[zygomatic]

I used Mobil 1 15w50 -- didn't have a problem with leaks except when the car sat one winter and the oil cooler seals dried. Leaks went away after driving the car for a while

[ChesapeakeTechie]

Anyone have experience with Ground Control front assemblies vs inserts for the front suspension? Looks like GC fronts are around $1500 for the whole assembly.

[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by ChesapeakeTechie

Anyone have experience with Ground Control front assemblies vs inserts for the front suspension? Looks like GC fronts are around $1500 for the whole assembly.

Ground Control is a complete replacement of stock struts, springs and include Bilstein INSERTS! They may actually save you money IF that is the direction you want to go with car. Replacing strut inserts is a good option if you plan on keeping car stock. I've done the adjustable coil over mod to stock struts and while straight forward is considerably more work. Plus side is you get to pick your inserts and spring rates. Down side is it's a lot more work than buying the GC package.

[dnwong]

Originally Posted by Trak Ratt

Ground Control is a complete replacement of stock struts, springs and include Bilstein INSERTS! They may actually save you money IF that is the direction you want to go with car. Replacing strut inserts is a good option if you plan on keeping car stock. I've done the adjustable coil over mod to stock struts and while straight forward is considerably more work. Plus side is you get to pick your inserts and spring rates. Down side is it's a lot more work than buying the GC package.

I have a set of the GC conversions for my oem Koni's. Been sitting around for a few years. Any problems with them, such as rattling or such? Did you get the helper springs? Did you cut the old perches off?

[HughA44s]

In my experience, these cars have issues with lighter full-syn oils and go through it at a high rate during track usage. Also they tend to like a high zinc content due to the flat tappets. Although there are many choices, VR1 is in my opinion the way to go and you need something with a top rating of 50w. I have heard of Brad Penn also being good.

[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by dnwong

I have a set of the GC conversions for my oem Koni's. Been sitting around for a few years. Any problems with them, such as rattling or such? Did you get the helper springs? Did you cut the old perches off?

It's been ~10 years, and for a friend's car but..... IIRC did not cut perch, just strut housing. Added threaded sleeve and rest was just like a normal insert replacement. Replace upper mounts WIT. Carefully marked the original alignment points. Though did lower car a bit. Any change like this needs a little road time to get everything set. So plan on a couple times around the block then back in for final retightening. Did hear of any issues with rattles or unusual noise. IIRC it was a Paragon conversion kit.
I believe the car is still local through it's been passed around some....

[bajamd]

I have pretty much rebuilt my 951 to include the suspension. I went the Koni route with control arms are from High Strung. Not too bad. Willing to help if I can.

BTW... I run VR1 20W50.

[HughA44s]

Hmmm, 944 Bushings – My therapist has advised me to avoid that issue ever again. Well in reality it’s the rear control arms bushing, the ones that the torsion bars go through, that are a PITA. Basically the only way to work these include violence and a MAPP gas torch. This is better done with a torsion bar change (sort of the double porker to the eye). As far as what’s reasonable for a weekend type of thing brakes, front and rear sway bar bushings, leaking power steering hose, suspension change out. That sort of stuff which would be a massive improvement. I will look around the basement and see what other stuff I may have down there.

[bajamd]

I won't ever forget that burning smell. Dimi might be a good one to get suspension advice from. He is a S2 guy as well.

[ChesapeakeTechie]

I'm planning on keeping the suspension fairly stock, maybe a little more performance based. Seeing as I don't know what a decent 944 setup is, I can't really tell at this point what would work best for street use - so I will defer to those with much more time and experience