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Posted by: tomeric914 Jan 25 2014, 11:14 PM

I was looking for details on the interwebs on coil overs with helper springs in particular for the Porsche 914 and found not much at all. There was something pretty close on an Audi forum, but not close enough. I was looking for a cost effective coil over setup that works and found http://shop.a1racing.com who had everything I needed at a decent price.

Zero rate helper spring keep the main spring pressed against its perches when jacking up the vehicle or any time the suspension is fully extended. These helpers are usually needed when running a spring rate higher than 150 pounds (in a 914), otherwise the back end of the car will be too high.

Below is a parts list, visual parts list, and video of how it all goes together. The part numbers listed are specific to A-1 Racing's website.

This is one of many ways to get to an easily adjustable suspension setup. Main spring rate will depend on your driving style and intentions for your car.

Note that part numbers BRP597 and 12460 have been modified slightly to allow for full compression of the helper spring. If not modified, the floater will contact the adjusting nut before the helper spring is fully compressed causing all of the force from the main spring to press against the thin aluminum coupler. The coupler will fail.

The floater / coupler does go on the bottom. Otherwise, the helper and main spring will have no lateral support.

As with any modification, proceed with caution. If you don't know what you're doing, STOP and find someone who does.

Parts List:

12456 - Threaded Coil Over Sleeve 7" (qty 2)
12460 - 2-1/2" Coil Over Adjusting Nut (qty 2)
12470 - 2-1/2" Non-Slotted Coil Over Top Hat (qty 2)
BRP597 - Coil Over Spring Floater / Coupler (qty 2)
PROZ902 - Coil Over Adjustment Wrench (qty 1)
HYPCS100 - Hypercoil Zero Rate Helper Spring (qty 2)
HYP1810B - Hypercoil Main Spring (qty 2) - you must select the spring load




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGIrZ1sJVdc

Posted by: mrbubblehead Jan 26 2014, 12:17 AM

awsome. i added up all the parts and it came out to 310 bucks. now, what about the fronts????

Posted by: mrbubblehead Jan 26 2014, 12:23 AM

735 bucks at elephant.

Posted by: Starlack Jan 26 2014, 12:45 AM

Hello and good day
I'm interested in the Coil Cover parts.

Is there also a ADJUSTING NUT for series springs?

Posted by: Woody Jan 26 2014, 06:56 AM

Check out Rebel Racing. That's where I bought mine from and am very satisfied.

Posted by: tomeric914 Jan 26 2014, 07:18 AM

The fronts can be done with a different set of parts from A-1 and a little fabrication. When you fabricate yours, post up a similar parts list and video!

Posted by: Cupomeat Jan 26 2014, 10:12 AM

Nicely done Tom!

Thanks

Posted by: kid914 Jan 26 2014, 11:00 AM

Can you post pics of them installed?

I would love to see the stance before I order.
Thanks for the nice write-up and lists with part#'s and video, along with the web site info.

Posted by: tomeric914 Jan 26 2014, 11:18 AM

You're welcome! The beauty behind fully adjustable coil overs is that you can set the height to pretty much anything you want, within reason.

I'm using 200 lb springs which works for my setup in particular. I would NOT suggest 200 lb springs with an otherwise stock suspension.

Posted by: Starlack Jan 26 2014, 11:52 AM

Hello
I read here in the springs, the designation 2-1/2 ID.
What does this designation. Can you convert this name in cm?

Posted by: Harpo Jan 26 2014, 12:36 PM

About 63.5mm = 6.35cm

Posted by: Starlack Jan 26 2014, 12:52 PM

Thank you.

Ok so the 2-1/2 is the indication in "Zoll" or inches

Posted by: mrbubblehead Jan 26 2014, 01:43 PM

2-1/2 ID...... ID= inside diameter
63.5mm ID

Posted by: tomeric914 Jan 26 2014, 02:41 PM

A couple of other details:

- The top hat center hole diameter is roughly 14.5mm which allows it to "float" on the shock absorber piston rod. Some choose not to run helper springs and zip tie or safety wire the spring to the top hat. There are two holes through the top hat specifically for the purpose of wiring the spring to it.

- Once the bottom adjustment nut is set to your liking, there is a nylon tipped set screw that holds the adjustment. Time will tell how well this holds up. Other designs use a split adjustment nut that has a means of tightening the diameter of the nut to the threaded sleeve.

- The body diameter of the Bilstein is 1.975" by my measurement or roughly 50mm. The ID of the threaded sleeve that slips over the shock is 1.993".

- The outer diameter at the circlip on the shock is 2.09" by my measurement. This fits nicely inside the recess of the threaded sleeve which is 2.10". That recess is only on one side of the sleeve for a depth of .590".

- Total travel of the Bilstein rear shock specific to the 914 is roughly 8".

Posted by: 3d914 Jan 26 2014, 04:37 PM

Excellent job Tom, thanks for all the details.

This is a good alternative to fully adjustable Bilsteins.
Which Bilsteins are you using and what drove your choice of the 200# springs?

Posted by: tomeric914 Jan 26 2014, 07:26 PM

Thanks Gerard and Scotty.

I had 180 progressives and 21mm torsion bars up front so I bumped it up to 200 lb springs. I was going to go to 225 lb but wanted to stick with something close to what I have now. The car is mainly set up for DEs, hence the higher spring rate. The ride is stiff, but not unbearable.

The Bilsteins are the standard off the shelf variety for 914. If I go much higher than 200 lbs springs, I'll need to get into revalved shocks.

The coil overs came into play for a little weight savings and to get the rear lowered down.

Posted by: kid914 Feb 10 2014, 09:01 PM

Would you be able to post pics of the stance?

Posted by: tomeric914 Feb 10 2014, 09:13 PM

The stance can be anything you want it to be within reason and within the adjustment sleeve which is 7" long. Still working on the car so no pictures just yet.

Posted by: Mark Henry Jan 16 2020, 04:52 PM

Six years old but a good how to, the vid and DYI is very well done and deserves a bump.
I just priced it out so i thought I would share, for the above parts as of 2020, a1racing.com, soup to nuts is $308 plus $10 for the wrench.

Posted by: CptTripps Mar 29 2021, 06:40 AM

Bumping an old topic, but does anyone have experience with this kit? (Good, or Bad)

http://www.autoatlanta.com/Porsche-Rear-Coil-Over-Kit-springs-Sleeves-Hats-&-Collars-with-S-Parts-PN-RRSRRCOK914.html

Posted by: mlindner Mar 29 2021, 06:56 AM

I went with Ground Control, great product for 914s and service and price to match. Best, Mark