Page 1 of 3
Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 8:33 pm
by ianmorrow
Design 911 have a sale on. My 1989 3.2 174k miles is pretty good body rebuilt engine new turbo up grade steering arms bushes but the suspension is original but still ok. I would like to use this opportunity to upgrade. It will be a summer only tourer so comfort and good handling essential. Please help thinking either new sport Boges via Porsche or KVs but don’t need track use and like to keep as original as possible but cost not an option but I just can help doing the best I can for the car.
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 9:00 pm
by Gary71
Bilsteins. Can’t go wrong.

Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:32 am
by Chris_911
I'd go Bilstein.
I find the ride on my car quite compliant on Bilsteins (std torsion bars).
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 9:16 am
by ianmorrow
Thanks for that . Which Bolstein should I go for? Has anyone used Kvs?
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 10:17 am
by Nige
Bilstein are much firmer and I know a few who have reverted back to Boge as they are more compliant, especially on road trips. I swapped from Boge to Bilstein and on rough roads it crashes about more with them, but on a smooth road it's superior.
To get the best out of your new bushes/refurb (OEM or poly) keep some money spare for a good quality geo and corner weighting afterwards. I've only heard good things about Centre of Gravity.
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 1:00 pm
by ianmorrow
Great info. Sounds like Boge are replacing like for like which is good for me. Is there a particular strut i need to ask for? Mine are ok just covered 174k miles so will i notice much difference?
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 2:21 pm
by Nige
If you've got Boge front struts you can just change the insert for another Boge, or you can get a specific Bilstein insert for a Boge strut. No need to change the strut itself. Obvs the rear are a complete replacement.
I find quantifying suspension changes difficult on a part to part basis unless the part is complete b*ggered. Though changing all dampers I would expect to notice some difference. If you're pulling the front struts it might be worth changing the top mounts and possibly the lower ball joint whilst you're there, also anything brake related if needed. To change the inserts you don't need to remove the strut from the lower balljoint though.
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 3:14 pm
by hot66
back when i used to have boge .. this thread might help. Early car but basically the same
viewtopic.php?t=18101
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 5:17 pm
by ianmorrow
Just off the phone with Tuthill Porsche. Their firm view no pun intended was Bilstein Sport on the front and Sprint on the rear. Will this be comfortable for long road tours with darling wife on board?
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 5:37 pm
by ianmorrow
what Bilstein set up is best for road touring please.
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 5:53 pm
by Chris_911
With 174k on original dampers (if they are originals) you are likely to see a huge difference.
My wife has never once complained about comfort on long journeys, e.g Le Mans.
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:02 pm
by ianmorrow
Chris you have obviously got the answer so can I ask what Bilsteins you are using?
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:22 pm
by hot66
ianmorrow wrote:what Bilstein set up is best for road touring please.
I run basically what tuthills have recomended to you . Wife has never complained about the ride quality of the car ( she always complains about the driver though

)
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 7:12 pm
by Chris_911
ianmorrow wrote:Chris you have obviously got the answer so can I ask what Bilsteins you are using?
I think I have the Tuthills recommendation. IIRC I bought my rear dampers from them. Fronts came from elsewhere.
Re: Suspension Upgrade 1989 3.2
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 7:38 pm
by ianmorrow
Design 911 are recommending B6 [green] all round as do Elephant Racing in their configurator. So is that the consensus or with a stiffer rear ? Please remember this is only for comfortable road tours not track.