Suspension Advice of my 914-Sixer Options

[shoguneagle]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) Well, here goes on seeking advice and comments on another item I need to possibly change. I just ran my car around for the past two days and it seems I have built a perfect racing suspension which is not ver good for the road. At my age I would like an excellent handling road car. The suspension I have does not allow any movement in it and when I do hit the "frozen ice cracks in the asphalt" it does transmit the bump through out the car. I even put about 100# weight in the front to equalize and see if it would cause the suspension to have some movement. Boy, do I have an excellent race suspension.

What do I have????

The front consists of a completely rebuilt/new suspension components including rack and pinion, 21mm after market sway bar, 22mm torsion bars, koni inserts red set on light suspension, etc. The suspension I have just listed causes the front end to move when going over a rough surface and appears to move around on me.

The rear suspension consists of rebuilt/new components including 180# springs on adjustable perches, Koni Red adjustables set to lightest, etc.

The front and rear suspensions are mounted on Elephant Racing Bronze inserts with zert fittings, new hardware bolts, new ball joints, etc.

Where I need comments and information is regarding any possible changes involves the front torsion bars and the rear springs.. Any comments/advice regarding the rest of the suspension that may need changing would be appreciated.

I am thinking of changing the front suspension to 19mm stock originals to lighten the stiffness and possibly give more movement in the front end. The rear would be changed to 140# springs with the rest of the suspension remaining as built. I could possibly go to the 100# springs if deemed necessary.

I need to find out where I can source any parts needed such as the torsion bars and springs. I may have original 911 front stock torsion bars and 914 rear stock springs in my parts bin.

Do you think I should return everything back to original suspension???

Car is powered with 3.2 1987 Carrera Sixer with a "Doc Evil Built and Blessed" 901 transaxle.

Need advice/comments. What do you think????

Thanks,
Steve

[shoguneagle]

Thanks for all the expert and respected advice. The ability to clear items and thoughts through this board is one of the greatest assets we have as members.

I will be changing the rear springs to 140# and the front torsion bars to 19mm. I will keep the 21mm sway bar for now and determine what is needed after changing the suspension items. The sway bar was run disconnected and the front torsion bars are too heavy for the stressed and welded chassis (no body flex). Since I am changing the basic elements to match suspensions recommended and compared with other friends' 914s, I will keep the present sway bar until this next spring when I will have a chance to make the changes and drive the car. First snow and it is getting very cool; coming early this year for the Arizona High Country.

I think the foregoing base suspension will be more to my liking and my old seventy year old body will like it better. I will be keeping the 22mm torsion bars and the rear 180# springs for the time being but will eventually get rid of them.

I want a suspension that will not pound me to death, but is still very firm and handles well on the high country roads of Arizona, Northern California, and Southern Oregon. I think based on your advice we have come up with something I can use and live with for spirited road driving. The only item I may have to change in the future will decrease the size of the front sway bar.

Thanks for your comments and advice; very much appreciated and will be used.

Steve