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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Want a smoother ride
Posted by: jack20 Mar 22 2015, 11:56 PM
I returned to a 914 after 32 yrs. I don't remember my last one, a 74, riding so rough.
This new 74 rattles my teeth. I did the old school bounce test on the fenders to check the shocks and it only bounced once. Is this a valid test on these cars?
The PO did lower the front and that may account for some of the rough ride. Not sure how old the shocks are...could be original...yet they did pass the bounce test...
Should I replace them for a better ride?
Thanks,
Jack
Posted by: Cuda911 Mar 23 2015, 12:08 AM
Check the tires. When I bought my '73 it rode like that. The tires turned out to be from 1996! They were hard as rocks.
Posted by: jack20 Mar 23 2015, 12:15 AM
Check the tires. When I bought my '73 it rode like that. The tires turned out to be from 1996! They were hard as rocks.
Tires are brand new and inflated properly.
Posted by: messix Mar 23 2015, 12:35 AM
what shocks are on it?
kyb?
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 23 2015, 04:03 AM
I JUST swapped out my rear KYB's for Sachs/Boge and new 100 lb springs this weekend. Makes a difference. I was sort of experiencing the same thing you describe. If I hit a bump in the road the impact seemed to shake through the frame. Now it's much better. If you have old suspension components (or KYB), look to replace - you'll be glad you did. Oh, and my car also passed the "bounce test" before the swap, so that's probably not a good indicator.
Posted by: Nozzle Mar 23 2015, 07:00 AM
I JUST swapped out my rear KYB's for Sachs/Boge and new 100 lb springs this weekend. Makes a difference. I was sort of experiencing the same thing you describe. If I hit a bump in the road the impact seemed to shake through the frame. Now it's much better. If you have old suspension components (or KYB), look to replace - you'll be glad you did. Oh, and my car also passed the "bounce test" before the swap, so that's probably not a good indicator.
I had almost the exact experience. Very old aftermarket shocks and sagging springs replaced with stock rated springs and Boge shocks made a huge difference. I know at least one old shock on the front was frozen but passes the bounce test. Now rides beautifully.
Posted by: JStroud Mar 23 2015, 08:25 AM
I was after the same thing a couple of years ago, replaced my shocks and struts, it helped but wasn't quite good enough. Then I changed my suspension bushings with the elephant racing setup.......oh my god, that was like night and day, such a better ride, made me wonder if I wasted my money replacing the shocks and struts.
Disconnect a shock or strut and see if your suspension moves freely, some of mine I could barely move by hand it was so stiff, after the elephant bushings I can move them up and down with one finger. Everyone automatically thinks shocks, check your bushings.
Hoe this helps.
Posted by: jack20 Mar 23 2015, 11:46 AM
I was after the same thing a couple of years ago, replaced my shocks and struts, it helped but wasn't quite good enough. Then I changed my suspension bushings with the elephant racing setup.......oh my god, that was like night and day, such a better ride, made me wonder if I wasted my money replacing the shocks and struts.
Disconnect a shock or strut and see if your suspension moves freely, some of mine I could barely move by hand it was so stiff, after the elephant bushings I can move them up and down with one finger. Everyone automatically thinks shocks, check your bushings.
Hoe this helps.
Not sure what kind of shocks I have. PO had the car for 32 years so I'm assuming they're original. (Orange in color both shocks and struts)
Thanks to all for chiming in.
Jim, I will check the bushings first. Thanks!
Jack
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 23 2015, 11:53 AM
They are probably KYB based on their color (and age). If you look at them, the lower spring retainer (or spring perch) may be integrated into the unit. I don't know if all KYB's were that way on 914's, but the two I've had were. The bad news is when you replace them you're going to have to source that spring perch, and they are NLA. The perch is seen below on my new shock. Put a WTB in the classifieds.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: Chris Pincetich Mar 23 2015, 12:10 PM
New suspension bushings make a world of a difference 
Like JStroud said - almost a waste of $$ to replace shocks first.
I went with an expensive needle-bearing setup. Very little friction and zero sticktion. I feel some chassis vibration because they are basically solid and unforgiving, but the car "floats" over most bumps.
I rebuilt the entire suspension on my 914 and have yet to do much engine work at all
Posted by: Andyrew Mar 23 2015, 12:49 PM
Needle bearings will make your whole setup much less stiff and efficient.
