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Posted by: VolksSled May 15 2023, 08:34 AM

Can someone recommend where to buy replacement shock s and struts

I’m looking for the most comfortable ride not knife edge handling

Since I’ve gotten back into 914 s I’m seeing coil over rear setups being sold now

Should I be leaning towards that or just replacing the stock stuff

?



And what kinda budget should i plan for ?$

( I already know I don’t have elephant racing type money $ ) *


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Posted by: Cairo94507 May 15 2023, 08:54 AM

Give Eric Shea at PMB Performance a call. They can advise you and set you up.

https://pmbperformance.com

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com May 15 2023, 08:59 AM

original sach boge brand oil shocks
and stock 85 lb springs

Posted by: VolksSled May 15 2023, 09:04 AM

I already have a pair of weltimestirr 100 lbs springs
But that other stuff sounds good

Do you sell the package without the springs ?

Posted by: VolksSled May 16 2023, 12:37 PM

http://www.autoatlanta.com/Porsche-914-6-Factory-Ride-And-Handling-Suspension-Package-Parts-PN-RBEK9146.html



Is this what I need ?

Says 914/6 , will it work on a 73 / 4 ?

Posted by: Dave_Darling May 16 2023, 01:49 PM

Note that the stock springs were in the range of 50-65 lb/in. The 100s, while sold as "replacement stock", are noticeably stiffer. The specs in the factory manuals are kind of odd, but Bruce Stone and I walked through the math needed to frame them as lb/in and it came out to that range. Which agrees with the numbers quoted in "Upfixin der Porsche", which is a good confirmation.

--DD

Posted by: VolksSled May 17 2023, 09:40 AM

Buller ? Anybody ?

Posted by: DRPHIL914 May 17 2023, 10:42 AM

I personally have and prefer the Bilistein shocks, i have the B6 sport, a bit stiffer with stock springs has a nice firm ride, with stock tires its more forgiving if you have lower profile tires then less-so. I do occasionally DE or AX and mountain carving so went with a slightly more performance feel.

Posted by: r_towle May 17 2023, 10:53 AM

For an adjustable ride to suit your needs, I would strongly suggest Koni.

Stock Boge struts and shocks leave you lacking the performance, and IMHO Bilstiens are just too stiff for a 914.

Koni gives you and adjustable range so you can choose what fits your style.

This is not a place I would suggest you go a cheap as possible, because you will end up replacing the boges with something stiffer.

Never buy KYB...they stink, do a search.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/KON86411077SPORT.htm?pn=KON-8641-1077SPORT&SVSVSI=715&DID=39090

Posted by: rhodyguy May 17 2023, 11:22 AM

Koni yellows at $185 per, fronts, @ Paragon Products. You adj the rebound rate? with a knob from the trunks. The adj rear perches with 100# springs work swell. I would call about availability first. You will prob be at $1k +/- all in.

Posted by: VolksSled May 17 2023, 12:36 PM

Posted by: JeffBowlsby May 17 2023, 02:10 PM

I vote for the Bilsteins. Have not tried Koni's but the Bils handle great.

Posted by: Steve May 17 2023, 04:24 PM

I have tried both. Koni's can be adjusted softer than Bilsteins. Note Koni's require rubber bumpstops. Bilstein does not.

Posted by: bbrock May 17 2023, 04:42 PM

I wound up going with Bilsteins and was concerned they would be a little too stiff for a street ride. I was pleasantly surprised at how supple they are. Firm, but supple which gives great handling and a comfortable ride. I've made several 400 mile straight through road trips in my car in total comfort. In fact, it's the only car I've ever owned that I can drive 400 miles and still be ready for more at the end of the trip.

Bottom line is I don't think you can go wrong with either Bilstein or Koni.

Posted by: JamesM May 17 2023, 05:20 PM

If comfortable ride is your goal its worth not overlooking the improvement that replacing the 50 year old rubber control arm bushings can make. Old rock hard rubber transfers a lot of vibration through the chassis regardless of the suspension you are running.

That along with additional sound deadening in the cabin can add a lot of the comfort level (in addition to sticking with all stock boge shocks and springs)

tire selection will also play a part in overall comfort.

Posted by: VolksSled May 17 2023, 10:46 PM

Bushings definitely

Posted by: zoomCat May 17 2023, 10:59 PM

Pelican Parts is having a sale on Koni at the moment.

Posted by: VolksSled May 17 2023, 11:33 PM

Posted by: Geezer914 May 18 2023, 05:03 AM

Just my opinion for what it's worth. You buy a sports car for the performance and handling. You buy a Cadillac for a comfortable ride. I am running 19mm torsion bars in front with 140lb. springs in the rear and Bilstein's all around. I am 75 and I like taking corners like it's riding on rails! Keeps my blood flowing and the heart pumping!

