Advice handling upgrades. '83 NA 944
#1
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Hi members! I would like to make my '83 NA 944 drive like new(and better) again.I'm thinking of changing out every suspension bushing, new coilovers or shocks, upgrade sway bars. My question is; which specific bushings should i look for? Could anyone give me a guide of what they are all called and where they are in the vehicle?Also should i just get the upgraded bilstein b6 shocks or full on coilovers?I've read the om030 sway bars would make it handle a lot better? Is there any other part that i should change/upgrade? The car will be a weekender to have fun with and occasionally go to tracks like the Nordschleife, spa Francorchamps, circuit zolder etc..Probably a 90% backroad blaster though. Thanks!
#2
Drifting
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Hi members! I would like to make my '83 NA 944 drive like new(and better) again.I'm thinking of changing out every suspension bushing, new coilovers or shocks, upgrade sway bars. My question is; which specific bushings should i look for? Could anyone give me a guide of what they are all called and where they are in the vehicle?Also should i just get the upgraded bilstein b6 shocks or full on coilovers?I've read the om030 sway bars would make it handle a lot better? Is there any other part that i should change/upgrade? The car will be a weekender to have fun with and occasionally go to tracks like the Nordschleife, spa Francorchamps, circuit zolder etc..Probably a 90% backroad blaster though. Thanks!
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walfreyydo (02-08-2023)
#3
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I have completed converting my own S2 over to full Powerflex poly bushings. Very happy with them. Pay special attention to the type of caster block mount you have - they have options for both the upgraded 968 caster blocks and the larger 944 OEM one. Its recommended to upgrade to the 968 version regardless (this is what I did and immediately installed the powerflex bushing in place of rubber). The link below will give you an inventory of all the bushings on the car that can be replaced.
https://www.powerflexusa.com/shop/ca...1985-1991-1876
(Im pretty sure these bushings will also work with any late model car -not just the S2- and possibly the early model cars for some of the bushings)
Elephant Racing also has some rubber OEM style bushings as well as delrin and solid versions (racing applications only), albeit more expensive than Powerflex.
In terms of suspension you have 3 options:
-Coilover fronts + coilover rear (keep the torsion bar)
-Coilover fronts + coilover rear (torsion bar delete CAUTION: special hardware is needed to do this safely, do your research)
-Coilover fronts + upgraded torsion bar (cheapest and simplest and still allows for height adjustment front/rear, albeit more work)
Paragon Products has a good "Cup" kit for 944 spec racing which will give you front coils plus thicker rear torsion - this is what I recommend if you are looking for the most elegant and least complicated option.
Ground control also offers front/rear coilovers as well as a torsion delete kit. Lindsey has some options as well, such as the Bilstein coilover kit (non-torsion delete).
And yes, as T&T mentioned, theres a lot of info on this if you simply google and do some reading. Much more info and options beyond what I posted above.
https://www.powerflexusa.com/shop/ca...1985-1991-1876
(Im pretty sure these bushings will also work with any late model car -not just the S2- and possibly the early model cars for some of the bushings)
Elephant Racing also has some rubber OEM style bushings as well as delrin and solid versions (racing applications only), albeit more expensive than Powerflex.
In terms of suspension you have 3 options:
-Coilover fronts + coilover rear (keep the torsion bar)
-Coilover fronts + coilover rear (torsion bar delete CAUTION: special hardware is needed to do this safely, do your research)
-Coilover fronts + upgraded torsion bar (cheapest and simplest and still allows for height adjustment front/rear, albeit more work)
Paragon Products has a good "Cup" kit for 944 spec racing which will give you front coils plus thicker rear torsion - this is what I recommend if you are looking for the most elegant and least complicated option.
Ground control also offers front/rear coilovers as well as a torsion delete kit. Lindsey has some options as well, such as the Bilstein coilover kit (non-torsion delete).
And yes, as T&T mentioned, theres a lot of info on this if you simply google and do some reading. Much more info and options beyond what I posted above.
Last edited by walfreyydo; 02-08-2023 at 11:58 AM.
#4
Burning Brakes
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I'm not saying you should not do this, but just consider the following thought. You will be taking one of, if not the the best handling road car of that era, and making it harsher to drive on the street. It is still very, very fun to track a stock 944, if fun is what you are after. Upgrades become worth it if you are racing the car competitively. But, no matter how many upgrades you do to a 944, you are not going to set a track lap record.
Again, your car, your choice. I just want you to get the best possible use out of your car.
Again, your car, your choice. I just want you to get the best possible use out of your car.
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harveyf (02-09-2023)
#5
Drifting
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You cannot not do coilovers rears with the '84 stock steel rear trailing arms. The steel units must be replaced with late 944 or 951 aluminum trailing arms. This conversion requires the longer half-shaft. More $$$__
#6
Burning Brakes
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#7
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Mucho work to do the changeover! Everything is different. Mucho dinero also. Consider this for a time and read what must be changed to make it all work. Read the previous threads extensively. Just my 2cents FWIW. Good luck ..proceed with caution and good judgement.