Lowered 944s and shattered ball joints

[Diver944]

ORIGINAL: John Sims

there isn't any cost saving on Ledas over KWs.

Ah it looks like their prices have risen then.

Back in 2004 they offered us a Group Buy for their cilover all round multi-adjustable kit, down from £830 to £620 inclusive of VAT

 

[John Sims]

ORIGINAL: Diver944

Ah it looks like their prices have risen then.

Back in 2004 they offered us a Group Buy for their cilover all round multi-adjustable kit, down from £830 to £620 inclusive of VAT

Strewth! they've only risen A LOT! :-

Option 1.
Front coilover struts with a 2.5" ID spring. Adjustable height and 24 position adjustable damping.
Rear damper only. 24 position adjustable damping, shortened stroke if lowered on torsion bar.
£891.04 + VAT


Option 2.
Front as option one.
Rear coilover damper. 24 position adjustable damping, shortened stroke if lowered on torsion bar. No rear spring, but easy to add one if you decide later.
£1011.04 +VAT

Option 3.
Front as option one.
Rear coilover damper. 24 position adjustable damping, shortened stroke if lowered on torsion bar. 2.25" rear spring acting as an assister to the torsion bar.
£1112.08 +VAT

Option 4.
Front as option one.
Rear coilover damper. 24 position adjustable damping, shortened stroke if lowered on torsion bar. 2.25" rear spring replacing the torsion bar.
£1112.08 + VAT.

For emulsified gas add £140 to any of the kit prices before VAT.

 

[Fen]

I was in at £620, but I seem to recall the actual price was quite a lot more than that, more even than £830, so I dropped out. I've never regretted the decision.

 

[Diver944]

Blimey !!!!!!

Why is it that with inflation at an all time low so many things that I want to buy seem to increase in price by over 10% every year, yet for the last 12 years that I worked for my old employer I only ever saw pay cuts and allowance reductions????

I take back my initial thoughts then and now say that it's KW all the way if you want more than the M030 can give you

 

[John Sims]

On the price list I was given Tuesday evening it suggests the basic 944 kit is £790 so I'm not sure how the quote to me was £100 more. I could have asked but it didn't do what I wanted any way.

 

[sawood12]

I can't imagine there is any difference between an '87 944 turbo and the later models so there should be no reason why the silver rose windscreen wont fit. I'm struggling to remember where I read about the lightened windscreen now. I've just checked the workshop manual (that has the silver rose spec listed) and PET and can't find any reference to it. I'm pretty sure it was on an attachment on a thread about windscreens some time ago and it was recently mentioned on Rennlist. I've definately read it though.

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Diver944


If you have a predominantly road based car with one or two track days a year then fresh M030 is the way to go and is the budget option if you find old shocks for circa £200 and spend £200 having them rebuilt. If you have an out and out track car and are on a slightly limited budget then it has to be Ledas. If you want true multi purpose (but also better in all conditions) and have a higher budget then it has to be KW's

Paul, have you seen the Leda triple adjustables? I would not use the Eibach springs Leda sell, I favour the hyper coils. In all honesty I would not go for anything from Leda under the dual adjustables with Gas Emulsified Oil. Budget ??? Well mine will be about £1800+VAT with full trade discount and no springs. So not a cheap option
In the same way for budget the standard Koni are a better shock than the Boge. But if Koni is the shock of choice go for the 2812 series. I have spoke to some of the PCNA racers who say these are a great set up. But again really a racing shock and i have issues with Koni the company
I think just from feedback the KW seems to be the ideal shock for road and some track. I never got very far with KW as I have said before they never returned my enquiries. I needed shocks with external resevoirs (maybe some endurance races next year) I know KW can supply but they chose not to give me the info.
Cheers
Tom

 

[944Turbo]

ORIGINAL: sawood12

I can't imagine there is any difference between an '87 944 turbo and the later models so there should be no reason why the silver rose windscreen wont fit. I'm struggling to remember where I read about the lightened windscreen now. I've just checked the workshop manual (that has the silver rose spec listed) and PET and can't find any reference to it. I'm pretty sure it was on an attachment on a thread about windscreens some time ago and it was recently mentioned on Rennlist. I've definately read it though.

