How much more fun with suspension upgrades ?

[ThomasSF]

My 89 944 NA is going to need new shocks (99% street car). I could take this opportunity to upgrade the whole suspension. Here is what I am thinking about (the "sport" package from Clark's garage):

- Koni sport all around
- 225 lb/inch springs
- 26mm torsion bars
- 968 M030 sway bars

This represents a fair amount of money, especially given the car's original price (although this 944 is in very good condition). What I am looking for is testimonies of NA owners who have considered or undergone similar modifications before I make the jump. I realize the car's strength lies more in handling than raw power and I really like it on twisty roads.

Can you tell me more about how much more fun to drive this car is after suspension upgrades (on the street) ? It is going to be less comfortable on bumpy streets too, do any of you regret their "upgrades" ?

Thanks!

[racer]

As a 99% street car, you may not like it.. and wonder why you spent $2000 to do it. Then again, maybe it will help you down the slippery slope towards a 99% track car

I spent a huge chunk of money on a previous track car to upgrade the suspension (Torsion bars, shocks, swaybars, bushings, wheels, tires etc). The car was SOOO much better at the track. Dropped about 4+ seconds per lap at Watkins Glen (from 2:21-22s to consistent 2:17s) Wasn't too much harsher on the roads, to be fair, but noticable vs the previous stockish ride.

However, I could have sold the car, taken that money, added in what I spent on suspension and bought a newer (nicer?) car and still gone 4+ seconds per lap faster.

The fact is, your current suspension is 21 years old. Even going back to original, new components should make the car feel more responsive. Be honest and consider how you plan to use the car in the future... because no one likes doing the same work twice.

[Cocacolakidd]

I would defiantly go with the Koni's as they can be adjusted for the ride stiffness or comfort as wanted -

I used lower springs , Weltmaster 1 1/2" down 250# springs front, Rear Koni Coil overs at 100# (did not replace or re-index torsion bars). Of course all Koni Struts/shocks (M474). Lowered rear 1 1/4" by re-index swing arm system. 30mm front (Mo30) sway bar, and 19mm (Mo30) rear sway bar - All was well until I come across some larger than normal speed bumps around town - because of being lowered. All was more sporty but still comfortable enough for my girls and dating.

I also installed upper adjustable strut bearing/carriers - They let you feel much more responsive than the OEM rubber ones, no one besides me likes the ride now though - they are more rough and nosier than the OEM rubber strut bearings.

Have pfunn

[Techno Duck]

Don't bother with torsion bars.

200lb springs (weltmeister lowering or go adjustable rIde height), koni's on all corners and drop the rear using the camber eccentric. Add sways or your choice, used turbo bars or the m030 968 plus a good alignment and you are in around $1k. Lowering is not realy necessary but at the least even the ride height out front to rear. The US spec 944 was set with the rear slightly higher to comply with DOT regs.

I used this basic setup with a few other things for 4 years of track/auto-x and some 40k street miles and enjoyed it. It's cheap and improves the handling. I think it's the best 'budget' sporty suspension you can do. There are better parts and setups you can get but from a cost standpoint for a street only car I think it's hard too beat.

It is stiffer on the street, but not overly so in my opinion.

[The Glademister]

Don't forget your tires and wheels have a huge impact on ride and handling. For example - if the car has 205 x 50 x 16 on it you can effectively lower it by going with 205 x 50 x 15. Although the 15" wheels won't look as cool - consider them as an option in your suspension setup.

[smokin_944]

I can't tell you how much more fun you'd have but I have a similar setup to what you are contemplating. IMO the stock torsion bars are too soft for any hard driving and will attenuate the results of the upgrade. As soon as the rest of the suspension is stiffened up, the rear end will be the weak spot. My car is nasty stiff (i run 18s on my car, 235/18s, 275/18s)on bad roads but on a highway or a twisty road...hehehe The setup you are considering is very nice. Don't forget to brace the fatboy on the front (30mm bar) with a sway bar bracket support. Good luck and keep us posted!

[8ballphoto]

I have about the same set up as Tecno. The car is very neutral on the track and AX but still OK for the street. I have 225/50x15 all the way around. I wouldn't go with a wider tire on the back if you want to drive it hard. Thing will push if you do. Also, Lindsey Racing makes a 19mm 5 way bar for the rear. Helps balance the car if you don't change the T bars.

[Eric_Oz_S2]

For reference I have 350# front and 24 tbars + 250 springs (approx to about 29 tbars) with koni's and the car is not at all uncomfortable on the road. The 944 stock suspension is really soft, softer than my daily driver hatchback. I guess it is relative, as I understand that in the US cars are set up a lot softer than in Europe or here in Australia. In my opinion a BMW Z4 (Australian Spec) is still stiffer than my S2 with the above setup.