Shock and spring refresh, Which to get? Options

[L-Jet914]

Thinking of doing a refresh of my front shocks and rear shocks/springs. All are very old though function fine. Sure I’ll see improvements in corners and ride.
Thinking of Bilsteins.
Any suggested best choices? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
74 1.8L Very stock. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Just local drives and some hill curves; no track or auto cross.

I replaced what was in my 914 with Bilsteins front strut inserts and rear shocks. Or you could go with the AA route where they had shock absorbers made close to the factory spec Boge shock. I decided to go with the 914Rubber rear springs.

@L-Jet914 What spec/model Bilsteins would that be?

Bilstein B6 (34-001127-M512) for the front and B6 (24-001793) for the rears.

[StarBear]

@StarBear

i read your comment that basically it seems all your suspension components are original and stock and presumably 50+ years old (as were mine in 2019).

i would suggest that not only is it shocks you look at replacing but also all suspension bushings etc. have it gone right through. including sway bar bushings. given your car is an appearance group 1.8 i believe you have factory sway bars too. and don't get hard bushings. buy the soft ones. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

its worth doing the lot. you won't believe the difference. driving around for 50+ years will have been like the proverbial boiling the frog in water slowly. the frog never notices the temp increasing from cold to hot to boiling and stays in the water. you will forgotten what it was like when it was all new. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

i kept my original springs. my car has not been heavily used. they seem fine.
i think the spring sagging had been sorted by 74 models. you will probably find your original springs are fine. easy way to tell can be if car is sagging at rear one side or the other. though sometimes it can also be caused by a torsion bar at the front which has "softened" too.

i believe the bilsteins i got were B6. basically next peg up the ladder from original boges which were quite soft. though in my view the original soft boges combined with sway bars front and rear were an extremely well speced and practical package from the factory originally. good compromise between comfort on every day roads and road holding - ie cornering.

i agree with @Superhawk996 - unless you know what you are really doing and need to go super high performance for track or autocross work - its very hard to improve what the factory got pretty damn right from the get go. as an old porsche mechanic once said to me = "these 914s were the best porsches chassis wise straight out of the box - don't take sh$t from the 911 guys". (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Thanks, @wonkipop
Had the bushings replaced but that was maybe 30 years or so ago so maybe time for those, too.
B6; yes that’s the info I need.
The springs are original and seem fine. The tires are about 1-2” under the fender line. Seem about right?
Everything seems to drive ok but gradual decline tough to recognize.
Will check records to see if I ever replaced the front shocks; I don’t recall, but not sure about dinner just last night, either!
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)
Heading off soon to vacation at the Arctic Circle! No mosquitos or dingos…..

[StarBear]

Thinking of doing a refresh of my front shocks and rear shocks/springs. All are very old though function fine. Sure I’ll see improvements in corners and ride.
Thinking of Bilsteins.
Any suggested best choices? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
74 1.8L Very stock. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Just local drives and some hill curves; no track or auto cross.

I replaced what was in my 914 with Bilsteins front strut inserts and rear shocks. Or you could go with the AA route where they had shock absorbers made close to the factory spec Boge shock. I decided to go with the 914Rubber rear springs.

@L-Jet914 What spec/model Bilsteins would that be?

Bilstein B6 (34-001127-M512) for the front and B6 (24-001793) for the rears.

Perfect!! Thanks ever so much.

[mlindner]

Ground Control, for 914's, adjustable perchs. Great product and people.

[Steve]

On rear springs…..stock is 90lb which makes car sit a little high. 100lb drops it a little and gives a little better handling without sacrificing ride quality. Several sources but make sure they have inventory. BTW…….Havent installed yet so this is result of extensive search/opinions.
Caveat: this is opinion of poster and does not reflect that of staff or management (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Stock is a lot less than 90lbs/in for all the road cars.

According to documentation I have

-4s were 52-55lbs/in depending on part number
-6s were 58-62

6 GTs were 70, 80, or 90 at the stiffest.

So 100s are 10% stiffer than the stiffest spring Porsche ran on GTs.



But for some reason people still throw 225lb springs in the back cuz they are smarter than the Porsche engineers who won LeMans.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hijacked.gif) I know you guys are referring to stock cars or cars with stock torsion bars.
Due to the heavier v8 motor Renegade sells and recommends 200 lb springs for their conversions. The famous Brumos GT ran 23mm torsion bars with 180 lb rear springs. PMS recommends 200 lb springs with their 3.6 conversions, due to additional weight from the 915 trans and 3.6 motor. Automotion also recommends 140 lb springs for Autocross.

[L-Jet914]

Thinking of doing a refresh of my front shocks and rear shocks/springs. All are very old though function fine. Sure I’ll see improvements in corners and ride.
Thinking of Bilsteins.
Any suggested best choices? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
74 1.8L Very stock. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Just local drives and some hill curves; no track or auto cross.

I replaced what was in my 914 with Bilsteins front strut inserts and rear shocks. Or you could go with the AA route where they had shock absorbers made close to the factory spec Boge shock. I decided to go with the 914Rubber rear springs.

@L-Jet914 What spec/model Bilsteins would that be?

Bilstein B6 (34-001127-M512) for the front and B6 (24-001793) for the rears.

Perfect!! Thanks ever so much.

You're welcome. If you do go with the B6s order the Bilstein strut nut tool (MSO-8/6) from Bilstein (also available elsewhere but it was the cheapest to contact Bilstein USA directly) to torque the new strut insert retaining nuts to 90-95ft lbs (can't remember what the paper that came with the shocks said) if you are doing the repairs yourself. I can also let you borrow one of the extra ones I have. I ordered 2 because I know tools wear haha.

[StarBear]

Thinking of doing a refresh of my front shocks and rear shocks/springs. All are very old though function fine. Sure I’ll see improvements in corners and ride.
Thinking of Bilsteins.
Any suggested best choices? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
74 1.8L Very stock. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Just local drives and some hill curves; no track or auto cross.

I replaced what was in my 914 with Bilsteins front strut inserts and rear shocks. Or you could go with the AA route where they had shock absorbers made close to the factory spec Boge shock. I decided to go with the 914Rubber rear springs.

@L-Jet914 What spec/model Bilsteins would that be?

Bilstein B6 (34-001127-M512) for the front and B6 (24-001793) for the rears.

Perfect!! Thanks ever so much.

You're welcome. If you do go with the B6s order the Bilstein strut nut tool (MSO-8/6) from Bilstein (also available elsewhere but it was the cheapest to contact Bilstein USA directly) to torque the new strut insert retaining nuts to 90-95ft lbs (can't remember what the paper that came with the shocks said) if you are doing the repairs yourself. I can also let you borrow one of the extra ones I have. I ordered 2 because I know tools wear haha.

Great! You’re the best. Think I’m gonna let a pro ( local guy who’s done work for me before). Capable on the little stuff but don’t rely on me for mission critical systems !

[wonkipop]

Thinking of doing a refresh of my front shocks and rear shocks/springs. All are very old though function fine. Sure I’ll see improvements in corners and ride.
Thinking of Bilsteins.
Any suggested best choices? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
74 1.8L Very stock. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Just local drives and some hill curves; no track or auto cross.

I replaced what was in my 914 with Bilsteins front strut inserts and rear shocks. Or you could go with the AA route where they had shock absorbers made close to the factory spec Boge shock. I decided to go with the 914Rubber rear springs.

@L-Jet914 What spec/model Bilsteins would that be?

Bilstein B6 (34-001127-M512) for the front and B6 (24-001793) for the rears.

Perfect!! Thanks ever so much.

You're welcome. If you do go with the B6s order the Bilstein strut nut tool (MSO-8/6) from Bilstein (also available elsewhere but it was the cheapest to contact Bilstein USA directly) to torque the new strut insert retaining nuts to 90-95ft lbs (can't remember what the paper that came with the shocks said) if you are doing the repairs yourself. I can also let you borrow one of the extra ones I have. I ordered 2 because I know tools wear haha.

Great! You’re the best. Think I’m gonna let a pro ( local guy who’s done work for me before). Capable on the little stuff but don’t rely on me for mission critical systems !

yeah, a two post hoist makes the job much easier.
either that or axle stands.
i had mike here do the whole lot. i assisted - ie i got in the way.
we had my car up on stands but i was doing a full recommission.
tank out, fuel lines etc etc.
so we took all the suspension entirely out. front and rear.

yes on the tyres about an inch or so up under rear fender lip.
thats with original size tall boys not low profile tyres.
what you will find with the B6 rears is if you measure the spring perch on the boge units that the dimension falls precisely between two of the many adjustable spring ring perches on the B6. go for the lower one of the two and the car will sit slightly lower and the upper of the two sits slightly higher. adjust front torsion bars accordingly. factory manual says to adjust car so its level front to rear. (i know most folks go nose down - but i have set mine level). have at least 3/4 of a tank of fuel in it when you do that.
reason - i figure when i fill the trunk with stuff and with full fuel tank its going to be nose down slightly anyway.

[L-Jet914]

Thinking of doing a refresh of my front shocks and rear shocks/springs. All are very old though function fine. Sure I’ll see improvements in corners and ride.
Thinking of Bilsteins.
Any suggested best choices? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
74 1.8L Very stock. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Just local drives and some hill curves; no track or auto cross.

I replaced what was in my 914 with Bilsteins front strut inserts and rear shocks. Or you could go with the AA route where they had shock absorbers made close to the factory spec Boge shock. I decided to go with the 914Rubber rear springs.

