suspension mods?

spdstr356

Well I've had this rolling chassis for 25ish years...yea I know. It's the old story: Plenty of time...no money, enough(?) money...no time. Well my wife and son talked me out of a Boxster, and suggested I finish my "dream car" before I get too old to enjoy it. I salvaged a 914 to get the 2.0 about 18 yrs ago (been in the basement on a stand) for the conversion. Of course since my recent epiphany, I've been researching, no, obsessing, options for my newly rediscovered project. Do I do a dry sump? Oh yea, my son honored me with a set of 44 Webers with manifolds for my 60th birthday, almost forgot that. Now I'm contemplating my suspension options as well. I picked up some 2.5" dropped spindles, and a full set of original Porsche 14" 5 spoke Fuchs over the course of dormant ownership. I'm not sure what to do about sway bars. Is the car too light to warrant "more than stock" sway bars? I would appreciate any/all suggestions/input. This appears to be a great site...lots of information...overwhelming, but very helpful. I apologize if this topic has been previously addressed. Please direct me to that thread?

6/5/125:37 PM

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spdstr356

6/5/125:37 PM

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WOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member

I don't need any more competition on the longest build! Had mine since 1989 and still 90% complete. I used 3/4" sway bars front and rear. I also have KYB gas shocks (which I'll probably regret - suspect too stiff). You'll want at least front disc brakes - get the rotors drilled for the Porsche 5 bolt pattern. You might want to look at 924/944 rear swing arms and its disc brake set up. Where ya located? (I recently moved from Northern VA to Northern FL - so cured worrying about need for heater anyhow~!)

6/5/127:08 PM

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spdstr356

I'm in Maine...straight up the coast. I bought mine from the widow of the original buyer/builder. It came with front disc conversion, but I don't know where to get the hubs/drums drilled for 5x130.

6/6/124:33 AM

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WOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member

I would replace the brake rotors and drums you have now with pre-drilled Porsche pattern ones. Sell off your old ones here, CL or THESAMBA. Old ones would have to be drilled precisely and it weakens the piece too. Adapters will fit on the front but probably no room for them on the rear. Adapters are not as strong as new drilled rotors. I changed the old rubber brake lines to stainless steel reinforced ones - to give better pedal pressure. Think my sway bars are Sway-a-way or AddCo. Post some pictures on the site.

I think Michael McKelvey beat me on build time --- but his is finished now - so a little more procrastination on my part .... an I still have chance. But would actually like to drive it before I'm too old and feeble!

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6/6/125:03 AM

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Ron O1984/2010 IM, B.C. Canada

Bob, I'd also recommend going with after market, thicker sways. I have them on mine and like them a lot. As for shocks, I went with Koni, because they're a quality product and adjustable. The downside is they're very expensive (and I had to order them from Holland).

6/6/126:13 AM

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edsnovaBaltimore - BCW 52 MG TD Supporting Member

Build it with the parts you have, drive it around a couple corners, and THEN start thinking about suspension mods.

3/4-inch sway bars are a two hour job you can do later if you think you need 'em.

Don't rush. But for god's sake, don't dally.

Git 'er done already!

6/6/126:15 PM

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WOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member

You will most likely have to notch out the front bumper brackets for sway bars. See my profile for modified bracket photo.