Suspension Information and Upgrades

Overview

This guide explains how your Porsche 944’s suspension works and offers upgrade options to improve handling. Understanding suspension dynamics—like oversteer and understeer—helps you tweak the car for better performance, whether you’re driving on the street or the track. We’ll focus on the 944 with its 16v engine, giving you practical steps and setups to enhance control and stability.

Pink and blue text represents links to additional resources, tools, parts, and partner websites.

Tools Required

• 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench
• 13mm wrench
• 17mm wrench
• Torque wrench
• Jack and jack stands
• Suspension spring compressor (for coil-over upgrades)
• Alignment tools (camber/caster gauge)

Parts Required

• Front springs (specific rates vary; e.g., 944 343 531 01 for 3250N stock)
• Rear torsion bars (specific diameters vary; e.g., 944 333 031 00 for 24mm stock)
• Front sway bar (e.g., 944 343 027 02 for 26.8mm stock)
• Rear sway bar (e.g., 944 333 701 00 for 16mm stock)
• Optional: Coil-over shocks (specific to setup; consult manufacturer)
• Optional: Adjustable shocks/struts (e.g., Koni Sport, 944 333 527 02)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Understand Suspension Dynamics

1. Learn how your 944 handles corners. The stock setup has some understeer, meaning the front tires lose grip first, making wider turns. This is safer for street driving.
2. Know that oversteer happens when the rear tires lose grip first, tightening the turn. Too much oversteer can lead to spins, so balance is key.
3. Recognize neutral steering—where front and rear tires grip equally—as the goal for track performance.

Step 2: Assess Your Stock Setup

4. Check your 944’s stock specs: front springs at 3250N (about 175 lbs.), a 26.8mm front sway bar, 24mm rear torsion bar (137 lbs.), and 16mm rear sway bar.
5. Drive the car hard through corners to feel its understeer tendency. Note how the body rolls or squats during acceleration and braking.

Step 3: Choose a Suspension Upgrade

6. Pick a setup based on your driving style:
   – Sport (Street): 220 lb. front springs, 27mm torsion bar (220 lbs.), 30mm front sway bar, 19mm rear sway bar.
   – Street/Track: 260 lb. front springs, 28mm torsion bar (254 lbs.), 30mm front sway bar, 19mm rear sway bar.
   – Race (Track Only): 400 lb. front springs, 31mm torsion bar (382 lbs.), 30mm front sway bar, 19mm rear sway bar.
7. Adjust for preference: Use a 26mm torsion bar (189 lbs.) for more understeer or 29mm (292 lbs.) for slight oversteer. Avoid excessive oversteer for safety.

Step 4: Upgrade the Front Suspension

8. Lift the front of the 944 with a jack and secure it on jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheels using a 17mm wrench.
10. Disconnect the stock sway bar (26.8mm) with a 13mm wrench and replace it with a 30mm bar. Tighten bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
11. Compress the stock front springs (3250N) with a spring compressor, remove them, and install new springs (e.g., 220 lb.). Tighten mounts to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Upgrade the Rear Suspension

12. Lift the rear of the car and secure it on jack stands.
13. Remove the rear wheels using a 17mm wrench.
14. Unbolt the stock 16mm rear sway bar with a 13mm wrench and install a 19mm bar. Tighten to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).
15. Remove the 24mm torsion bar by loosening its mounts with a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench. Install a new bar (e.g., 27mm) and index it for proper ride height—test-drive for a day to settle it, adjusting as needed.
16. Optional: Replace the torsion bar with coil-over shocks for easier tuning. Set adjustable perches to match front spring rates.

Step 6: Install Adjustable Shocks (Optional)

17. Replace stock shocks with adjustable units (e.g., Koni Sport). Use a 17mm wrench to remove old shocks and install new ones, tightening to 60 Nm (44 ft-lbs).
18. Adjust shock stiffness to fine-tune handling—start midway and tweak after testing.

Step 7: Test and Fine-Tune

19. Lower the car and drive 5 miles (8 km) to settle the suspension.
20. Test cornering at moderate speed. Adjust tire pressure (e.g., lower front for oversteer correction) or shock settings if needed.
21. Check alignment with tools—aim for slight negative front camber (-1°) and neutral rear camber for balance.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Ensure all bolts are torqued to spec (e.g., sway bars at 20-25 Nm / 15-18 ft-lbs).
• Check for even ride height side-to-side after settling.
• Test handling—confirm reduced body roll and no excessive oversteer.
• Inspect for loose components or rattles after a test drive.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube