Hello
I have an '86 w/ a 2.8l motor and t3 turbo on it ~400whp, i was wondering what people with similar setups are running for suspension. I was looking at the JIC magic kit on LR's site and I was wondering if that would be sufficient for the track or if I should spend the extra money and get Ohlins or Penskes. Any input from any of you track junkies would be appreciated.
TIA

 

full race car or DE/trackday car?

 

On a somewhat similar car (86 2.75liter, Vitesse stage2 – 400+rwhp) I have Leda coilovers (24 position adjustable) w 350/550 springs. Camber plates and some solid bushings. Nice for street and track.

BTW - I would recommend considering the 87+ conversion – that makes almost all 911 based wheels fit – much more choices, especial for track wheels. In addition the big red conversion is a better package for 87+ suspensions.

If you are at 400rwhp then the big reds will become a very good idea for track use. The stock calipers will work but at the price of a set of $200 pads per weekend…

Get the brake cooling ducts installed ASAP (OG Racing carries them)

Chris White

I drove a customers 350+rwhp with a stock turbo S suspension…really quite scary!!!

 

its not a full race car, just some track events hopfully

 

in that case, the extra money for the adjustability of the more expensive units probably isn't necessary unless its just really what you want or have the money to spend. If you want something a bit less expensive, alot of 951 owners praise the Bilstein escort cup setup, it isn't adjustable but is apparently valved very well for a street/track 951 - costs about $2100 with helper springs and camber plates iirc

 

I just installed the Bilstein escort cup setup from LR and it is great! my car drives like it is on rails or as close to it as I care to get with a street car!

 

It depends on what you use the adjustability for. If you are referring to fine tuning at the track you have a point, but the adjustability can be used to change from a street setting to a track setting. That way you can make a stiffly sprung car acceptable for street use. If I left mine on track settings it would be somewhat annoying on the street.

(Statement of bias!) I am a Leda dealer (liked them so much I added them to the engine stuff I do). You can get a full set of Ledas for around $2500 to $3000 (there are many options) and the shocks are custom made to spec (valving to match springs).

Chris White

 

I agree with Chris and the others, for a part time track car the expence of the Ohlins or penskes is just not worth it.
I also run Leda's and Love them, they have been problem free for years. The single ajustables should suit you fine.

 

Hi everyone:

I noted that some said that wheels can be hard to fit on an 86. Here is the link to the 10 spoke 18" wheels that I am using on my car. I am running 285-30-18s on the rear and have no cleraance issues.

Just an FYI


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-Po...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Hi 35th, We have very similar cars, and I also got the LR escort kit, what spring rates did you get? kevin

 

How much differecne do coil overs make?

I have Knoi yellows and considered if I upgrade, I would go full coilover, but not sure if that is over kill for a 90% street car.

Is there a step in between something like Koni and coil overs?

 

In a street car I dont think its worth putting the money, the factory sys when in good shape is excellent.
If you track your car a lot, say 4 or 5 2 day events and are beyond the intermediate run group, it may make a noticable difference. to exploit it in the streets is kind of reckless.
I would definelty call it overkill on a street car.

Main benefits of the coil overs is ajustability, in dampning and ride height. You have to have a need to be playing around with the settings.

 

if you get rear coilovers you can get rid of the torsion bar in the back Correct???

 

400rwhp and stock suspension is a little scary, especially if the shocks are a little tired!! With mild mods the Koni Yellows will work well but once you get to the serious HP range you need to address the springs.

As for the rear coil overs – you don’t ‘have to’ remove the torsion bar but it sure makes sense to pull it out!

Chris White

 

400hp?, hell it's scary in my 220hp with the stock (and original 93k mile) suspension! The esses at WGI, turns 2-4 at Mont Tremblant, yikes! Never know which way the car's going to go, it floats everywhere.

I just started yesterday the process of removing the torsion bars, and installing Leda's. I agree with Chris White, I think the benefits of completely removing the torsion bars far outweighs the cons.