein
Rear springs: Weltmeister 140lb (not cut), regular "slot-type" (not threaded) perches
Tire size: 205/50-15
Wheel size: 15x5.5 Fuchs street, 15x6 Panasport track
Swaybar: factory
Heights: 22 1/2" front, 21 3/4" rear
Rear alignment: -2 degs camber, 3/32" toe-in

(I have the corner weights etc. if that helps.)

Next month I will be going to 180lb rear springs and 22mm tubular front torsion bars. I am undecided on the swaybars but will either go to a 22 up front and keep the rear, or keep the 19 up front and remove the rear.

Cheers,

------------------
Chris C.
73 914 2.0
70 911E Targa
campbell.chris@gte.net

[This message has been edited by campbellcj (edited 10-09-2001).]

[JP Noonan]

75 2.0L with A/C

21mm torsion bars
turbo tie rod ends
ATS 15x5.5
195/50/15 Yoko's
Bilsteins all around, rears on middle setting
165 lbs. progressive springs.
Front A-arms are parallel to ground.
Stock front sway bar

Cars in the paint shop (still!!!) I rolled the rear fenders and will try 205/55 or 205/60's next.

[Jim Smolka]

Here is a couple of pictures of my car with various tire setups.

New Track Tires: 225x15x50 Komo Victor Racers