Jim Richards

I'm just about to start refreshing our 73E's suspension and I'm thinking that I need to address the shocks, too. I'm going to replace all bushings, add factory adjustable spring plates to allow me to lower the car some, and I've got 26mm torsion bars for the rear (front t-bars are stock). The car has stock (15 or 16mm?) front and rear sway bars. I believe the shocks are Bilsteins in Boge struts and, I believe, are original. It's driven mostly on the street with a few DEs planned per year. I don't want to make the ride quality too harsh for my wife to enjoy.

I've heard people mention matching the shocks to the t-bars, but I'm not sure what the match is for 18.8mm front/26mm rear t-bars. Should I go for a HD front / Sport rear config, or ??? Should I send my old shocks out to be revalved or buy new?

Your comments or suggestions are appreciated Thanks!

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Jim:

Everyone has an opinion on things like this , but I'd simply offer mine based on what you wish to use the car for.

I've had excellent success using Bilstein HD inserts in front and Sport shocks in the rear. This give excellent control with the range of torsion bars that you are using and will not adversely affect ride quality. If you buy new ones, you'll get Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty,....

I would also suggest 21mm front tubular torsion bars (to match nicely with the 26mm ones), a turbo tie rod kit, a front strut brace, and set of 20mm adjustable swaybars.

This setup gives excellent handling, very good ride quality, and the adjustability to set the understeer/oversteer balance to your skills and preferences.

pwd72s

Jim, if you weren't in VA., I'd suggest that Steve's shop would be a good place for the work. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> In other words, my opinion is that Steve's opinion is a sound one.

Jim Richards

Thanks Steve and Paul. When it comes to suspension setups for various purposes, I'm kind of clueless.

One follow up question...will the handling (oversteer/understeer) be goofy with the stock front t-bars and the 26mm rears? Thanks again!

racemor

Steve, do you have an opinion on using adjustable Konis in a similar setup do what you have described? I've used adjustable shocks in stock class autocrossing for a long time and enjoyed the quick change ability between runs. I have similar goals for my E to what Jim describes but with a few more autocrosses thrown in.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Jim:

ROFL,....Guess I'd better send Paul that $ 20,.....

Seriously though,.......IMHO, a 19mm/26mm torsion bar setup is biased toward neutrality and will be loose at speed. This would only be suitable for AutoX and there are better setups for that, too. I would not recommend this for anyone but very very good drivers. Its not a happy marriage.

Tom:,..........I like, use, and recommend adjustable shocks, just not Koni's. I use either our custom revalved Bilsteins (non-adjustable), JRZ's or Moton's in single or double adjustable. These permit me to raise the spindle for restored travel, (critical), raise the roll centers (a good thing), and better bump steer correction. I can also offset-bore the spindles for more negative camber.

Hope this helps,

Jim Richards

Thanks Steve. I can say with confidence that I am not a very very good driver. So, I think I'd better go hunt for a pair of 21mm front t-bars. I'm hoping I can stay with stock sway bars for a while. Thanks again!