suspension

My car will be based on 911 suspension components from a 84-89 Carrera. I have a number of choices for shocks, bushings, sway bars,brakes etc. I'll be using 16in Fuchs wheels and will run 205/225 16in tires. I would like to dial this car in for the street, but have a set-up which will handle track events. Not too stiff, for comfort, but not soft either. Any input?

Howard - this is my 2 centavos:

If you are grafting all of the carrera suspension over, keep everything exactly stock for now. Especially the brakes. Your weight distribution will be roughly the same and the brakes are already balanced for that. They are further AMAZING brakes especially when you remember that your car is going to weigh some 800 (guess) pounds LESS than the donor... Good upgrades available later down the road.

That year is still using torsion bars. It maybe a bit stiff due to your lighter weight. It is height adjustable.

Keep all the rubber bushings. They are great for the street and will work fine for occasional track use. There are upgrades available that eliminate the rubber bushings. Generally icky for the street but kick butt on the track.

Here's the #1 upgrade. A driving school. No insult meant, I want to take one myself. This is the best way to make your car faster, handle "better", brake "better" and keep you safe.

angela

Driving School is the best bang for the buck.
I went to Skip Barber School of Racing many years ago at Lime Rock, thought how hard can this be? Two days later and a few ear fulls of "what the hell do you think you were doing out there>".... Made me a tad more respectful of track racers.
Besides it's a blast to do and if you hurry, you might be able to add it to your Christmas list.

Another Christmas list option is to get a Buy and Ride on a NASCAR track .... 160 mph is pure joy!

Dang, Alan has a GREAT idea! Howard, this would be a GREAT Christmas present for you! Maybe take a week and go to Arizona for the Bondurant schools (or Barber etc). But Bondurant is in Arizona. Arizona driving school in the winter, get a speedster in the spring - I'm telling you Howard you would be set!

angela

Ive always wanted to do a driving course. Being on the East Coast, the Barber /Lime Rock course would be ideal. Ive taken several riding course, which were fun, made me a better street rider for sure. This car wont be delivered till early summer, I suspect. Its the waiting.........................

The waiting has GOT to be driving you nuts, Howard! But when you get it, that is going to be one GREAT speedster. I think you should pick it up at the factory, then drive down I-5 visiting people along the way (like us!), and then wander your way 'cross country. Take lots of pictures and have a great adventure.

angela

Interesting you should suggest that Angela. Im going to Vancouver in late May. I have a professional convention in Seattle(how thoughtful) and will make my way to IM in Vancouver to get the details, wheel height, seat height, basically to "fit" the cockpit to my 5'10in frame. It may very well be that I could take delivery during the IM weekend BBQ, which Henry hosts in July. Many of his customers, become friends and from what I hear, its a great way to drive these cars around British Columbia, a place I have yet to visit. Maybe I could then drive it back to NJ. Its always about finding the time away from the office. We'll see, but this winter cant go fast enough for me. Watching others get their progress photos, justs wets my appetite!

Hi Howard: For what it is worth, value for money, driver training will make the biggest difference. After that tires, a good alignment and then shocks.

If you are not driving the car in snow you might as well go for a summer ultrahigh performance tire or an

Bruce, Thanks for the input. You have a beautiful IM. White is always a classic. I have a set of Bridgestone SO-3 Pole position tires on my Alfa spider.Absolutley love them. Transformed the car. I run the Koni "reds", because their less aggressive, better for the street. Depending on what Henry suggests, Im inclined to go with 45/50 or even 50/55. I want grip AND comfort too. Ive been toying with poly bushings for two reasons. They last longer, and give a more stable , responsive ride, without being too harsh. The minus is that they can squeak a little. All of this can be changed of course as we delve further into the build.

Howard, What is an 'alfa'? Seriously, Angela and Bruce have it right. Stick with the original bushings. I had plastic in my 911 and it was great for autocrossing but it was not so fun when 'just drivin'. If you put in new rubber bushings, you will NEVER wear them out.

Dale, Your probably right. What is an ALFA? Its a new type of animal that you can raise right in your back yard. You shear it, feed it and it gives your lawn all the fertilizer it can handle. I hear they make great sweaters!

Howard, thanks for the complement. I plan to stop in regularly to IM and see the progress on your car. It would be similar to what I would want if I built a new one.

One thing you might want to check is that if you plan to do some track days you may need an approved roll bar. I know my local track requires them for open cars.
Cheers
Bruce

Bruce, we'll keep in touch as this build progresses. My 16in Fuchs have been sent to the paint shop so the "web" can be color keyed to the car. The rims and spokes will be brought to high polish, with enamel painted Porsche caps. It will be cool to have another set of eyes for input. Thanks, Howie