Turbo Tie Rods?
08-12-2002, 04:17 PM
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Turbo Tie Rods?
I just picked up a nice 87 Carrera that already has some suspension mods: Bilsteins in the rear (the front are stock I believe) and 22/29 torsion bars. The car feels a bit "floaty" at speed however. Kind of a rubbery feeling in the steering that causes the car to drift a bit back and forth. It feels fine in tight turns once it sets up, but on the freeway or in big sweeper type turns there is a bit of this float. Would Turbo Tie Rods correct this?
08-12-2002, 05:33 PM
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I did adjust the tire pressure and it corrected some of the float. This is a really minor float, and it feels like the stock float to me - I had an 87 years ago. Since that time I have owned a 993 and 2 turbos and none of them had this feeling. The suspension feels good - close to that on my 993TT, but just some minor sponginess in the steering. I was under the impression that the turbo tie rods would correct this? The front shocks probably could use an upgrade as well as we bought this car to use for AutoX and DEs.
08-12-2002, 10:40 PM
#5
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The Turbo tie rods are a wonderful upgrade - it's one of the few you can appreciate every time you drive. With the upgrade, when you turn the steering wheel, the nose points. It's direct cause and effect. With the stock rubber bushings, it's OK, but nothing like the Turbo tie rods.
On my 81SC, I had 22/29 torsion bars, adjustable sways front and rear, and Bilstein Sports front and rear. I found that to be a good, solid, neutral combination. Some, however, might find the ride a bit stiff.
On my 81SC, I had 22/29 torsion bars, adjustable sways front and rear, and Bilstein Sports front and rear. I found that to be a good, solid, neutral combination. Some, however, might find the ride a bit stiff.
08-13-2002, 02:01 AM
#6
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You might want to verify that you have a "bump steer" kit installed under the steering rack. All it consists of is two aluminum spacers and longer bolts.
I would assume with the suspension mods that the car is lowered a bit...so check for your bump steer spacers - they even out the rack with the attachment points of your tie rod ends.
Your tie rods wind up being at an upwards angle if the car has been lowered considerably.
Just a suggestion.
I would assume with the suspension mods that the car is lowered a bit...so check for your bump steer spacers - they even out the rack with the attachment points of your tie rod ends.
Your tie rods wind up being at an upwards angle if the car has been lowered considerably.
Just a suggestion.
08-13-2002, 02:16 AM
#7
I guess an obvious question but what spoilers do you have.
My 87 came without a chin spoiler but has the whale tail and I know this is causing floatiness. (I am ordering a new chin spoiler next week.)
Cheers
Mark
My 87 came without a chin spoiler but has the whale tail and I know this is causing floatiness. (I am ordering a new chin spoiler next week.)
Cheers
Mark
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08-13-2002, 09:17 AM
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[quote]<strong>what are the differences in the two types of tie rods ?
can this mod be done at home ,will it need any re-alaignment?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The stock tie rods have rubber bushings in them. The Turbo tie rods have a sealed cup-in-ball without the rubber bushings, which makes the action more direct.
Yes, it can be installed at home, however, you need a thin 46mm? wrench, and if you're good, and measure and mark carefully, you won't need a realignment. However, if you know how to measure and check toe, that's probably a good idea, following this upgrade.
can this mod be done at home ,will it need any re-alaignment?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The stock tie rods have rubber bushings in them. The Turbo tie rods have a sealed cup-in-ball without the rubber bushings, which makes the action more direct.
Yes, it can be installed at home, however, you need a thin 46mm? wrench, and if you're good, and measure and mark carefully, you won't need a realignment. However, if you know how to measure and check toe, that's probably a good idea, following this upgrade.
08-13-2002, 02:25 PM
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Well I went ahead and ordred the turbo tie rods as my mechanic also suggested this. As for the bump steer kit, I do not know if that is there. The car is definitely lower than stock. In fact it appears the front fender lips have been rolled a bit to accommodate the track tires that came with the car. The last upgrade I could see doing is going with Bilsteins in the front. I just don't know which ones to get. The car is lowered so I assume the Bilsteins in the back are the Sport Shocks. I suppose I should just get a mathcing set for the front.
08-13-2002, 02:33 PM
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[quote]<strong>The car is lowered so I assume the Bilsteins in the back are the Sport Shocks. I suppose I should just get a mathcing set for the front.</strong><hr></blockquote>
If the Bilsteins in back are yellow, they are the sports shocks. If they are green, check the shock body for a number: B46-0975 is Sport and B46-0169 is Heavy Duty. Just to add to general confusion, Bilstein makes the Sport shocks in yellow and green. I've talked to Bilstein about that, and it's a shoulder shrug - sometimes we get them in yellow and sometimes we get them in green.
