Torsion Bar Question?

[seventythree]

I am in the process of overhauling the front control arms on my 73-2.0L.

The factory original torsion bars measure close to 18mm in diameter and are stamped A8 on one end.

I bought a pair of repainted torsion bars that measure the same (18mm) and are stamped J8 on one end.

Are the A8 and J8 torsion bars essentially the same?

I will be installing Koni Sport adjustables, new ball joint, and after market factory style rubber bushings.

I freshened up the rear suspension last year by installing Koni Sport adjustables with 150lb springs and Ground Control coil over kit.

Are factory 18mm torsion bars in the front a good match for the rear setup?

TIA

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

IIRC, they are just under 18mm, something like 17.9mm.

I don't know what the markings would mean. If they're not made out of different materials, the spring rate should be pretty much the same for a torsion bar of a given diameter.

The stock springs were rather less than 150 lb/in, so if you go with stock torsion bars up front and the 150s in the rear you will have a tail-happy 914. Either up the torsion bars by a few mm, or dial back the spring rate.

You can also add more effective front spring rate in roll by using a front sway bar. An adjustable 21mm or 22mm would be a decent match for 150s and stock torsions. The 19mm one I have is a little too soft, so the car is still a bit tail-happy. I cannot quite get enough front roll stiffness from the 19mm bar.

--DD