Home  |  Forums  |  914 Info  |  Blogs
 
914World.com - The fastest growing online 914 community!
 
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way.
Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
 

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

2 Pages V  1 2 >  
 Reply to this topicStart new topic
> bilstein shock questions, my V8 is sagging
xsJerry
post Jan 25 2012, 12:31 PM
Post #1


Newbie
*

Group: Members
Posts: 44
Joined: 26-November 11
From: Arcata, CA
Member No.: 13,822
Region Association: Northern California
my recently purchased '75 5.7 is sagging in the rear, and I'm hoping someone can help me out. The clips are set to highest setting and it's still low, and when I jounce the rear end, there's no movement. here's my questions:
1. what do I have now, the coil diameter is roughly 3.625 (92 mm) X .47 (12 mm).
2. Renegade recommends 200# springs but only sells the coil over kit $350 or so. Where can I get springs for this shock? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks


Attached image(s)
Attached Image
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Andyrew
post Jan 25 2012, 12:47 PM
Post #2


Spooling.... Please wait
**********

Group: Members
Posts: 13,380
Joined: 20-January 03
From: Riverbank, Ca
Member No.: 172
Region Association: Northern California
Show some pictures of the "sagging" rear..

You need to take the springs out and measure them, Throw weight on them till they compress 1", Do it again for 2" (If you have enough weight), as they could be progressive.

They are thick coils which makes me think aftermarket.

If you like the ride, but just want to raise it up, you can get some threaded collars from Coleman Racing. Double check your shock diameter with a dial caliper.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
jmmotorsports
post Jan 25 2012, 12:48 PM
Post #3


Member
**

Group: Members
Posts: 308
Joined: 15-August 06
From: Kelso,Wa.
Member No.: 6,658
Region Association: Pacific Northwest
Pelican Parts, Performance Products. AutoAtlanta, Paragon Performance. All of these guys should be able to set you up. You don't need a coil over setup.

Jerry
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
xsJerry
post Jan 25 2012, 02:12 PM
Post #4


Newbie
*

Group: Members
Posts: 44
Joined: 26-November 11
From: Arcata, CA
Member No.: 13,822
Region Association: Northern California
QUOTE(jmmotorsports @ Jan 25 2012, 10:48 AM) *

Pelican Parts, Performance Products. AutoAtlanta, Paragon Performance. All of these guys should be able to set you up. You don't need a coil over setup.

Jerry


Pelican and Paragon carry 180# springs. No dice on the 200#. anybody running 180s?
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
bulitt
post Jan 25 2012, 02:14 PM
Post #5


Achtzylinder
****

Group: Members
Posts: 4,189
Joined: 2-October 11
Member No.: 13,632
Region Association: South East States
Automotion also carries 200lb springs.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
jmmotorsports
post Jan 25 2012, 02:53 PM
Post #6


Member
**

Group: Members
Posts: 308
Joined: 15-August 06
From: Kelso,Wa.
Member No.: 6,658
Region Association: Pacific Northwest
QUOTE(bulitt @ Jan 25 2012, 12:14 PM) *

Automotion also carries 200lb springs.



180's will be fine. I ran them in my car for years with a SBC. Still have them in there with the LS1.

Jerry
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
sean_v8_914
post Jan 25 2012, 10:48 PM
Post #7


Chingon 601
****

Group: Members
Posts: 4,011
Joined: 1-February 05
From: San Diego
Member No.: 3,541
suspension is a system. Proper handling is a safety concern. I recommend taking the time to investigate. you already have heavy springs back there so what is wrong?
what torsions are up front?
are your gas charged Bilsteins blown?
are the top hats installed corrctly?
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
sean_v8_914
post Jan 25 2012, 10:51 PM
Post #8


Chingon 601
****

Group: Members
Posts: 4,011
Joined: 1-February 05
From: San Diego
Member No.: 3,541
have those springs been cut?
I think stacking weights and measuring is a bunch of bologna
I like fried bologna
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
xsJerry
post Jan 25 2012, 11:45 PM
Post #9


Newbie
*

Group: Members
Posts: 44
Joined: 26-November 11
From: Arcata, CA
Member No.: 13,822
Region Association: Northern California
QUOTE(sean_v8_914 @ Jan 25 2012, 08:48 PM) *

suspension is a system. Proper handling is a safety concern. I recommend taking the time to investigate. you already have heavy springs back there so what is wrong?
what torsions are up front?
are your gas charged Bilsteins blown?
are the top hats installed corrctly?


So, it looks to you that those are heavy springs? Being a newbie, I'm not sure I can answer any of those questions. If I pull them off things may become clearer. considering the size of the tires, I don't think the front can drop w/o clearance issues. on a side note, with the car level, I may put 50 series tires on it instead of 60s.

