unique

This is what I have purchased for my 86 turbo through lindsey racing as far as suspension is concerned. I also recently did an engine rebuild to a 3.0 so with the 400whp plus power I was advised to run the torsion tube.

I need help with wheel setup for this suspension set up. What are the opinions? I am looking for mostly track driving out of the car. Would you run 18s or 17s? and how wide and tire set up?

Bilstein Escort Cup Heavy w/Camber Plates (500F Spring) / (350R Spring)
Chrome Moly Lower Control Arm '86 944/968 'PAIR' "Short Arms"' 968 M030 Sway Bar Kit Complete w/LR Rear Bar
Torsion Tube Mount
Rear Training Arm Monoball Set
Cast Aluminum Torsion Tube Upper Mount R & L
Rear Spring Plate PolyBronze Bushing Set
LINDSEY RACING CV AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY 944 L&R LOCKING CV BOLT KIT 8x50mm 24pc.

Dimi 944

Nice upgrades and parts. However, most of the times one would start with the selection of wheel and tire and weight of the car then determine the springs and shocks.

If you search the forum, you will see many different wheel and tire set ups ranging from 16" - 18" wheels. The bigger you go the harder gets to get the front alignment done due to clearance limitations. Especially on your '86 951 which is and early offset car. I would not go with more than 17" wheel diameter and 245 ture width up front. I think you can fit as much as 275 at the read in 17".

odurandina

our cars are so slow, we don't need brand new rubber. I like to run new tires up front, and used in the back.... check ebay for the cheap odd single tires, and build complete pairs.... example; in the back I like used Pilot Sports or Contisportcontact 3 - 285 35 18s.... they're usually super cheap, and missing 2~3mm, are the perfect size at 25.6~7"...

for my front tires, or if you're dealing with pre-drive inspections.... keep a close eye out on ebay (or tire rack for stuff on closeout). you can call them, tell them you're a student or poor coal miner, and they'll keep you informed of any stuff going on special...... I got a 100 k miles out of 5 y-rated Dunlops (2 fronts and 3 rears) that I was able to get from TR on closeout for a total of $600 delivered.

unique

Since I already purchased my spring rate and already have my set up, and will be running car with full cage, no interior, no power steering, and no ac/heater, and light weight battery, can anyone give me advice on which tire/wheel combo is the best for me. Money is not an option, I already spent 20k on my 944 with turbo and motor upgrade. I want to build an awesome 944 and love the car.

mikey_audiogeek

Nice setup.

I think Patrick (333pg333) would recommend a square setup using 18x10 wheels and 265/35/18 tyres.

Cheers,
Mike

odurandina

yeaahh... or if running a stagger, then maybe 265~275 fronts on a 9" riim and like 275 or 285 backs on a 10" rim.

but no more than about a 1~2 cm difference front to back.

unique

will 265/35/18s work on an 86 since the front offset is different from the later years

unique

also my springs in the rear are much softer than in the front, would square set up be better or staggered?

OakRZB

I've had 265-35/18 square on 18x10's on an '86 944. With coilovers, there's adequate room/geometry in front due to the absence of the ABS.

944hal

Softer springs in the rear doesn't sound right. Do you still have the torsion bars installed? If so, you need to know what the equivalent rate is in the rear, torsion bars plus springs.

333pg333

Yes, a bit of 'interesting' advice being given here. Also, what do you mean by this "I was advised to run the torsion tube"? Assume you mean you were advised to keep the torsion bars installed and if so, what size do you have in there? If not, your spring rate is wrong and with a narrow front tyre that some are advising, your car will handle something akin to a Whale on roller blades. I suspect you probably still have your stock torsion bars in there, but you'd want to make sure.

unique

PAtrick,

I was advised by Lindsey to keep the stock torsion tubes because of the ridiculous amount of power my motor is to be making. I should be around 430-480whp.

I attached my Lindsey invoice so you can see what I have going on. Lindsey sold me on the cup coilovers but Im not afraid to buy something else, they told me that this is how they run there high horsepower cars with the stock torsion tubes.

so what do you think about the suspension, I am not afraid to buy the gt racing wider turbo front fenders that are 2 inches wider than stock front fenders. What would someone like you do. How would you run my car?? Should I get stiffer rear springs? what is the ultimate set up? I will take out all the slow me down parts that are just adding weight. AC, interior, carpets, ect, but the power stearing will be left alone for now.