Front strut replacement

[ferry58]

I have a 1973.5 911T that needs front struts. Does it have boge struts? If so, can I replace them with KYB strut inserts? Thanks in advance for your help.

[HarryD]

Most likely. But look at the strut housing and see what color it is (black is usually Boge) and see if you can find a Boge Stamp.

When I needed to do this on my car a few years back, on the advice of Steve Weiner, I installed Bilstein HD Strut inserts (and sport rears). Much better than K(ill)Y(er)B(ack) ones.

[zenithblue71T]

I have Boges up front and Billsteins in the back. I just got a killer deal on Boge front inserts so I put them on. But, I've heard that Billstein makes a strut insert that fits the black Boge strut housing. Do you know if this is true?

[EA911]

^ Yes. Bilstein makes inserts for boge strut. I'm using HD and they are much better than what I had in there which might have been KYB or boge.

[smedley]

KYB!!!??? Yikes! They don't belong on a rat VW. Waaay too harsh, and cheap crap that won't last.

Please!

[hoffman912]

how do bilsteins compare to konis?

[EA911]

I've never experience Koni but during my research a few have told me that the ride is a bit more stiffer than Bilsteins. Depending on use and comfort level you'll need to experiment with different combos. Bilsteins up front with Koni rears, torsion bar and sway bar combos. Maybe drive some cars to get a feel.

Base on my street/canyon drives I went with Bilstein HD all around with 15mm sway bar fronts and 18mm rears. Combo has worked great for me.

[hoffman912]

i got a smokin deal on a set of never used konis that have been on the shelf for several sears, 250 for fronts and 250 for rears (as opposed to 250 ea!).

the one thing i am concerned about is making my car too stiff. i do have kybs in the back of mine now for a while (they were cheap and i was broke.. had to do what i had to do). i can confirm they are bone jarring.

anyways.. i am concerned about making the car too stiff. it is a street car 1st and for most, and i do drive long distance cross country runs on it (ohio to cali and back 4 times now, up and down the east coast a few times a year). rarely do any auto-xing but love to carve twisty roads, so i want it tight and precise.. but not back braking.

keep in mind, i have a 912, not a 911.. there is a big weight difference in the back, and with the power difference i have to keep it nimble and use that to my advantage. needless to say big 911 bars are way overkill for 912s..

so i am thinking 19 or 21 front, 23 or 24.1 back (cant decide), konis on 4 corners, 13mm sway front, none back, rubber elephant for A arms, camber plates, spring plates, control arms (banana arms) and sways.. already have a strut tower brace..

[EA911]

Seems like you're on the right track, however based on your usage I would go with Bilstein HD. Replacing all your bushings will give your car a precise feel and while you are at it upgrade the tie rods to the turbo version for better steering feel.

Good luck and keep us posted.