The car actually handles very well as is, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

also, as stated earlier, Automotion carries 200# springs for the 914, but they couldn't confirm they would fit on the Bilsiens (they are after marked right?).
thanks
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Chris Pincetich
post Jan 25 2012, 11:47 PM
Post #10


B-)
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,082
Joined: 3-October 05
From: Point Reyes Station, CA
Member No.: 4,907
Region Association: Northern California
more pics would help
Most 914s look low in back, that is normal
V8s are heavy, so yeah, yours could be suffering, but it could be "something else"
The coil-over conversion opens up a world of new options, which is why I pulled the trigger and got one. A set of springs is included in the cost (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
I am using 175# springs, stock TIV, newish Koni yellow shocks, 205/50 tires, but have needle bearing suspension pivot bushings so the 175# is not "as stiff" as if used with bushings that experience more friction
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
dlo914
post Jan 26 2012, 01:29 AM
Post #11


Whatchu' lookin' at?!?!
****

Group: Members
Posts: 3,433
Joined: 6-September 04
From: San Gabriel, CA
Member No.: 2,697
If ya eventually don't like the bilsteins, how much ya want for them? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
xsJerry
post Jan 26 2012, 11:59 AM
Post #12


Newbie
*

Group: Members
Posts: 44
Joined: 26-November 11
From: Arcata, CA
Member No.: 13,822
Region Association: Northern California
QUOTE(ChrisNPDrider @ Jan 25 2012, 09:47 PM) *

more pics would help
Most 914s look low in back, that is normal
V8s are heavy, so yeah, yours could be suffering, but it could be "something else"
The coil-over conversion opens up a world of new options, which is why I pulled the trigger and got one. A set of springs is included in the cost (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
I am using 175# springs, stock TIV, newish Koni yellow shocks, 205/50 tires, but have needle bearing suspension pivot bushings so the 175# is not "as stiff" as if used with bushings that experience more friction


here's some profile pics. I measured it at the donuts, and found about 3/8" lower in the rear (probably about 1/2" for the length of the car). It does give an impression of pointing upward as you are driving.


Attached image(s)
Attached Image Attached Image
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
xsJerry
post Jan 26 2012, 12:03 PM
Post #13


Newbie
*

Group: Members
Posts: 44
Joined: 26-November 11
From: Arcata, CA
Member No.: 13,822
Region Association: Northern California
it's also about 1/4" lower on the right side rear than the left. you can kind of see this in the photos (looks lower in the rear when looking at the passenger side)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Rand
post Jan 26 2012, 12:08 PM
Post #14


Cross Member
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 7,415
Joined: 8-February 05
From: OR
Member No.: 3,573
Region Association: None
QUOTE(xsJerry @ Jan 26 2012, 10:03 AM) *

it's also about 1/4" lower on the right side rear than the left. you can kind of see this in the photos (looks lower in the rear when looking at the passenger side)

Do some serious examination of the suspension console and ear on that side. I hope you don't find any serious rust or cracks.

I like the looks of the rear height as you have it. I would lower the front and put some lower profile tires on - but that's partially a personal taste thing. Then readjust the alignment. Maybe corner balance.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Eric_Shea
post Jan 26 2012, 12:31 PM
Post #15


PMB Performance
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 19,304
Joined: 3-September 03
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Member No.: 1,110
Region Association: Rocky Mountains
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) lower the front. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I like the tires though...
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
SirAndy
post Jan 26 2012, 01:11 PM
Post #16


Resident German
*************************

Group: Admin
Posts: 42,483
Joined: 21-January 03
From: Oakland, Kalifornia
Member No.: 179
Region Association: Northern California
QUOTE(Rand @ Jan 26 2012, 10:08 AM) *
QUOTE(xsJerry @ Jan 26 2012, 10:03 AM) *
it's also about 1/4" lower on the right side rear than the left. you can kind of see this in the photos (looks lower in the rear when looking at the passenger side)

Do some serious examination of the suspension console and ear on that side. I hope you don't find any serious rust or cracks.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Andyrew
post Jan 26 2012, 08:40 PM
Post #17


Spooling.... Please wait
**********

Group: Members
Posts: 13,380
Joined: 20-January 03
From: Riverbank, Ca
Member No.: 172
Region Association: Northern California
Those are some tall tires...

I agree with the body suspension point check. Do a visual to see how many shims about are on each side as well for the trailing arm lower mount.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
nsr-jamie
post Jan 26 2012, 09:45 PM
Post #18


914 guy in Japan
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,182
Joined: 7-November 07
From: Nagoya, Japan
Member No.: 8,305
Region Association: None
Its easy to lower the front end. Also you may want to consider an adjustable perch and spring kit for the rear that lets you set the rear ride height once you find out you have no other problems. I got mine from Tarret racing
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
sean_v8_914
post Jan 26 2012, 09:57 PM
Post #19


Chingon 601
****

Group: Members
Posts: 4,011
Joined: 1-February 05
From: San Diego
Member No.: 3,541
rt rear is low and has more neg camber. everyone else made some good observations except eric shea
are all 4 tires the same size? brand?
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
914itis
post Jan 27 2012, 12:25 AM
Post #20


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,892
Joined: 9-October 10
From: New York City
Member No.: 12,256
Region Association: North East States
QUOTE(Andyrew @ Jan 26 2012, 09:40 PM) *

Those are some tall tires...

I agree with the body suspension point check. Do a visual to see how many shims about are on each side as well for the trailing arm lower mount.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
My friend,s 914 was sagging just like yours. Changed the shocks and springs, made very litle difference. After a few weeks it gave up completely on the freeway while we were going to a show,

Grand prize: broken suspension ear.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
« Next Oldest · 914World Garage · Next Newest »
 

2 Pages V  1 2 >
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 

Display Mode: Standard · Switch to: Linear+ · Switch to: Outline

Track this topic · Email this topic · Print this topic · Subscribe to this forum

- Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 9th June 2026 - 09:00 AM
Invision Power Board v9.1.4 © 2026  IPS, Inc.
...
All rights reserved 914World.com © since 2002
914World.com is the fastest growing online 914 community!
We have it all, classifieds, events, forums, vendors, parts, autocross, racing, technical articles, events calendar, newsletter, restoration, gallery, archives, history and more for your Porsche 914 ...