If the Bilsteins in back are yellow, they are the sports shocks. If they are green, check the shock body for a number: B46-0975 is Sport and B46-0169 is Heavy Duty. Just to add to general confusion, Bilstein makes the Sport shocks in yellow and green. I've talked to Bilstein about that, and it's a shoulder shrug - sometimes we get them in yellow and sometimes we get them in green.
08-13-2002, 09:45 PM
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Well it turns out the front wheels are cambered in for better turn in during AutoX type evets. I must say it works as the car feels the most solid when it is turning hard, but I can do without the drift while on the freeway. I am still going with the turbo tie rods and Bilsteins.
08-14-2002, 01:42 PM
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Hey Bill - if you are out there I pulled the wheels off and got the part number for the rear shocks. They are green and the number is F4-B46-0169-HC. I then looked at the AJ-USA website for these as they have Bilsteins on sale. Well they list both a sport shock and a heavy duty shock with the part number B46-0169. Should this be so confusing?
The other issue I am running into is I want to run a set of 7x9 Fuchs I have. The 9s fit fine in back, but the 7s rub in front on hard cornering. Is it easy to raise the front ride height a bit?
The other issue I am running into is I want to run a set of 7x9 Fuchs I have. The 9s fit fine in back, but the 7s rub in front on hard cornering. Is it easy to raise the front ride height a bit?
08-14-2002, 02:14 PM
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[quote]<strong>They are green and the number is F4-B46-0169-HC. I then looked at the AJ-USA website for these as they have Bilsteins on sale. Well they list both a sport shock and a heavy duty shock with the part number B46-0169. Should this be so confusing?
The other issue I am running into is I want to run a set of 7x9 Fuchs I have. The 9s fit fine in back, but the 7s rub in front on hard cornering. Is it easy to raise the front ride height a bit?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The 0169's are HD (See <a href="http://www.bilstein.com," target="_blank">www.bilstein.com,</a> product specs, Porsche, and choose your model). Here's the info from Bilstein (format may not be so good):
Bilstein Shock Absorber Specifications from bilstein.com
Make:
PORSCHE
Model:
BILSTEIN STRUTS (GREEN HOUSING)- 911
Year:
73-89
Heavy Duty
Front:
R36-5001
Rear:
B46-0169
Make:
PORSCHE
Model:
BILSTEIN STRUTS (GREEN HOUSING)- 911
Year:
73-89
Sports
Front:
RE3-5050
Rear:
B46-0975
Make:
PORSCHE
Model:
BILSTEIN STRUTS (GREEN HOUSING)- 911
Year:
73-89
RALLYE
Front:
N/A
Rear:
B46-0180
I'd upgrade to Sports all the way around - they're a little siffer than the HD's., and would work well with the 22/29's. See <a href="http://www.shox.com," target="_blank">www.shox.com,</a> they have some of the best prices that I've found - send them a note asking for their price or use the form on their site.
For the front, you change the height using the vertical bolt at the end of the a-arm. That may also change the corner weights, which can make a difference at the track.
The other issue I am running into is I want to run a set of 7x9 Fuchs I have. The 9s fit fine in back, but the 7s rub in front on hard cornering. Is it easy to raise the front ride height a bit?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The 0169's are HD (See <a href="http://www.bilstein.com," target="_blank">www.bilstein.com,</a> product specs, Porsche, and choose your model). Here's the info from Bilstein (format may not be so good):
Bilstein Shock Absorber Specifications from bilstein.com
Make:
PORSCHE
Model:
BILSTEIN STRUTS (GREEN HOUSING)- 911
Year:
73-89
Heavy Duty
Front:
R36-5001
Rear:
B46-0169
Make:
PORSCHE
Model:
BILSTEIN STRUTS (GREEN HOUSING)- 911
Year:
73-89
Sports
Front:
RE3-5050
Rear:
B46-0975
Make:
PORSCHE
Model:
BILSTEIN STRUTS (GREEN HOUSING)- 911
Year:
73-89
RALLYE
Front:
N/A
Rear:
B46-0180
I'd upgrade to Sports all the way around - they're a little siffer than the HD's., and would work well with the 22/29's. See <a href="http://www.shox.com," target="_blank">www.shox.com,</a> they have some of the best prices that I've found - send them a note asking for their price or use the form on their site.
For the front, you change the height using the vertical bolt at the end of the a-arm. That may also change the corner weights, which can make a difference at the track.
08-14-2002, 03:52 PM
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Bill - is there really a big difference between the Sports and HD versions? I need the car to still be streetable as we drive it to DEs and AutoX and I also like to drive it around town and such. I would alos prefer not to spend more money that necessary. The rear Bilsteins were just installed in January.