Riccardo

A very simple question, whats the difference between a strut brace and an anti roll bar?

I would like to lower the car later this year and was wondering if I should also be budgeting for any of the above for the conversion.

The reasons for lowering the car are:
- 40% looks
- 25% track days
- 25% high speed stability
- 10% replace worn parts

Thanks once again

Bill Gregory

Riccardo,

The strut brace ties the two strut towers together, to minimize camber shift under hard cornering. The sway (also called anti-sway) bar helps to keep the body flatter during cornering.

Strut braces are not too expensive ($200 give or take) and easy to install. Larger sway bars are more $$. When considering larger sway bars, you might consider if you want adjustable bars. These allow you to fine tune your suspension towards a neutral handling position (if that's what you want). Porsche Carrera RS 24mm front and 18mm rear adjustable bars are available. I used the Porsche bar in the front and a larger, non-Porsche bar in the rear. I've written an article, with pictures, on how to install the front bar, which I'll be posting on John Miles 964 site shortly.

neil williams

Hi Bill,

I have a 90C4 with RUF suspension and a RUF strut brace. Someone else posted recently that they were installing a RUF system on their C2 and that it did not come with sway bars, but that he thought the C4 kit did.

My question is, is there an easy way to tell if the sway bars have been replaced?

The modifications to my car were done by a PO and although I seem to have almost every invoice from new, nothing on the suspension upgrade.

Cheers

Neil

Adrian

Dear Neil,
Yes you can easily tell. You slide underneath and measure them around. On the front of a standard 1990 C4 you have a 24mm front non adjustable and a 18mm rear, non adjustable.
I think the rear RUF is an adjustable. The RUF parts will also show the brand name and part number. The Porsche sway bars have the part number stamped into them. Now depending upon what other mods have been carried out you wil have to remove some covers to see them. Or a wheel or two.
It will be quite obvious. If you have any doubts find a Porsche of similar ilk and compare.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

George Stevens

Ricardo

I must say I like your mathmetical logic in how to spend money on your car, I just spend without any logic!!!

As you are in the UK you should seek some specialist advice before you just bolt on a load of aftermarket goodies.

I would suggest either Autofarm or JZ Machtech

Let us know what you decide to do

neil williams

Thank you Adrian,

I will do just as you suggest next time I have the chance.

Unfortunately these days, my car lives in New Zealand, while I live in Singapore and Bangkok, a very sad state of affairs, especially when I see other 964s driving around.

Cheers

Neil

Jeff Curtis

Neil, another good hint to look for RUF products on your car...the RUF sway bars for a 964 are a dark, almost Army-like green...RUF swaybars are also non-adjustable, with only ONE set of mounting holes and also have "bosses" on the insides of the sway bar bushings.

neil williams

Well, I know this thread was left behind along time ago, but I have only just made it back to New Zealand on holiday and finally had the chance to get under the car and look at the sway bars.

They are the funny green colour as decribed by Jeff and my basic attempt at measuring the rears would seem to have them larger than the stock bars.

Until I can get properly underneath I will reserve full judgement on whether they are RUF, but given the shocks, the front strut brace are RUF and the pathetic attempt at measuring them, it would seem I have the full kit. Cool.

Now I just need the RUF wheels. They don't make the 17in wheels any more, but have told me the 18s are approved (by RUF) for fitting to a C4. But I do not want to go that way, so I will have to search out a used set.

Thanks for your help Adrian and Jeff.

Cheers

Neil