Why my car has no front or rear sway bars?, Suspension upgrades or not |
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Why my car has no front or rear sway bars?, Suspension upgrades or not |
CCE |
Jun 27 2022, 04:27 PM
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#1
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CCE Group: Members Posts: 320 Joined: 28-December 21 From: Mexico Member No.: 26,203 Region Association: NineFourteenerVille |
Can anyone explain why my North American sold 1974 2.0, has no front or rear sway bars. Was Porsche so confident that 4 cilinder cars could handle the use without bars?
Is it only an American thing? Did Euro models also came without. Was it an option? My car leans badly, I am in the process of getting bilstein B6 shocks installed, but anyway, I see 914 cars with bars everywhere and mine has a big NOTHING to stop body lean… I still love it, buy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Any comments? |
KELTY360 |
Jun 27 2022, 04:33 PM
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#2
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914 Neferati Group: Members Posts: 5,031 Joined: 31-December 05 From: Pt. Townsend, WA Member No.: 5,344 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
Mine was the same way. The mounting tabs were on the lower A arm but no bar. I think it was a cost cutting measure. '73 2.0's came with front and rear bars. I added a front bar and it made a big difference.
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CCE |
Jun 27 2022, 04:53 PM
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#3
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CCE Group: Members Posts: 320 Joined: 28-December 21 From: Mexico Member No.: 26,203 Region Association: NineFourteenerVille |
Mine was the same way. The mounting tabs were on the lower A arm but no bar. I think it was a cost cutting measure. '73 2.0's came with front and rear bars. I added a front bar and it made a big difference. My front arms have no tabs, If (or when) I install the bar, I need to put them in and drill the car… (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif) |
JeffBowlsby |
Jun 27 2022, 05:05 PM
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#4
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914 Wiring Harnesses Group: Members Posts: 8,510 Joined: 7-January 03 From: San Ramon CA Member No.: 104 Region Association: None |
Sway bars were optional equipment for 1974.
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Freezin 914 |
Jun 27 2022, 05:07 PM
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#5
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 864 Joined: 27-July 14 From: Wisconsin Member No.: 17,687 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
You are not alone, I also have a 74’ 2.0L, no sway bars. My car is as plain as they come, no sway bars, no chrome bumpers, no center counsel. That said, it has grown on me overall. Being these are considered a sports cars, I personally believe sway bars are a must. Almost all modern cars have them, sports cars or not.
I am in the process of doing some mild upgrades, modifications. Sway bars being one of them. |
mepstein |
Jun 27 2022, 05:24 PM
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#6
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914-6 GT in waiting Group: Members Posts: 19,279 Joined: 19-September 09 From: Landenberg, PA/Wilmington, DE Member No.: 10,825 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
You are not alone, I also have a 74’ 2.0L, no sway bars. My car is as plain as they come, no sway bars, no chrome bumpers, no center counsel. That said, it has grown on me overall. Being these are considered a sports cars, I personally believe sway bars are a must. Almost all modern cars have them, sports cars or not. I am in the process of doing some mild upgrades, modifications. Sway bars being one of them. They are worth the effort. |
wonkipop |
Jun 27 2022, 05:26 PM
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#7
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 4,318 Joined: 6-May 20 From: north antarctica Member No.: 24,231 Region Association: NineFourteenerVille |
dunno the answer to that.
my lowly 74 1.8 had front and rear sway bars out of the showroom. i did read somewhere that the sway bars were in conjunction with softer rear springs. maybe the idea was you got a comfortable ride and the sway bars stopped it leaning at ridiculous angles cornering!? perhaps the cars fitted with firmer rear springs did not need the sway bars so much. there were a range of at least three rear springs in 74. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) |
CCE |
Jun 27 2022, 05:29 PM
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#8
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CCE Group: Members Posts: 320 Joined: 28-December 21 From: Mexico Member No.: 26,203 Region Association: NineFourteenerVille |
You are not alone, I also have a 74’ 2.0L, no sway bars. My car is as plain as they come, no sway bars, no chrome bumpers, no center counsel. That said, it has grown on me overall. Being these are considered a sports cars, I personally believe sway bars are a must. Almost all modern cars have them, sports cars or not. I am in the process of doing some mild upgrades, modifications. Sway bars being one of them. Which takes me to a second question, which brand and model is best bang for the buck? Its not a cheap accessory, what are you looking at? For options.. Regarding the bumpers I want to change color to anthracite gray, altogether with my steel wheels. Maybe that will get some contrast.. I like the amplitude of the interior. |
rjames |
Jun 27 2022, 06:57 PM
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#9
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I'm made of metal Group: Members Posts: 3,933 Joined: 24-July 05 From: Shoreline, WA Member No.: 4,467 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
Find a used stock front bar- it's plenty for an otherwise stock car and IMHO the rear bar isn't needed for a car that is driven only the street.
It'll change how the car handles tremendously for the better. These cars never should've been delivered without a front bar. |
914werke |
Jun 27 2022, 07:04 PM
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#10
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"I got blisters on me fingers" Group: Members Posts: 10,082 Joined: 22-March 03 From: USofA Member No.: 453 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
You can find the 13mm 912 bars for cheap, but usually they are bare (no arms ect.) from an upgrade. Check the Bird.
