Mike A.

Hello all. Although I've been lurking, this is my first post on this board and of course I have a question. I have a track only '89 951 on which I am presently modifying the suspension. I'd like to swap out the original aluminum lower a-arms for stronger ones. Through some research, I've found that there are both steel and billet examples to choose from. OG Racing markets Fabcar arms (steel) for $860/ea. Others like Zims and Powerhaus have billet arms (haven't priced them yet, but probably in the same ball park as the Fabs). OK, so what to do? Steel or billet. Or are there any others out there? And for how much?
Thanks in advance for any input.

Tom Pultz

I think if you compare the quality of the billet "Charlie Arms" to the Fabcars you would not hesitate in getting the billet arms. They are works of art and use a larger ball socket pin... very strong, just what you need for a track car. With rear A-arm spherical mount the cost is about $2000. They are available from various suppliers.

Mike A.

Thanks Tom. I've never seen one in person, but they do look beautiful in the ads, and light.
However, I understand that they flex under stress.
Autometric Motorsports claims that they will deflect less than 1mm. If true, it doesn't seem unreasonable to me.
Acouple of years ago I got a set of solid (spherical) bushings for my stock a-arms. I'm told that they will fit and perform perfectly in place of the optional caster blocks.
Well...I'm going for it.
Mike

Howard

I'm with Tom. BTW, "billet" is from solid material. "Forged" of course is material pressed under extremely high pressure. Avoid any parts that are "cast" for racing applications due the possibilty of breakage due to grain direction and/or porosity.
FYI- At one of our events in the POC a 944 broke an aluminum a-arm (factory) not a pretty sight.

Good luck !

Mike A.

<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> Yeah! I ordered the billet "Charley" A-arms. Unfortunately the manufacturer is alittle backed up on orders but I should have them in time for this years first track event.
I will also be replacing my Cup suspension with stiffer coil overs on all four and eliminating the torsion bars. Sway bars are adjustable front and rear. Testing an' tuning all over again!
Thanks again for your input gentlemen.