When asked about tires it was most likely to determine what size tires you have, a taller sidewall will eat up quite a few bumps, whereas a small/stiff sidewall will cause for quite a bit more road feel.
You need to determine what you currently have and its condition prior to any suggestions being made.
1. Tires, brand and size
2. Bushings - Old/worn or new and what type
3. Shocks, front and back - what are they and how old
4. Rear springs, We need pictures, measurements, and look at the top and bottom for markings
5. Torsion bars, Take one out and measure it with a dial caliper.
Sway bars dont make a difference for ride quality.
Posted by: Kansas 914 Mar 23 2015, 12:56 PM
If they are KYB's it is good to know that KYB stands for Kick Your Butt...... 
Posted by: JmuRiz Mar 23 2015, 01:06 PM
Kill Your Back
Posted by: 914_teener Mar 23 2015, 03:10 PM
Needle bearings will make your whole setup much less stiff and efficient.
When asked about tires it was most likely to determine what size tires you have, a taller sidewall will eat up quite a few bumps, whereas a small/stiff sidewall will cause for quite a bit more road feel.
You need to determine what you currently have and its condition prior to any suggestions being made.
1. Tires, brand and size
2. Bushings - Old/worn or new and what type
3. Shocks, front and back - what are they and how old
4. Rear springs, We need pictures, measurements, and look at the top and bottom for markings
5. Torsion bars, Take one out and measure it with a dial caliper.
Sway bars dont make a difference for ride quality.
Great advice.......
Shocks and strut inserts are the icing on the cake.
Posted by: thelogo Mar 23 2015, 08:45 PM
New suspension bushings make a world of a difference
Like JStroud said - almost a waste of $$ to replace shocks first.
I went with an expensive needle-bearing setup. Very little friction and zero sticktion. I feel some chassis vibration because they are basically solid and unforgiving, but the car "floats" over most bumps.
I rebuilt the entire suspension on my 914 and have yet to do much engine work at all
I like your style , all suspension upgrades
And little to none on the motor .
I mean that's what a 914 is all about right , dialeddd in handling +
So where does on start when doing a complete suspension overhaul
Parts shopping I would assume , should I look for mostly stockish stuff
Or go all out $$$ with elephant racing parts ....
Advice and some direction would be helpful on this
I'm not a racer but would like a nice setup , non adjuste able is fine for meme
Posted by: Andyrew Mar 24 2015, 07:52 AM
Tell us every detail on your current setup.
Engine
wheels/tires
What suspension you think you have
seats.
Posted by: Chris Pincetich Mar 24 2015, 08:40 AM
[/quote]
Advice and some direction would be helpful on this
[/quote]
For me, my front had taken a hit and was a bit tweaked, so I bought a used, complete 914 front suspension. All except struts. Then, I cleaned, painted, and rebuilt it piece by piece. Turbo tie rods are worth the $$$. New ball joints. New bushings. Then, swap the whole assembly in. There are only like 8 bolts to do this! For the rear, the adjustable spring perches/sleeves are worth the $$: endless spring choices and easy ride height adjustment.
"Rebuild suspension first" was the advice of many weekend and serious racers on this message board. I'm just repeating sound advice
My 914 has transitioned from cafe racer back to racy commuter 
Posted by: jack20 Mar 24 2015, 11:25 AM
Tell us every detail on your current setup.
Engine
wheels/tires
What suspension you think you have
seats.
My car is a 74 2.0. 185x65x15 Kuhmo tires on Fuchs wheels. Suspension components are stock with new 100# springs (rear was sagging). Front end has been lowered by the PO who thought she wanted to AX the car but lost interest. The car is bone stock and unmolested. Seats are original.
Hope this helps.
Posted by: OU8AVW Mar 24 2015, 11:43 AM
Take lots of pictures of your car with scantily clad ladies washing it.....
Then we'll figure out your problem 
My new KYB suck..... I'm saving for new shocks.
Posted by: veekry9 Mar 24 2015, 10:22 PM
Bushings are likely buggered,the rubber must be burned or pressed out and replaced.
While you're in there,check your brakes and everything else.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=914+front+suspension+bushings&biw=1280&bih=616&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=dTcSVcbvNISZyASG1IKYAg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=195727
Posted by: Perry Kiehl Clone Mar 25 2015, 07:27 AM
I'll 2nd bushing replacement, but I disagree on the needle bearings in place of the rubber bushings. The rubber bushing are compliant and flex. While the needle bearings work smoother, they have zero flex and require more maintenance.
