new shocks

[ferdinand]

As I am now probably going to keep the 944 I've been looking at new shocks and am a bit confused.
It seems on the later models ('86 +) the front shocks were changed so you can't rebuild them,not sure what this means,can anyone help?
I am guessing I should replace the springs as well as it looks like the existing are the originals.
I don't want a 'sport' set up just a comfortable ride.
Any recommendations as to a good set of shocks and springs at a reasonable price would be most appreciated.
Thanks
PS the car is a '88 944S

[Waylander]

This has been covered a few times now

From 85.5 the front struts were crimped tops and therefore can not be rebuilt you have two options

1 replaced
2 converted

The Porsche replacements I have were 10 years old off the shelf and the NS one is already flexing in the middle

The convert options are about 10-20% more damping than the originals

Koni or Bilstien B6 are the only money sensible options, there are others Gaz or KW but they are both expensive, I will add Spax as well but all the kits lower the car 20mm or more

Your choice
As for springs again your choice but standard are still available from Porsche

[ferdinand]

Thanks,the Bilstein B6's look good.

[51rider]

I think I have set of your style of struts cut down ready the for the adaptor sleeves to be welded in. I'm out of the adaptors at present though & no idea when I'll get them as the machine shop is closed.

[ferdinand]

The question of where to get a new pair of struts with the adaptor sleeves welded in or doing the job myself on my struts was taxing my mind and I was not seeing the answer.
If you can supply them 51rider that would be an excellent solution.
Will not be doing anything soon so hopefully you will have the adaptor sleeves in over the next couple of months.
I will post up again or send you a pm when I am ready to go.

[51rider]

I'll have a look in the garage tomorrow and see what I've got- pretty certain I have the struts from your car year. They have the larger diameter springs, perches and top caps compared to the S2 and 968 if I am correct.

[hotblack944]

From 85.5 the front struts were crimped tops

I don't think this is right - the ones on my '86 were screw top and have been fitted with Bilstein B6s.

[Neil71]

Porsche Shop has some for sale, think they are reconditioned ones though. They don't say what inserts they are using.

[Waylander]

It was a generalisation for 85.5 on cars, more are crimped than not

The only way to be sure is look

[ferdinand]

I am beginning to get a bit confused now as to what will fit .
Sounds like I need to take the struts off and compare them against any new ones (ie welded up with new adaptor sleeves) that I could buy or get my old struts adapted.
I would like to have new B 6's on the finished article.

[Waylander]

You can see without taking them off

Crimped or screw top

If you have screw tops then the B6 inserts just drop in, if you have crimped you have to cut and shut the tops to provide the screw top so B6 just drop in

That’s the only difference the end result is the same, do you follow now? If not I can try to explain more

The struts are all the same dimensions the later ones ( S2 968 ) have smaller spring perches but they are still the same size

[51rider]

All I can find are the spring caps for the struts Have no idea where the rest of them are! Sorry.

[ferdinand]

thanks Waylander ,all is now clear.

[ferdinand]

just seen that Spax do a complete kit of struts,inserts and springs,rear shocks for £660,they term it RSX 104.
This looks a reasonable price and saves rebuilding the front struts (if I have read the advert correctly).
It does lower the front by 35mm but I think I can live with this small amount.
Looks to be a straight bolt in job .
Anybody had any experience of this kit ?

[Waylander]

You will be surprised what 35mm less looks like, and you will need to re-index the rear torsion bars to get the car level again

The sills / car door steps should be level to the ground with a full tank

And the Spax are about 30% stiffer as you are changing springs and putting the car closer to the ground