After almost two months of working and collecting parts, I have finally finished my suspension project. I've done the following:

- 22mm/29mm Sway-Away torsion bars
- Bilstein shocks revalved by Smart Racing Products to match the t-bars
- Carrera sway bars - 22mm front/ 21mm rear
- Neatrix spring plate bushings
- Lowered ride height to just below Euro (about 25 1/4" f/ 24 3/4" r)

Also, as a while I was in there type thing, I rebuilt the front brake calipers, replaced the front rotors, and re-packed the wheel bearings.

I tests drove it a few times yesterday, there is definitely a big difference on tight turns. It feels like there is no body roll at all. I also thought it would be really rough on bumps, but it isn't. It's not much worse than my original suspension. I can't wait to auto x the new mods to see how it really feels.

Now I just need to do an alignment and get everything set up. Thanks for everybodys help and advice.

Here's some pics of the new stance (taken with my black berry at sundown):

 

Nice car, Matt.

 

Nice job! Looking good.

 

nice! I need to do similar work. How much $$$ did you spend?

 

I probably spent around $ 1,000 in parts. And countless hours in time.

 

Looks good.
Job well done!

 

Thanks guys. Just some updates on the ride. I had a chance to really drive it today due to an emergency at work.

It's a lot stiffer than my original suspension. I didn't notice it at first because I guess I wasn't driving on the crappy streets of NYC. The bumps and potholes are definitely harsher. My guess is that you probably could not go any stiffer than 22/29 torsion bars and still drive comfortably on the street. But I guess that will depend on the drivers tolerance too. The good thing is that it is stiff enough that it doesn't bottom out when I hit potholes.

I feel like I can take turns faster now...although that might be a mental thing. And the steering seems sharper. It already find sharp to me, but now it is much more sensative. I also took a slalom type turn today and there was no body movement at all. The car just took the turns and stayed flat. I was pretty surprised how much more responsive the steering feels in that situation. Which leads me to believe it's going to be much better in autocross.

Like I said, the real comparison will be my next autocross. But so far all in all I am happy.

I think I need a corner balance too, because I'm pulling to the left.

 

you have a butt dyno too, cool!

good job

 

Great job, Matt. Glad it all worked out for you!


Edward

 

Congrats Matt.

Yeah, it's firm, but very sticky. (Ok pervs, don't go there).

I picked up about 15-20mph on ramps comfortably after doing the swapout on my 84. And you got good pricing on the stuff too, from the sound of it.

 

Just came back from a DE weekend and this is my next project. I have too much body roll. I got a great deal on some nearly new 23 and 30 tbars. It is my fall/winter project. I really want to go with the elephant racing spring plate bushings and such but I have limited funds so I may not be able to swing it.

 

I started collecting parts back in the spring with plans to do the work in the summer. With new and used items I was able to do everything I wanted to do without breaking the bank.

 

hilarious shift pattern!