Posted by: VolksSled May 18 2023, 09:16 AM

I hear that ….

I think I’m going with bilsteins all around - from paragon
New front bushings - from 914 rubber

and 100 lbs springs ( I already have the springs )

Any other component I’m forgetting while “ I’m in there”
?

Posted by: Geezer914 May 18 2023, 09:23 AM

When you replace the front bushings, check the torsion bars for wear marks, if they are bad, replace the bars.

Posted by: r_towle May 18 2023, 11:16 AM

if you are replacing the front a-arm bushings you should replace the ball joints, wheel bearings and tie rods...just get it over with. Its all old.

Removing the a-arm requires removing the ball joint from the strut....so you are right there, a simple process with the a-arm in your hand.

Rich

Posted by: Geezer914 May 18 2023, 01:44 PM

Good advice Rich.

Posted by: VolksSled May 18 2023, 02:39 PM

Ok
But ? Then To turbo tie rod or not to turbo tie rod ?


Do those turbos belong on 914 s ?

Posted by: Steve May 18 2023, 10:26 PM

Yep!! Huge difference, but also depends on how warn out your stock tie rods are.

Posted by: mlindner May 19 2023, 05:12 AM

I love the Koni package that Ground Control offers. I run 180 lbs spring in the rear.

Posted by: Tdskip May 19 2023, 04:02 PM

Yes, on turbo tie rods, and from personal experience Koni reds or their Koni equivalent, are a good option

Posted by: Olympic 914 May 19 2023, 06:00 PM

Running the same Koni package from Ground Control.

But using 125# springs and stock torsion bars up front. F+R sway bars.

Ride is nice and handles great.

Posted by: rjames Aug 8 2023, 07:54 PM

About to purchase replacement shocks and struts. Finally replacing the KYBs the PO installed. I don’t see anything but Konis available for struts. Does Bilstein make struts?

I still have to stock springs on the car, but I have a box with nearly new 100 lb weltmeister springs that I plan on using. They measure ~ 10” unsprung. Will the Koni’s minimal height adjustment (compared to the Bilsteins) allow me to lower the rear enough?

Is mixing Konis in the front with Bils in the back a bad idea?

Leaning toward Konis, but worried about the limited height adjustment for the rears.

Posted by: brant Aug 8 2023, 08:06 PM

Tires will make the most difference in ride
The larger the profile/aspect ratio the better it will ride

Low profile tires even on soft shocks/springs will ride ruf

Posted by: Freezin 914 Aug 8 2023, 08:29 PM

Just to give a vote, I have Bilstein B6 on both my 911 and the 14, and would recommend them.

As for coil overs,, the spring rate makes all the difference. As some have stated some are 180# down to 100#. I personally like the ground control or Rebel racing ones. The coil over set ups allow for very precise ride height adjustments, and by running them opens up spring rate choices as well. Just my .02

Posted by: rjames Aug 8 2023, 08:30 PM

I have new 195/65s on now. Subtle difference from the 195/60s that were on there. (I’ll go back to 60s next time).

KYBs in the back are least 17 years old. Fronts could be the originals for all I know. One ball joint has a torn boot, so those will also get replaced. It’s time and I expect I’ll notice a difference in rife quality.

Posted by: Freezin 914 Aug 8 2023, 08:32 PM

Personally, I think it’s a bad idea to mix brands of shocks/struts. Valving, rebound ride consistency etc etc can become a problem.

Posted by: rjames Aug 8 2023, 08:34 PM

Would love the ground control option, but too much $.

Posted by: Freezin 914 Aug 8 2023, 08:45 PM

For my current car I bought a used (new) GC set up for reasonable money. (eBay)
For what it’s worth, on my last driver I put a used set of 100# springs on it, made a pretty substantial difference in ride and handling. And didn’t change the shocks or anything else do to money concerns. Car rode pretty low so it can be done without coil overs.


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Posted by: 914_teener Aug 10 2023, 12:56 PM

Think James said it:

But I'll add since you asked:

Stock sway bar with adjustable drop links
Ball Joints if they are the originals.
Turbo Tie rods if they are the stock or replace the stock tie rods.
Inspect the steering coupler and replace if worn or cracked
Check the Rear Bushings for wear and trailing arm condition.

Tires are considered with the above and ride height and personnel preferences.

Springs (Progressive or personnel preference) considering driving habits and desires and tire size. I ran 140 spring rates in the rear with adjustable perches.

Shocks (struts) are last.....so again driving preferences and habits. Personally I ran progressive Billy's on all four corners because I like the feeling of riding on rails.