I'd set the ride height to stock specs, which is much higher than most 914's end up. The higher the ride the more your shocks and springs will actually work, but to most of us it looks a bit funky. Just make sure the car sits at least 1/4" lower in the front.
Posted by: Hank914 Mar 28 2015, 12:19 AM
"When asked about tires it was most likely to determine what size tires you have, a taller sidewall will eat up quite a few bumps, whereas a small/stiff sidewall will cause for quite a bit more road feel."
Posted by: Andyrew Mar 28 2015, 01:00 AM
First check your tire pressure. If your running 40psi, drop it down to 30, if your running 30 psi try 25 but check your tires every couple thousand miles for odd wear.
Grab some bilstein or koni shocks, Adjust them to full soft.
Take out the front torsion bars and check if they are stock/stock diameter.
Replace your bushings with nice new ones. Something that gives less resistance can help, but you want to make sure they are installed properly if you put poly or stock bushings in (check for binding)
Also getting the suspension back to an appropriate ride height will help, if its lowered you might be seeing some bump steer (hit a bump, suspension arm bottoms out and steers the car) There are kits for this.
The stock suspension is pretty plush, with 65 series tires you really shouldnt be seeing much of a rough ride no matter what your suspension is..
Posted by: Ian Stott Mar 28 2015, 04:08 AM
I run 205/60 15 Bridgestone Potenza's at 28 lbs of pressure, replaced the tired original springs with 100 lb springs and all else is stock. Drove from Chris Foley's shop in Conn. to Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada in one day and was very comfortable. Got a nice compliment about the car from the State Trooper in Maine who gave me a speeding ticket! For a street car that seems like a nice setup, I will look at my bushings when I am back at Tangerine Racing and see what Chris thinks.
Ian Stott
Moncton
Canada
Posted by: jack20 Mar 28 2015, 09:28 AM
First check your tire pressure. If your running 40psi, drop it down to 30, if your running 30 psi try 25 but check your tires every couple thousand miles for odd wear.
Grab some bilstein or koni shocks, Adjust them to full soft.
Take out the front torsion bars and check if they are stock/stock diameter.
Replace your bushings with nice new ones. Something that gives less resistance can help, but you want to make sure they are installed properly if you put poly or stock bushings in (check for binding)
Also getting the suspension back to an appropriate ride height will help, if its lowered you might be seeing some bump steer (hit a bump, suspension arm bottoms out and steers the car) There are kits for this.
The stock suspension is pretty plush, with 65 series tires you really shouldnt be seeing much of a rough ride no matter what your suspension is..
Thanks for weighing in with these tips. I'll tackle them in $$ order.
Posted by: jack20 Mar 28 2015, 09:50 AM
Thanks to everyone who responded to this post. While this is my 3rd 914, I'm 32 years between #2 and #3. I knew nothing about those cars except i loved driving them. They were fairly new and only needed oil, valves, tires and wax. Although this car is 100% original it's tired. I very much appreciate the helpful spirit of the members of this forum.
I'm enjoying this car in a whole new way.
Jack
Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 28 2015, 10:59 AM
New suspension bushings make a world of a difference
Like JStroud said - almost a waste of $$ to replace shocks first.
I went with an expensive needle-bearing setup. Very little friction and zero sticktion. I feel some chassis vibration because they are basically solid and unforgiving, but the car "floats" over most bumps.
I rebuilt the entire suspension on my 914 and have yet to do much engine work at all
I have little doubt your factory bushings are basically made of rock now. You can test this by taking the wheel off and disconnecting the shock. Then, push up on the control arm. Can't move it? That's stiction. I used Elephant Bushings and when you do that same test, you can easily and smoothly move it through it's entire range of motion. This is the point at which your shocks become relevant. Now they can actually do the job. You can't believe how they suck up road imperfections. I highly recommend them.
Posted by: Andyrew Mar 28 2015, 12:26 PM
^ Good points. While your checking your torsion bars this is probably your next thing.
Posted by: Mike Bellis Mar 28 2015, 11:57 PM
Oddly enough, when I added stiffer rear springs it smoothed out my harsh ride. I went from 180lb to 225lb. My front Bilstein shocks were very stiff. The stiffer rear totally changed the dynamics of the suspension.
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