I have a feeling it is an urban myth, spread by silver rose owners - if it exists - and it might on cup cars, it is a laminate windscreen with glass on the outside and plastic inside rather than the more usual glass plastic glass.
Tony (flame suit on)[]

 

[Fen]

ORIGINAL: tommo951

ORIGINAL: Diver944


If you have a predominantly road based car with one or two track days a year then fresh M030 is the way to go and is the budget option if you find old shocks for circa £200 and spend £200 having them rebuilt. If you have an out and out track car and are on a slightly limited budget then it has to be Ledas. If you want true multi purpose (but also better in all conditions) and have a higher budget then it has to be KW's

Paul, have you seen the Leda triple adjustables? I would not use the Eibach springs Leda sell, I favour the hyper coils. In all honesty I would not go for anything from Leda under the dual adjustables with Gas Emulsified Oil. Budget ??? Well mine will be about £1800+VAT with full trade discount and no springs. So not a cheap option
In the same way for budget the standard Koni are a better shock than the Boge. But if Koni is the shock of choice go for the 2812 series. I have spoke to some of the PCNA racers who say these are a great set up. But again really a racing shock and i have issues with Koni the company
I think just from feedback the KW seems to be the ideal shock for road and some track. I never got very far with KW as I have said before they never returned my enquiries. I needed shocks with external resevoirs (maybe some endurance races next year) I know KW can supply but they chose not to give me the info.
Cheers
Tom

Did you go direct to KW or through an agent? I suspect direct and quite possibly they don't deal direct with buyers - it's not an unusual stance to take as it's quite an overhead to resource. Patrick got lots of advice and feedback from KW when he was choosing his race setup in Australia and I believe Dave found them to be easy to deal with (via Stuart at K300) when he wanted stiffer springs.

 

[Peter Empson]

Looks like I might be back on target for Bedford on Saturday. We're still waiting for a few parts (well almost everything actually!) but it's all promised to be here on time. Trouble is it looks like Ollie is only going to get Friday to reassemble everything and the get it aligned (and if there's a cock up with any of the parts then we're for it!). Eek!

I've just finally ordered the Elephant Racing Polybronze bearing (we were holding off in case a UK alternative might be available), it's a bit last minute but more express shipping charges should get it here in time. Couldn't resist posting a picture []

 

[Guest]

Hi Fen,

This is where I contacted. I could probably drive there as they are only 4.5 miles from my son's school





KW automotive UK Ltd

The Old Bakery Maidstone Road
Marden "" Tonbridge
Kent TN 12 9AB
Phone: 0870-9907536
Fax: 0162-2833133
Email: info@kwautomotive.co.uk
Web: http://www.kwautomotive.co.uk

It is not unusual for racers to discuss matters with the UK concessionaire. When I used to buy Koni I always dealt with Camberley Motor Factors who were at the time the UK import concessionaire and they are a liable to be even busier.
I just got the feeling it was bad customer service. After all if I needed revalving it would be KW Automotive not Stuart at K300 (who I am told is a top fella) who would do the work.
So is the move to NZ a definate then??

Cheers
Tom

 

[Hilux]

I posted my reasoning earlier this month and I think I was probably right that KW is not THAT expensive theses days in comparison. I`m not stating its better than other systems just a cost exercise [8|] I also appear to have underestimated the Leda costs too.

Regardless its good to debate and its ultimately driver ability that counts alongside driveability. I`m damn sure I wont be the quickest on Saturday [&o]

[blockquote]quote:

Just been pricing up the total cost of the KW installation and it has put the frightners up me!! [/blockquote]

I`m not overly flush BUT I looked at aftermarket options (I personally dont like Koni`s) and the main option was to have my Mo30 rebuilt for circa £400 requiring new springs (35mm lowered type) required if yours are still the originals for circa £250?? (roughly £650 so far) then you`ll still need to reindex the TB so add £600 in parts plus labour for what is still an admirable set up but is still a soft road option.

The Ledas are circa £800 and you`ll still need to reindex the TB.

I chose the KW`s following UK/USA recommendations. They are inherantly reliable, completely rebuildable, fully and easily adjustable, non corroding and will transfer from car to car as required. They also have a residual value if sold on which is why I consider them v good value LONG TERM. I also consider that a knowledgeable purchaser (should I sell the car) will pay a small premium for my set up. If not I take it all off, lower the Mo30 and its no issue (It was especially a no-brainer when I drove, albeit briefly, Fens car where I was gobsmacked at how it completely transformed the feel and poise and balance of the car)

Thats my reasoning anyway as to why I saved and took the plunge.

