Best 914 Suspension Mods?
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- Posts: 27
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2001 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
Jake just started rebuilding my 1.8 into a fire breathing 2.3 (2270). While he is working miracles I wanted to upgrade my suspension.
What are the best suspension mods for a 914 that I will use for fun and leisure? I plan on driving the car to work occasionally, taking a few road trips, and of course SCCA Autocross once a month.
I want to keep my stock Mahle 15" Gasburner wheels but everything else like:
springs,
shocks,
sway bar(s),
different trailing arms,
torsion bars,
and tires
are completely up for a change.
What's the best set-up?
Thanks,
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Brian Miller
1974 Delphi Green 914
1.8 F.I.
What are the best suspension mods for a 914 that I will use for fun and leisure? I plan on driving the car to work occasionally, taking a few road trips, and of course SCCA Autocross once a month.
I want to keep my stock Mahle 15" Gasburner wheels but everything else like:
springs,
shocks,
sway bar(s),
different trailing arms,
torsion bars,
and tires
are completely up for a change.
What's the best set-up?
Thanks,
------------------
Brian Miller
1974 Delphi Green 914
1.8 F.I.
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- Posts: 294
- Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2001 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
"What are the best suspension mods for a 914 that I will use for fun and leisure? I plan on driving the car to work occasionally, taking a few road trips, and of course SCCA Autocross once a month."
Brian,
You may want to check the SCCA rulebook before making your suspension mods, unless you want to end up in a modified class racing rotary powered Bugeyes with massive slicks.
Mike
Brian,
You may want to check the SCCA rulebook before making your suspension mods, unless you want to end up in a modified class racing rotary powered Bugeyes with massive slicks.
Mike
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- Posts: 177
- Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2001 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
Hello
Just simple:
Porsche Bilstein strut front and rear
rebuild the axles to new specs
Add adjustable drop link sway bars
Grüsse http://www.scca.org/amateur/club_racing/classes/
Just simple:
Porsche Bilstein strut front and rear
rebuild the axles to new specs
Add adjustable drop link sway bars
Grüsse http://www.scca.org/amateur/club_racing/classes/
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- Posts: 6
- Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2001 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
I believe the 2270 is going to put him in a pretty tough class. I read that you can use a 40 carb and remain in a decent class that allows a ton of suspension and engine work. Over 40 though and it will cost big money to make big power and bigger handling. Let me know if you learn more about which SCCA class though.
JB
JB
- Dave_Darling
- Posts: 2534
- Joined: Thu Apr 27, 2000 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
If he's autoXing, I believe that the CSP (C Street-Prepared) rules allow him to use any fuel injection or carburetion, as well as any exhaust. But the 2270 is going to put him somewhere evil like F-Mod against monsters like that rotary Bugeye.
I personally suggest a stock-sized motor (1.7, 1.8, 2.0--whatever works for you) and stock suspension (stock sway bars or near equivalent), but with a nice "compromise" alignment (say, 1/2 degree negative camber front, 1 degree rear). Should be decent comfy on the street--as comfy as a 914 gets, at any rate--and fun enough in between the cones. Drive it for a while, and you should start to get an idea of where it needs some help.
That's my opinion. I tend to be a big fan of "just learn to drive the car you have", though...
--DD
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1974 VW-Porsche 914; 2.0 liter Type IV motor
I personally suggest a stock-sized motor (1.7, 1.8, 2.0--whatever works for you) and stock suspension (stock sway bars or near equivalent), but with a nice "compromise" alignment (say, 1/2 degree negative camber front, 1 degree rear). Should be decent comfy on the street--as comfy as a 914 gets, at any rate--and fun enough in between the cones. Drive it for a while, and you should start to get an idea of where it needs some help.
That's my opinion. I tend to be a big fan of "just learn to drive the car you have", though...
--DD
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1974 VW-Porsche 914; 2.0 liter Type IV motor
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- Posts: 129
- Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2001 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
Brian, Who cares what the SCCA rules are. Compete anyway. Most of your time, anyway, will be spent hauling down the highway and blasting down the streets (always remaining within the law, ofcourse). When you take out that little bomb, early in the morning, heading for work, and that bad ass Detroit V8 tries to intimidate, you can kick ass, arrive at work (or school?) with a smile on your face.
