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> Want a smoother ride, Is this possible?
jack20
post Mar 22 2015, 11:56 PM
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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
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Cuda911
post Mar 23 2015, 12:08 AM
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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.
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jack20
post Mar 23 2015, 12:15 AM
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QUOTE(Cuda911 @ Mar 22 2015, 11:08 PM) *

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.
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messix
post Mar 23 2015, 12:35 AM
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what shocks are on it?

kyb?
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BeatNavy
post Mar 23 2015, 04:03 AM
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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.
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Nozzle
post Mar 23 2015, 07:00 AM
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QUOTE(BeatNavy @ Mar 23 2015, 05:03 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.


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.
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JStroud
post Mar 23 2015, 08:25 AM
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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.
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jack20
post Mar 23 2015, 11:46 AM
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QUOTE(JStroud @ Mar 23 2015, 07:25 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.

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
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BeatNavy
post Mar 23 2015, 11:53 AM
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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.


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Chris Pincetich
post Mar 23 2015, 12:10 PM
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New suspension bushings make a world of a difference (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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Andyrew
post Mar 23 2015, 12:49 PM
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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.
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Kansas 914
post Mar 23 2015, 12:56 PM
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If they are KYB's it is good to know that KYB stands for Kick Your Butt...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
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JmuRiz
post Mar 23 2015, 01:06 PM
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Kill Your Back
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914_teener
post Mar 23 2015, 03:10 PM
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QUOTE(Andyrew @ Mar 23 2015, 11:49 AM) *

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.

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thelogo
post Mar 23 2015, 08:45 PM
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QUOTE(Chris Pincetich @ Mar 23 2015, 11:10 AM) *

New suspension bushings make a world of a difference (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)




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 + (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)



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 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)
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Andyrew
post Mar 24 2015, 07:52 AM
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Tell us every detail on your current setup.

Engine
wheels/tires
What suspension you think you have
seats.

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Chris Pincetich
post Mar 24 2015, 08:40 AM
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[/quote]
Advice and some direction would be helpful on this
[/quote]
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/hijacked.gif)
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 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

My 914 has transitioned from cafe racer back to racy commuter (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)
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jack20
post Mar 24 2015, 11:25 AM
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QUOTE(Andyrew @ Mar 24 2015, 06:52 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.
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OU8AVW
post Mar 24 2015, 11:43 AM
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Take lots of pictures of your car with scantily clad ladies washing it.....
Then we'll figure out your problem (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

My new KYB suck..... I'm saving for new shocks.
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veekry9
post Mar 24 2015, 10:22 PM
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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. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
https://www.google.ca/search?q=914+front+su...ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=195727
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