suspension upgrade-what to do?

[rfuerst911sc]

1975 chassis and I am converting the front struts to 1972 911T with housings,inserts,hubs and brakes. While I'm in there I'll do turbo tie rods,balljoints etc. I'm keeping the 914 A arms but I'm thinking of bumping up the torsion bars? Car will be street driver,autocross and maybe a DE or two each year. So what size torsion bars to go with? I see the difference between solid and hollow on this site is only about $30.00 or so, is the hollow worth it? The car currently does not have any sway bars should I consider at least a front bar? I kinda like the 911 under body sway bars as they are cheap and easy to install, I can weld the u-tabs on myself so is a 911 front sway bar O.K.? Or should I go "thru body"? I will probably do Elephant Racing poly bronze bushings also. Did I forget anything? Oh I will be running Fuchs in 16x7 + 16x8 with 205/55 + 245/45 tires under metal GT flares. Thanks guys

[J P Stein]

The key to good suspension is adjustibility. The under car 911 sway bar isn't adjustable, IIRC

As to Torsion bars, the first upgrade from stock (17.sumthin mm) is clear to 21mm. ...a big jump and not too shiney for a street used car. Also, one needs to balance the rear springs to the fronts......the 21s need 200+ pounds in the rear.

A good set up for a combo car is stock front T bars, 19mm adjustable (thru the body) anti roll bar & 140 pound rears....preferably on adjustable perches.

It's a slippery slope.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

IMHO, the hollow bars aren't worth it. They only lose a minuscule amount of weight, and it's way down low where it's not that harmful.

Front sway bar: YES. Through-body, preferably; the geometry is better and it's easier to make adjustable.

Uprated torsion bars? Not for me personally, but I know people who have 'em and love 'em--with the rest of the suspension upgraded as well, of course.

--DD

[Brother]

Just like what JP was saying, I have stock front t bars, roll bar, and 140# rear springs.

I cannot imagine being able to stand much more with the roads where I live.

[rfuerst911sc]

Well you guys are saving me some money and that's a good thing! Looks like I'll stay with stock torsion bars with Elephant Racing polybronze bushings and go with a thru body sway bar. I knew I was going to have to upgrade the rear just didn't know to what, the suggestion on 140# springs is a big help. My rear shocks have BEP stamped on them is that a brand? Are they worth keeping or should I look for some Bilsteins? I have seen after market spring perches that fit Bilsteins and are adjustable I like the idea of that adjustability. What brands of sway bar are good? Thanks guys

[J P Stein]

The only 19mm AR bar I know of is the Weltmeister...not a bad rig & relatively cheep. I used one for a couple years.
You *can* get into a binding problem at the A arm attach point, so keep an eye on it.
Do you have the U tabs on the top of your A arms for the downlinkmounts? Upper part of pic. .....

[Bleyseng]

Sway Bar brands are Weltmeiser, Tarret and Hmmm can't remember anyothers worth a hoot.
I just looked and PP sells both..the Tarret is really nice but $$$$. Did I say really nice as it might be worth the extra $200 over the Weltmeiser.

[J P Stein]

I ran the 19mm bar at full soft with the above set-up.

The Tarret rig is 22mm...nice tho, I use one now days, but my streetable suspension is just a memory.

[Brother]

I have the weltmeister bar up front and koni adjustable shocks. I would like to start playing with the shock adjustments a little, but I don't have any issues now.