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infraredcalvin |
Jun 27 2022, 08:00 PM
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#11
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Distracted Member Group: Members Posts: 1,518 Joined: 25-August 08 From: Ladera Ranch, CA Member No.: 9,463 Region Association: Southern California |
It’s all to create a balanced system. Looks like you’ve lowered your car and are using lower profile tires from stock, that’ll help for starters.
Every change you make to front or rear will have an effect on the other. Stiffen up the rear with heavier springs, your car will want to oversteer. Stiffen up front with heavier bars and sways bars your car will want to understeer. It’s a balancing act. 1st best option is adjustability, so if you go with a stock bar, get some tarrett or like adjustable drop links. After that, $$$ will give you all kids of adjustable options… |
914Sixer |
Jun 28 2022, 06:28 AM
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#12
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 8,886 Joined: 17-January 05 From: San Angelo Texas Member No.: 3,457 Region Association: Southwest Region |
There was a base 2.0 l car for 1973. I was just like the base 1.7l with nothing. It simply had the larger engine. The dealer order guide shows the two models.
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ConeDodger |
Jun 28 2022, 07:56 AM
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#13
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Apex killer! Group: Members Posts: 23,594 Joined: 31-December 04 From: Tahoe Area Member No.: 3,380 Region Association: Northern California |
Sway bars were optional equipment for 1974. My ‘75 2L came without sway bars as well… Putting even the stock bars on is a dramatic improvement. This corner is being attacked with an elephant bar front and stock rear sway bar. Without sway bars any corner feels like trying to balance on top of a rolling rubber ball. Attached image(s) |
CCE |
Jun 28 2022, 08:02 AM
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#14
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CCE Group: Members Posts: 320 Joined: 28-December 21 From: Mexico Member No.: 26,203 Region Association: NineFourteenerVille |
It’s all to create a balanced system. Looks like you’ve lowered your car and are using lower profile tires from stock, that’ll help for starters. Every change you make to front or rear will have an effect on the other. Stiffen up the rear with heavier springs, your car will want to oversteer. Stiffen up front with heavier bars and sways bars your car will want to understeer. It’s a balancing act. 1st best option is adjustability, so if you go with a stock bar, get some tarrett or like adjustable drop links. After that, $$$ will give you all kids of adjustable options… Thanks so much, the info helps a lot!, the car is as I found it, I will replace shock absorbers, and see how low it is. Regarding the front bar which is the best recommendation on diameter? The stock? Iwill use in highway and backroads, and occasional track days, so the bilsteins I think, will do the trick.. I will see how to get the elephant racing bar, here to Mexico and do the (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) Here is a picture as it was for 40 years. Before cleaning |
rhodyguy |
Jun 28 2022, 09:04 AM
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#15
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Chimp Sanctuary NW. Check it out. Group: Members Posts: 22,081 Joined: 2-March 03 From: Orion's Bell. The BELL! Member No.: 378 Region Association: Galt's Gulch |
Other than a AXing monster, I see no reason to omit the rear ASB. Stock F&R ASBs, stock front torsion bars, 100# springs on adj perches (ground control system). Excellent manners and ride for a street car. I have ext adj Koni reds on 4 corners and Elephant poly-bronze bushing up front. Firm but not overly so and expansion joints don't rattle my teeth. Don't forget the corner balance and 4 wheel alignment. The route will not come cheaply but well worth the expense in my book.
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brant |
Jun 28 2022, 09:26 AM
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#16
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914 Wizard Group: Members Posts: 11,625 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Colorado Member No.: 47 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
I've always preferred larger front bars than stock...
I (vague memory) believe the stock front was 16mm the weltmeisters came in 19 and 21 and were my choices usually currently running a 28mm front bar in my race car with larger than stock rear and a welt 21mm in the street car with no rear bar |
Root_Werks |
Jun 28 2022, 09:27 AM
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#17
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Village Idiot Group: Members Posts: 8,321 Joined: 25-May 04 From: About 5NM from Canada Member No.: 2,105 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
My six conversion is running stock sway bars F/R with 100lb rear springs and likely stock 914-4 torsion bars up front. I have Koni oils in the rear turned max and can't remember what's up front other than it's a 911 3.5" spaced. I like it for a street car.
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CCE |
Jun 28 2022, 09:58 AM
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#18
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CCE Group: Members Posts: 320 Joined: 28-December 21 From: Mexico Member No.: 26,203 Region Association: NineFourteenerVille |
I've always preferred larger front bars than stock... I (vague memory) believe the stock front was 16mm the weltmeisters came in 19 and 21 and were my choices usually currently running a 28mm front bar in my race car with larger than stock rear and a welt 21mm in the street car with no rear bar Are Weltmeister bars still available? |
brant |
Jun 28 2022, 09:59 AM
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#19
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914 Wizard Group: Members Posts: 11,625 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Colorado Member No.: 47 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
I've always preferred larger front bars than stock... I (vague memory) believe the stock front was 16mm the weltmeisters came in 19 and 21 and were my choices usually currently running a 28mm front bar in my race car with larger than stock rear and a welt 21mm in the street car with no rear bar Are Weltmeister bars still available? available used... just like the stock bars are. H and H made an aftermarket bar also that can be found used. the welts had a better arm with more adjustability brant |
Shivers |
Jun 28 2022, 10:05 AM
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#20
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 2,387 Joined: 19-October 20 From: La Quinta, CA Member No.: 24,781 Region Association: Southern California |
My 72' was the same way. I put them front and rear and wow what a difference.
Tabs: https://www.elephantracing.com/911/swaybars...bars/u-tab-kit/ |
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