CONVERSION ADVICE - SUSPENSION, From stock 1.7 FI to 5 lugs carb'd 6cyl Options

[BigFour1973]

Say one decides to just swap out the struts with 3.5" struts. does it matter if i go with pinch or wedge style? will both bolt up to my early style ball joint?

You would need wedge style. Early pinch bolt ball joints won’t work on later wedge struts. There is a pin on the wedge style that acts like a cotter pin. The early style has a semi circle cut out to accept the through bolt.

Edit - I’m not aware of any 3 1/2” struts that use pinch bolts but ....

Can I just pop in the late style ball joints into my early control arms? Or is it not that simple?

[Steve]

Good question. I just took the strut to Kens Sportech in the bay area 30 years ago and said install it. They did install new ball joints. Curious what's on my car. I know they are stock 75 914 "A" arms with 3.5" 911 Boge struts.

[burton73]

I remember back in 1979 I had a 1974 914 2.0 that I turbocharged. I bought a Full 911SC front end and being that it was 79 and only 4 years old it was fresh. I put on 5 lugs Original Porsche Mahle Magnesium Gas Burners for at that time $600.
And new 195 Pirelli P6 tires. I do not remember what P6s cost but it was ½ the cost of P7s. What a difference. My car stopped on a dime and the handling was so improved it was huge. I mean unreal. Breaking superb.

Do a two step and enjoy it as you are going

Bob B

You supercharged a 914? Wow! More info about that please!

Turbo charged. Back then it was special and all these guys say you cannot Turbo Charge a 914. My buddy Galen Biker build a custom exhaust and we went with just 7 lbs. of boost with the waste gate. Really a simple system. We had bellows on the exhaust so it could expand and shrink without ripping up the exhaust. After a hard run under boost the exhaust would be glowing. The problem was the fuel needed some additional enrichment under boost. We used the stock 2.0 injection.
It really hauled ass especially going up hills

Bob B

[Steve]

Good question. I just took the strut to Kens Sportech in the bay area 30 years ago and said install it. They did install new ball joints. Curious what's on my car. I know they are stock 75 914 "A" arms with 3.5" 911 Boge struts.

This thread covers it.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=105728
I used 911 SC Boge struts which support either Koni, Boge or Bilstein shocks. They use the later style ball joints. So, I guess it depends on the strut on whether you use early or late ball joints.
I used to run adjustable Koni's, but eventually switch to Bilsteins all the way around.

[mepstein]

“So, I guess it depends on the strut on whether you use early or late ball joints” - correct

Can I just pop in the late style ball joints into my early control arms? Yes

[Larmo63]

Wrong thread........drrrr

[BigFour1973]

“So, I guess it depends on the strut on whether you use early or late ball joints” - correct

Can I just pop in the late style ball joints into my early control arms? Yes

Thank you for the clarification!

[brant]

Edit - I’m not aware of any 3 1/2” struts that use pinch bolts but ....

The early S cars...the koni struts were pinch style (with alloy calipers). Pre1972 and think it was a running change until they used up the parts

[zig-n-zag]

16mm spindle nuts are NLA. Look for struts that have 18mm spindles.

[mepstein]

Edit - I’m not aware of any 3 1/2” struts that use pinch bolts but ....

The early S cars...the koni struts were pinch style (with alloy calipers). Pre1972 and think it was a running change until they used up the parts

I had a feeling koni might be different but so few cars with koni struts come through the shop that I wasn't sure.

[mepstein]

16mm spindle nuts are NLA. Look for struts that have 18mm spindles.

Don't we have 16mm on the 914-4 strut?

[mgp4591]

Say one decides to just swap out the struts with 3.5" struts. does it matter if i go with pinch or wedge style? will both bolt up to my early style ball joint?

You would need wedge style. Early pinch bolt ball joints won’t work on later wedge struts. There is a pin on the wedge style that acts like a cotter pin. The early style has a semi circle cut out to accept the through bolt.

Edit - I’m not aware of any 3 1/2” struts that use pinch bolts but ....

I picked up a pair not too long ago that use pinch bolts, mated em up with 944T Brembos and 24mm slotted rotors and they're waiting to be installed. All of this after I paid WAY too much for a 71 911T complete front suspension... Buyer beware but good deals can be found. I about broke even on the deal so keep your eyes open!

[worn]

Dear all,

I am enjoying my car as it is right now: all original and solid with the stock 1.7 FI working fine.

However, since I joined this community and met some people around SoCal, I just changed my mind for a 6cyl conversion and extra candies.

Today I am seeking for advice on suspension conversion. I have read this article that I found very interesting:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=105728

Still I am not sure if the cost of replacing struts, hubs and everything is worth it when I see very looking cars with the simpler re-drilled hubs and BMW 320i calipers.

From a petrol head point of view of course I want top, but I want to take a compromise (performance/look/budget/time).

I do not mind keeping non vented discs as long as I change to 19mm master cylinder and better calipers (BMW or 911) but I think this option is not existing unless I go to the re-drilled hubs.

Anyway, I listen to experiences and advice from this excellent community. I am going on Sunday to the swap meet in Riverside hoping there will be interesting parts.

The 6 cylinders conversions will be another topic.

Cheers!

All in all, screwing on the front suspension from a crushed 911 is the least of your worries. I found it was money really well spent - I went with alloy S brakes up front and that can cost a bit more. Stops and rides really well. Compared to the engine swap it was simple and cheap.

[Steve]

Keep an eye on Pelican. They have suspension stuff show up all the time. I would also do a want to buy there.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911...s-sway-bar.html