Nothing like blasting big slush-o-matics and rice cars on the street. But, be careful.
I hate to admit, especially at my age, that I am a "street racer" first, drive the pick up as if I'm collecting bottles.
Phil
Nothing like blasting big slush-o-matics and rice cars on the street. But, be careful.
I hate to admit, especially at my age, that I am a "street racer" first, drive the pick up as if I'm collecting bottles.
Phil
- Bleyseng
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2000 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
I would do to the car as Roland says:
Bilstein shocks
22mm front sway (weltmeister)
180lbs rear springs
Dave Darlings alignment
tires mmm... I like the SP800 Dunlaps I have. Good street/Auto x and you can drive in the rain too.
Rebuild the axles to spec (new CV's, rear bearings)
Tuna can oil sump
Drive the heck out of the car at the Auto x course and have lots of fun!
Geoff
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76 914 2.0L
Bilstein shocks
22mm front sway (weltmeister)
180lbs rear springs
Dave Darlings alignment
tires mmm... I like the SP800 Dunlaps I have. Good street/Auto x and you can drive in the rain too.
Rebuild the axles to spec (new CV's, rear bearings)
Tuna can oil sump
Drive the heck out of the car at the Auto x course and have lots of fun!
Geoff
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76 914 2.0L
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
I've been autocrossing and racing 914's in various stages of modification for a few years and my suggestion is slightly different than the others:
1) 19 to 21mm front torsion bars, 140 to 180lb rear springs (stiffer is better for competition use, but brutal on the road)
2) Bilstein shocks front and rear
3)19 or 21mm front anti-sway bar with double adjustable drop links, no rear bar
4)the stickiest 205/50-15 tires, like Hoosier DOT (don't use these on the street)will fit without fender mods on Fuchs alloys
5) 1.5deg neg. camber front, 2.0 deg neg. rear (your street tires will suffer, but c'est la vie)
6) 1/16" toe in front, 0 toe rear
7) remember to add driver's weight and disconnect sway bar before alignment
set ride height at 5 to 5 1/2 inches at the rocker panel corners
9) use steering rack spacers to correct for bump steer
10) forget the 914 sump gadgets and get an Accusump or just add 1/2 quart over full before competing
11) you will definitely need a front mounted oil cooler for a big bore engine
12) any displacement increase over 2 liter instantly puts you in E-Mod (forget being competetive unless you do everything possible to the car)
www.tangerineracing.com
Chris Foley
1) 19 to 21mm front torsion bars, 140 to 180lb rear springs (stiffer is better for competition use, but brutal on the road)
2) Bilstein shocks front and rear
3)19 or 21mm front anti-sway bar with double adjustable drop links, no rear bar
4)the stickiest 205/50-15 tires, like Hoosier DOT (don't use these on the street)will fit without fender mods on Fuchs alloys
5) 1.5deg neg. camber front, 2.0 deg neg. rear (your street tires will suffer, but c'est la vie)
6) 1/16" toe in front, 0 toe rear
7) remember to add driver's weight and disconnect sway bar before alignment
set ride height at 5 to 5 1/2 inches at the rocker panel corners
9) use steering rack spacers to correct for bump steer
10) forget the 914 sump gadgets and get an Accusump or just add 1/2 quart over full before competing
11) you will definitely need a front mounted oil cooler for a big bore engine
12) any displacement increase over 2 liter instantly puts you in E-Mod (forget being competetive unless you do everything possible to the car)
www.tangerineracing.com
Chris Foley
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- Posts: 84
- Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2001 1:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
I am in a similar situation right now...the car already has a 19mm front sway bar with I guess 19mm torsion bars (stock?) ... but I have the 180lb springs in the rear, however the car has kyb's all around...I am thinking about going with either bilsteins or konis to replace them with a 22mm front sway bar and possible 22mm torsion bars...
Are the konis worth the extra expence? $133 each for the sports as opposed to the $230 a pair for the bilsteins?
The car will be tracked...already have full cage welded in...ride comfort doesn't matter...but I am on a budget so I want to get the most bang for the buck...
Thanks for any advice/experiences...
Tony
Are the konis worth the extra expence? $133 each for the sports as opposed to the $230 a pair for the bilsteins?
