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]

Yes, I really have enjoyed building this car and making changes as I go. Sometimes I build and find out different things via performance, driving, etc. Then make the necessary changes all the while working the car down to driving equipment I can enjoy in my second, third, or . . . . . . . .. .childhood.

I know I am going to enjoy the changes I mentioned. Eric, when I saw what you had on your car I just knew I had to investigate and make changes to my car. Still enjoying the building.

Now, let us go into the "challenge of having 17's". Let continue the discussion involving the tires. I think I can get excellent tires in the 60 or 65 series but maybe someone has a suggestion on tire makes, ratings, performance, etc. I am playing the tire situation as if the car has a top end and a performance level as the mid 80's Carrera, etc.

Yes, when I get a "sickness, I do go all the way". I started out with information from the board including the corrections I making today. I had built a V8 914 many years earlier but it did not handle like I wanted. It seemed to handle like my old 64 Vette which means it was only good in the straight line; I wanted a car which would handle with quickness and agility. The V8 wanted to throw the rear end to the opposite front corner from the way I was turning. In sum, it sat for 10-15 years with 300 miles on it.
The present suspension on my current 914 comes from that V-8 914.

When I drove the present converted 914-Sixer (1987 911 Carrera) with the present suspension and 17inch rims/tires, I knew I had a car which would satisfy me even with the heavy movement. You have to remember I built the car with all the stressing etc from information on this board and I came up with what I would call a "perfect race car" operating on the roads. The car stayed flat over many road surfaces and it was a thrill to drive. Only on rough roads did the front end move laterally 2-4 inches thus making this car dangerous for highway road driving. This thread was started for information since I knew I would have to de-tune a "racing suspension" to one that was highway worthy.

There are also a few other changes I have made to the car which may surprise oneself. 911 Carrera heat exchangers, 911 oil tank, different type of front oil cooler, 911 dash and instruments, vacuum gage for troubleshooting, etc. to mention a few. Oh! Yes, I do have 911 brakes all four corners including the e-brakes, and flared fenders all corners.

Ok, Eric and others, let us consider the need for changing from 17 inch to ?????. Is it because of the ability of larger series tires being able to fit under the fenders? Is is because of inner and outer clearances? Is it because you cannot get the higher series tires in the correct performance rating needed for the vehicle?

The ants have become my friends and we ride together in the car to where ever they want to go; mostly, they just go along for the enjoyable ride!!!!! LOL!!!! A modified 914-Sixer is a great ride even with the present heavy suspension.

Ok, gang, keep the info coming and you are helping me make this mechanically one great ride and high street performance level.

Thanks,
Steve