I had it all fitted which will save a DIYer £500-£600 ish BUT even then it will have to go to a specialist to be set up properly which will cost £250+?? anyway as it needs to be driven and fine tuned and not just a static corner weight/laser set up (which is all that some specialists do)

I felt that going down another route I would be well over £1000 for the original set up anyway (albeit refurbished or brand new) and circa £1800 when you take into account that in my opinion you `should` fit 968 castor mounts at this stage, it will need professional setting up and the reindexing will possibly require new rear supports.

Note: I may have miscalculated a few bits but its no going back now..........[&:]

 

[Fen]

ORIGINAL: tommo951

Hi Fen,

This is where I contacted. I could probably drive there as they are only 4.5 miles from my son's school





KW automotive UK Ltd

The Old Bakery Maidstone Road
Marden "" Tonbridge
Kent TN 12 9AB
Phone: 0870-9907536
Fax: 0162-2833133
Email: info@kwautomotive.co.uk
Web: http://www.kwautomotive.co.uk

It is not unusual for racers to discuss matters with the UK concessionaire. When I used to buy Koni I always dealt with Camberley Motor Factors who were at the time the UK import concessionaire and they are a liable to be even busier.
I just got the feeling it was bad customer service. After all if I needed revalving it would be KW Automotive not Stuart at K300 (who I am told is a top fella) who would do the work.
So is the move to NZ a definate then??

Cheers
Tom

Back in the day I bought mine it was James at Recaro who was the UK agent. They went with a dedicated agent who I assume is the one you contacted, so maybe they are lacking.

NZ isn't definite if for no other reason than it won't be until they grant a visa that hasn't even been applied for yet, but the intention is definite and I hope they will grant the visa. It will be the end of the year at soonest before it's all done I'd guess.

 

[Diver944]

ORIGINAL: Hilux

I`m damn sure I wont be the quickest on Saturday [&o]

Great to hear that you are booked in Paul [] I'll update the trackday thread

We all know it's not a race, it's just a bit of fun. It's not about being quickest but who gets to take their pride and joy home in one piece (and hopefully not on the back of a lorry [])

 

[Big Dave]

When i got my KW,s i bought them through Stu, K300. BUT i did speak at length with the then supplier Recaro [ James]. He had a 968 aswell ...
I also dealt with one of there tech "guru,s" at Autosport 2006..VERY helfull...That was to do with the stiffer springs i bought extra...

So all i can suggest is the "new" supplier is to be found "wanting" in the customer services dept....

 

[Hilux]

Great to hear that you are booked in Paul [] I'll update the trackday thread

We all know it's not a race, it's just a bit of fun.

I know but the red mist appears.................only joking, it`ll be fun.

It's not about being quickest but who gets to take their pride and joy home in one piece (and hopefully not on the back of a lorry [])

To be honest with what I`ve just spent on the car after just running out of money on the extension (kitchen is on hold) I nearly didnt bother cos if it breaks or I prang it I am currently about as flush as a snowman and wifey is in the process of booking a long jaunt around europe.germany/austria/etc etc seeing as how my car is now repaired and Mot`d (thats what I told her it needed anyway [8|][8|][8|][8|][8|][8D])

 

[Guest]

Finally got the quote and info from KW............ it took a while However what does everybody think about this??
KW Competition Quotation

Dear Sirs,

We are pleased about your interest in the KW race technology solutions and thank you for your enquiry. Hereafter please find in accordance to our general terms and conditions the requested quotation for:

KW Competition 3way adjustable, race suspension

Car: Porsche 944 turbo
Use: circuit

Front axle:
Strut: Coilover system with height adjustment, UPSIDEDOWN solution [/b]
Shock absorber: Monotube technology with separate reservoir
Separately and independent 3-way adjustable
1.) in rebound forces (at the bottom of the strut)
2.) in low speed bump forces and (at the reservoir)
3.) in high speed bump forces (at the reservoir)
Tender Spring: included
Helper Spring: included


Rear axle:
Strut: Coilover system with height adjustment [/b]
Shock absorber: Monotube technology with separate reservoir
Separately and independent 3-way adjustable
1.) in rebound forces (at the top of the piston rod)
2.) in low speed bump forces and (at the reservoir)
3.) in high speed bump forces (at the reservoir)
Tender Spring: included
Helper Spring: included


Price:

race suspension, as described above, ex works, inclusive packaging: 4800,- €

Additional with spherical bearing:

- top mounts front axle/ each 200,- €

Delivery period: 10- 12 weeks

If you have any further question in addition to the details already given, please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Looking forward to your reply.

Best Regards.
[/b]
KW automotive GmbH [/b]
Michael Grassl/ Motorsport Sales