The car will be tracked...already have full cage welded in...ride comfort doesn't matter...but I am on a budget so I want to get the most bang for the buck...
Thanks for any advice/experiences...
Tony
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
The stock torsion bars are 17.9mm. 21 or 22mm is a better match for the 180lb springs. For my money the Bilsteins are the way to go. The high pressure gas design is superior and they last forever. If you want to fiddle with adjustments get Koni's. The rear Bilsteins have ride height adjustment built in. I raised the spindles on the front struts on my race car and welded in a spherical bearing mod to the rear shock towers which also raised the pickup point. The car is 4.5" from the ground at the rocker panel corners. Also I have a 16mm rear sway bar but I don't recommend that for most applications as wheel spin can be a real drag when autocrossing, where acceleration out of tight corners is crucial.
Chris
Chris
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- Posts: 84
- Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2001 1:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
is there any place you like to get your shox/torsion/sway bars from? over another?
do you use the weltmeister torsion/sway bars?
Thanks for the help,
Tony
do you use the weltmeister torsion/sway bars?
Thanks for the help,
Tony
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
I use Weltmeister stuff. Its owned by Automotion/Performance Products and you can get it at other places like Automobile Atlanta. I hate buying from both those places, but if you gotta have it... I've seen better stuff made for 911's like Charley Bars thats way more $$.
Chris
Chris
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- Posts: 67
- Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2002 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
If the region is running it, the car will also qualify for Street Mod 2. A proposed extension of the SM rules to allow cars not originally allowed in SM, 2 seaters, Lotus, Porsche, etc.
Street mod info is available at: http://www.wincom.net/trog/stu/
It may or may not be competetive depending on what other cars show up, but it does give a car a place to run, with less restrictive rules than the older SCCA classes.
I am planning to build a very similar car from my '75 914, 2270, upgraded street/auto-x suspension, etc and that is probably the class I will run.
Street mod info is available at: http://www.wincom.net/trog/stu/
It may or may not be competetive depending on what other cars show up, but it does give a car a place to run, with less restrictive rules than the older SCCA classes.
I am planning to build a very similar car from my '75 914, 2270, upgraded street/auto-x suspension, etc and that is probably the class I will run.
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dave_Darling:
"There are other alternatives than buying from a place you hate."
Touche. Thanks Dave. That's the best advice I've had lately! I will call Pelican Products next time I want to buy 914 parts. Fact is I already have your CD Rom & have ordered once before. Truthfully, I am never satisfied with results at Auto Atlanta and Perf. Prod. is too damn big & expensive.
Chris Foley
"There are other alternatives than buying from a place you hate."
Touche. Thanks Dave. That's the best advice I've had lately! I will call Pelican Products next time I want to buy 914 parts. Fact is I already have your CD Rom & have ordered once before. Truthfully, I am never satisfied with results at Auto Atlanta and Perf. Prod. is too damn big & expensive.
Chris Foley
- Dave_Darling
- Posts: 2534
- Joined: Thu Apr 27, 2000 12:01 am
Best 914 Suspension Mods?
We (Pelican Parts) also sell Weltmeister stuff, usually for a fair bit less than Performance Products does. And a not-unreasonable selection of shocks, etc.
My boss may not like me for doing this, but Jason at Paragon Products is truly one of the Good Guys. His prices are generally equivalent to ours, and he knows his 914 setup very well indeed. I don't know of anyone who has ever had a bad experience with him--period.
http://www.paragon-products.com
I personally would prefer you buy from Pelican, but I wouldn't be completely broken-hearted if you supported Jason instead.
There are other alternatives than buying from a place you hate.
--DD
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1974 VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (Type IV powered!)
http://www.pelicanparts.com
My boss may not like me for doing this, but Jason at Paragon Products is truly one of the Good Guys. His prices are generally equivalent to ours, and he knows his 914 setup very well indeed. I don't know of anyone who has ever had a bad experience with him--period.
http://www.paragon-products.com
I personally would prefer you buy from Pelican, but I wouldn't be completely broken-hearted if you supported Jason instead.
There are other alternatives than buying from a place you hate.
--DD
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1974 VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (Type IV powered!)
http://www.pelicanparts.com