cal44

Topic: Suspension 911
I notice that when I drive the '86 coupe it handles beyond my needs (perfect). My '84 coupe does not measure up to the '86.
I just had Bilsteins placed on the '84 thinking that it would cure what I consider, not at the '86 level. It helped but I want more.
In 1986 the factory increased the front and rear sway bar diameters. Do you folks think it will help the '84? I don't want to overdue the poor dear as it is a low mile beauty but I am not quite satisfied. Am I making sense? Thanks all

Peter Zimmermann

Cal: We did a number of early (pre-'86) cars at my shop and found it to be a worthwhile improvement. We used stock '86> sway bars and bushings, which gives you 22mm (F) and 21mm(R), but there is a drawback. Consider, as a part of the job, replacing the rear bar mounting consoles (the bigger bar will break the original mounts in short order). We used factory replacement consoles and had no problems with them, but a number of folks on this forum have used consoles made by others, and I'm sure that recommendations will come your way.

BlackPearl

FWIW: I replaced my '83SC F/R sways with 22-Fronts & 20-Rear's. Noticable improvement. However, I also replaced the t-bars with 21-front and 30 rear's since I track and street the car (dual-purpose car). So an obvious big change. The system is balanced, though a bit tight for the street. I would definitely start with the sways first if you aren't going to track the '84.

my 2-cents.

cal44

Mr. Z, concerning the consoles. Is this cut and add (weld)? If so, I question if I should be doing this to a 75K car that is almost perfect. Or, should I sell it and buy an '86 or later car. I do not want to ruin the value. Crap.....I hate this.......making decisions

Thank you Black Pearl and Mr. Z

Peter Zimmermann

cal: Yes, the console replacement is (1) cut off the old ones, (2) weld on the replacements, (3) refinish the area. In many ways the sway bar/console deal can be considered a legitimate upgrade, I'm actually considering doing it to my own car ('82 SC). And yes, my car, at 203K miles, still has the original consoles with no evidence of cracking/failure! I personally don't see any way that the change could hurt the car's value, but you never know what someone might think about a modification. The beauty of the change is that it has no effect on ride comfort, but gives an assist during quick lane changes and that occasional drive along a canyon road.

MUSSBERGER

Get the Wevo mounts! Ask me how I know.

Black , thats a big bar on the back I only have 28's.

imcarthur

As above. The factory bracket is prone to failure so the upgraded one would be an improvement over stock. It certainly would not effect value.

Ian

cal44

Very well. Will follow the pearls of wisdom and proceed. I understand that the '86 had metal stress issues because the factory did not upgrade the console/bracket. I better have a look at it as well. I suspect Pelican sells all I need. Thanks all.

jwilson95

Do Cabs have the same setup as the coupes with regard to size of the roll bars, etc.

Just put new Bilstein HD's on my '89 cab with turbo tie rods. nice improvement.

Jeff

TroyN

How about turbo tie rods? Strut brace?

BlackPearl

Gee, really? I kinda like 'em. I'd rather be blessed with a tiny bit of oversteer than the dreaded understeer ... but that is just me.