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Suspension gurus...read here...
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:16 pm
by Merlin
's up?
I'm reading an old VW book on hot VWs...specifically on suspension...
We all know a front sway bar is crucial...but...
I've got 3/4 In. sway bars arriving here soon for my bug, and I've got Type 3 22mm torsion bars for the rear IRS....
Everywhere I read, old or new, few mention rear sway bars...
Am I doing the right thing installing the rear sway bar, and the 22mm bars?
If it's of any consquence, the shocks are gas, all mounts are urethane, there is a mid-mount on gearbox, and a Kafer Cup bar to be fitted.
Eish, good luck answering this one.
Thanks, N.
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:50 pm
by calooker
You will be able to drive your ride without the sway bar but not without the torsion bars, torsion bars spring the suspension, sway bars are for stabilizing the rear suspension during cornering, late beetles have the Z-bar for this purpose but not all that good. There are many different methods of attaching the rear sway bar, so make sure you have the right setup for your application, if they are on the way by all means use the rear sway bar, used mostly for circuit racing to improve handling.
What is important is that the mounting of the rear sway bar is done correctly and not fowl on all the other items, ie midmount, brace etc.
Do your homework as a badly mounted rear sway bar will cause more handling problems than it will resolve, oversteer is one of them. Small suspension changes make huge differences to handling caracteristics of the car and it can be good and bad, speak to the dudes who race beetles, they have done the mistakes you could be about to do.
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:58 pm
by Merlin
Hehe...I know re: the torsion bars, but I'm curious to know if the bigger 22mm Type 3 bars will negatively affect the ride, other than making it harsher?
There was a Z-bar...this has been removed, since it is redundant with IRS.
I have the correct b/j and IRS sway bars. The front sway bar is bent for a lowered car.
The front has had the upgraded mounts ordered for it, and the rear only has one type available.
I'm hoping to get the best possible handling out of my bug.
Can you recommend someone or somewhere who can help configure the sway bar for me once the car is ready?
Thanks, N.

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 8:49 pm
by PhantomPhondler
i got big problems with handling esp once going over 100. who can fix or help me fix and stabilise.
also looking for someone who can organise the cars suspension.
Thanks to Rui car stops nicely with disk all round, Now I need to sort out handling, then respray and then biiiig engine.
so who can help with handling?
Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 9:22 pm
by Bugger
Hy Nic Have you got pics on the Kafer Cup Brace and the box mid mount
On the suspension side there are alot to do I am currently busy with someone elses RX turbo on handling and Ill tell you this one has kept me buzzy
If you need help PM me
Pierre
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2007 5:31 pm
by Merlin
*lol* IMPI and myself were going through my goodies this afternoon, and your bug and name came up with regards to those two items.
I can take photos, but you're also welcome to come and take a look if you want. I'm in Sandton.
Your help would be very much appreciated. Thank you for the offer.
I'll drop you a line when we're a little closer to that stage...the chassis has only just been stripped.
I'd be interesting in talking engines with you some time too.
Let me know if you want to check out the parts or would be happy with pics.
Cheers, N.
Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 9:29 pm
by Bugger
I wrot such a nice reply and this f8ing 3G lost it again but we will chat suspension when I se you for the Hardend keys and to see the braces
Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:05 am
by Merlin
No worries. Thanks for the reply nonetheless.
Haven't heard from my mate but he's on the road a lot for work.
You can order a set and have them sent to him when he lets me know.
Cheers, N.
Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:14 pm
by Bugger
Will speak to you want to come visit and steel with the eye the other Keys will be here mid SEPT
What time is your eta after work at home
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:10 am
by Merlin
I'm only Home late this week; my Mother is in hospital.
I'll be Home on the weekend, or from about 17h30 next week after work.
You ordered keys now
Cheers, N.
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 3:05 pm
by Bugger
Yes
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 3:25 pm
by Merlin
Mmmkay.
Will drop you a line when my gearbox stuff gets here.
Thanks, N.
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 4:27 pm
by Bugger
Can we hook up on sat morning
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 4:47 pm
by Merlin
I'm not Home early SAT. Late morning possibly
I'm not sure when my Mother's being released, so I can't plan too far ahead. Sorry.
N.
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 7:23 pm
by Bugger
Ok will chat closer to sat then