jdogporsche

It seems like I can feel every bump in the road and was wondering if that was normal for my year? It seems like my 70 911T was just a little bit softer, but maybe I am not remembering correctly. The car sat for 6 years and I just got it back to life, but I am thinking there might still be things with the suspension that need to be addressed after sitting for so long. Any feedback?

Thanks as always!

Capt. Carrera

It's a feature. Really.

Edward

Hard/dead tires? Overinflation? Suspension binding? Shocks binding? bushings binding?

I'd check the tires first. If that doesn't solve it, jack up the car and do a visual to see if anything looks wrong ...like old rubber bushings that are either collapsed or fusing metal together. Also check for suspension movement in each wheel (a jack to raise each wheel with the car on stands) could reveal if anything is binding up. Any car sitting dormant for 6 years then springing suddenly to life is most likely going to need some kind of attention.

Edward

imcarthur

I like Capt's answer.

Yes, you will become very intimate with pavement. What tires? Age, type, profile? What shocks? Age, type? And as above, check bushings etc.

But when all is said & done, it's a feature. Haha.

Ian

theiceman

If you don't like the ride buy a Camry ...

SeattlePorsche

Jeremy,

When I bought my car I noticed the same thing. The forum back in march recommended I change the tires. My tires looked 25 years old (?) with white thread showing at the sides, so it was the first thing I did. Made a big difference, but the car was still very unreasonably rough. But I was told to change the front bushings and I did. I also replaced the front shocks, but I picked the Bilstein Sports. Also gotta in a new ball joint at the bottom of the shock.

The front feels very smooth now until I hit a significant bump. Then it sort of feels like there is no shock absorber, but I would guess that is normal. The Bilsteins get softer in a good way after about 1000 miles. That was my first major project, and maybe it should be yours.

If you haven't already, I would spend 200$ for a good PPI. Gerber Motorsports had already done mine for a previous interested customer when I went to look at the car for the first time. It is very meticulous and detailed, and typed up nicely. They list the problem, the associated parts cost, and the required labor cost. When I saw the printout it looked like a partial chapter list from Wayne's 101 Projects book.

Good Luck!

Porsche Newbie

I was ready to rebuild my entire suspension until I bought new tires.. nite and day diff.

jdogporsche

I appreciate all the advice! New tires are a must, I am looking right now. The backs are Yokohama and are actually in great shape, but the fronts are horrible. I was planning on doing a PPI for sure, just so I know what needs to be done since the car had been sitting for 6 years. I have Wayne's book on order and it is supposed to arrive today or tomorrow, just in time for the weekend!

I will also look at Camry's, since I guess they provide a better ride <wink, wink>.

theiceman

they make a great wife beater.... oops .. I meant to say winter beater .... :-)

That book is great reading actually. I did all my bushings with original rubber as urethane tends to ride a little harsher. But I also put on Bilstein sports and it can make your teeth rattle if you hit a pothole. I guess that is why you need the super strong Fuchs with these cars, because if the shocks don't compress , guess what is taking the impact.

But on normal roads I find the Bilstein Sports to be outstanding.

Brett San Diego

Same experience here with tires. My car, 1978 SC, had Pirelli Cinturato P7's on it when I bought it. I have no idea when they were last made, but I think it was a long time ago. They were hockey pucks. New tires made a world of difference.

Brett

theiceman

Hey My neighbour has those exact tires on his 944. He has never changed them since he bought his car in 1985 :-).. I think I will wander down and check out the year for laughs.

jdogporsche

Well since we are on the topic of tires, what do you suggest? I know I can do an archive search and probably find the answer, but I figure we are on the subject so...

Edgy01

Tires! No question! (Bridgestones are nice--have them on mine).

Jastx

Your car is almost 30 years old. Porsches have a feel of the road that feels good. If yours doesn't feel good, there is a good chance you have suspension components that are spent due to to miles or age. Tires are obvious if worn, but if they are not worn but old (like sitting for six years), replace them. Shocks too, they don't last forever. And, as other have stated, there are many suspension bushings that are probably shot at this point on a 30-year old car. To drive like a Porsche, a Porsche needs to be maintained like a Porsche. Unfortunately, that is not inexpensive.

Your car may also have non-factory "upgrades" like stiffer shocks and other "improvements" installed by POs to supposedly outthink Porsche engineers and improve the car but in reality compromise its roadworthyness. Replacing components with stock items should make a big difference.

theiceman

Tires is Always a personal choice, much like I hate recomending movies because the person I recomend it to might be looking for something different and HATE it.

But I will tell you I am running 17" Bridgestone Re 050s I got on sale at tire rack and I am happy with them , I don't track the car or drive super aggresively so they are fine. You have to keep in mind conditions also. If you get even half the rain Vancouver BC gets you will need a superior rain tire.