Modern Suspension

[Axman8000]

I've got a 1986 NA, it looks nice on the outside but needs some major work, like suspension. I was wondering if there were any of you that have adapted a different vehicle's suspension to fit our cars. I was looking at designing my own from scratch, but if there's something similar that would make my life much easier.

Thanks!

[Zirconocene]

Some of the 944-specific vendors sell coilovers for the rear, to replace the torsion bar. The one that I know about is from Paragon, but other vendors may also offer parts.

Cheers

[333pg333]

Sounds like you're going to a lot of trouble for an older car. What are you expectations? What are you intentions? What is your budget? Easiest way to greatly improve the handling is to buy a decent set of coilovers and go from there. Also replace old rubber bushings that will probably be very worn.

[ROB III]

What are you finding inadequate or lacking about 944 front suspension that you wish to redesign, is it ride harshness, impact harshness, noise, turn in (responsiveness), grip, roll control, sense of rigidity or lack thereof? As 333pg333 said above, fresh coilovers and new bushings should yield a world of improvement. Designing your own would be very challenging with respect to mounting points, geometry, and effectiveness in working in conjunction with the rear. I'd look at adopting later 944 Turbo parts before considering designing your own. Adjustable camber plates along with coilovers might also contribute to what you are seeking....

[Tom]

I put the KW Variant 3 coilovers in my 944 Turbo and love them. In terms of transforming the car, it was up there with the 3 liter motor.

[333pg333]

I put the KW Variant 3 coilovers in my 944 Turbo and love them. In terms of transforming the car, it was up there with the 3 liter motor.

I was going to suggest the same Tom. The improvement in handling is very high and matched by the ride quality with their clever valving. If I were the OP I would investigate a set of these and all the old rubber on the car and call it quits there. No need to re invent the wheel.

[stoneguy]

Been there,...Done that.
All I did was all new suspension bushings, "Ground Control" coil overs in the rear without torsion delete, front strut inserts( Koni) new bushings, ball joint rebuild, strut mounts and camber blocks, tie rod ends and a good alignment. Keep it more or less stock.

Rides and handles like new.

[usury]

When I first replaced all the rubber bushings on the sway bar, I noticed a ton of improvement. Not even special urethane bushings or anything. Just new regular rubber.

Eventually I had the struts rebuilt and that was next level improved.

Most recently, I replaced the control-arm-to-cross-member bushings and the caster block, along with rebuilding the ball joints. Now, that's about as good as I need it to be.

[Doyle623]

I'm considering putting a set of KW V3's on my 86 951. For those who have purchased these, do they come with camber plates?

[Tom]

I'm considering putting a set of KW V3's on my 86 951. For those who have purchased these, do they come with camber plates?

No, mine did not come with adjustable camber plates. I put the basic KW V3 kit on my '86 it completely transformed the car. Can't say enough good things about that set up.