@L-Jet914 What spec/model Bilsteins would that be?

Bilstein B6 (34-001127-M512) for the front and B6 (24-001793) for the rears.

Perfect!! Thanks ever so much.

You're welcome. If you do go with the B6s order the Bilstein strut nut tool (MSO-8/6) from Bilstein (also available elsewhere but it was the cheapest to contact Bilstein USA directly) to torque the new strut insert retaining nuts to 90-95ft lbs (can't remember what the paper that came with the shocks said) if you are doing the repairs yourself. I can also let you borrow one of the extra ones I have. I ordered 2 because I know tools wear haha.

Great! You’re the best. Think I’m gonna let a pro ( local guy who’s done work for me before). Capable on the little stuff but don’t rely on me for mission critical systems !

yeah, a two post hoist makes the job much easier.
either that or axle stands.
i had mike here do the whole lot. i assisted - ie i got in the way.
we had my car up on stands but i was doing a full recommission.
tank out, fuel lines etc etc.
so we took all the suspension entirely out. front and rear.

yes on the tyres about an inch or so up under rear fender lip.
thats with original size tall boys not low profile tyres.
what you will find with the B6 rears is if you measure the spring perch on the boge units that the dimension falls precisely between two of the many adjustable spring ring perches on the B6. go for the lower one of the two and the car will sit slightly lower and the upper of the two sits slightly higher. adjust front torsion bars accordingly. factory manual says to adjust car so its level front to rear. (i know most folks go nose down - but i have set mine level). have at least 3/4 of a tank of fuel in it when you do that.
reason - i figure when i fill the trunk with stuff and with full fuel tank its going to be nose down slightly anyway.

I started out on 4th from the bottom. I believe I set the clip 5th from the bottom (2nd from the top) after you gave me a mm measurement of where the stock spring perch sat with the 100lb springs I decided to go with. Surprisingly I think my car sits pretty level. Still have a lot of work to do to the quirky little 914 1.8 haha.

[wonkipop]

Thinking of doing a refresh of my front shocks and rear shocks/springs. All are very old though function fine. Sure I’ll see improvements in corners and ride.
Thinking of Bilsteins.
Any suggested best choices? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
74 1.8L Very stock. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Just local drives and some hill curves; no track or auto cross.

I replaced what was in my 914 with Bilsteins front strut inserts and rear shocks. Or you could go with the AA route where they had shock absorbers made close to the factory spec Boge shock. I decided to go with the 914Rubber rear springs.

@L-Jet914 What spec/model Bilsteins would that be?

Bilstein B6 (34-001127-M512) for the front and B6 (24-001793) for the rears.

Perfect!! Thanks ever so much.

You're welcome. If you do go with the B6s order the Bilstein strut nut tool (MSO-8/6) from Bilstein (also available elsewhere but it was the cheapest to contact Bilstein USA directly) to torque the new strut insert retaining nuts to 90-95ft lbs (can't remember what the paper that came with the shocks said) if you are doing the repairs yourself. I can also let you borrow one of the extra ones I have. I ordered 2 because I know tools wear haha.

Great! You’re the best. Think I’m gonna let a pro ( local guy who’s done work for me before). Capable on the little stuff but don’t rely on me for mission critical systems !

yeah, a two post hoist makes the job much easier.
either that or axle stands.
i had mike here do the whole lot. i assisted - ie i got in the way.
we had my car up on stands but i was doing a full recommission.
tank out, fuel lines etc etc.
so we took all the suspension entirely out. front and rear.

yes on the tyres about an inch or so up under rear fender lip.
thats with original size tall boys not low profile tyres.
what you will find with the B6 rears is if you measure the spring perch on the boge units that the dimension falls precisely between two of the many adjustable spring ring perches on the B6. go for the lower one of the two and the car will sit slightly lower and the upper of the two sits slightly higher. adjust front torsion bars accordingly. factory manual says to adjust car so its level front to rear. (i know most folks go nose down - but i have set mine level). have at least 3/4 of a tank of fuel in it when you do that.
reason - i figure when i fill the trunk with stuff and with full fuel tank its going to be nose down slightly anyway.

I started out on 4th from the bottom. I believe I set the clip 5th from the bottom (2nd from the top) after you gave me a mm measurement of where the stock spring perch sat with the 100lb springs I decided to go with. Surprisingly I think my car sits pretty level. Still have a lot of work to do to the quirky little 914 1.8 haha.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
mine are set up on 6th ring from bottom. but using orig springs.
i thought about going down to 5th but once i had front of car levelled out it all seem to sit pretty good and i was happy with it. it used to sit slightly lower at back but then again the front was showroom stock USA and was nose up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) arse dragger style. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

its going to be either 5 or 6 up from bottom.
if i was @StarBear i'd probably start at 5 and see how it pans out.
if you don't like it you can always raise it. not too time consuming to do.