shiners780

This is the biggest, most involved project I have done so far. It took me forever (as I'm not a mechanic), but I learned a LOT, and I'm glad I did it myself.

Rear: removed torsion bars, replaced spring plate bushings, installed new coilovers.

Front: installed new struts/coilovers, new Blaszak control arms with spherical bushings, new billet aluminum castor blocks, new ground control camber plates, and removed/painted/re-installed fender liners (for that nice clean and shiny finished look.)

Total time to complete the entire project ~ 35 hrs.

Of course, I couldn't have done it without Rennlist. I did a few searches on various topics to get information, and posted a couple threads when I got stuck and needed info. So I guess you could say I didn't really do it myself. Thanks to all who provided needed informational assistance.

hosrom_951

That suspention looks very hot!

Love the last pic

shiners780

Thanks Hussam!

I guess since I'm posting pics, I'll include one of the engine bay as well, since I've done a bit of cleaning this winter. (taken this a.m. prior to replacing the right front strut assembly)

ivai

Sexy pics..

So... when do we get to hear about how this upgrade feels compared to the old setup?

jeeper31

How difficult was the actuall struts and shocks for you ? I am hopefully doing that this week.

shiners780

First track day is May 5. Unfortunately, being non-street legal I can't go for a spin before then. However, my old suspension was the original stock set-up with 93k miles on it. I imagine the difference will be incredible.

The shocks and struts were actually pretty easy. Use plenty of penetrant prior to the project to give it time to soak in. My hardware wasn't really rusted at all, so everything came off fairly easy. Clark's Garage is your friend, just follow the directions and you're all set.

Bottom line...if I can do it, anyone can.

Oh, and I almost forgot: NO BLOOD was drawn during this entire project!!! Very unusual when working on this car. Usually I can't look at it without cutting myself or bashing a knuckle.

Mike B

Nice job Jim.

Russian Rocket

kewl, you've ditched the t-bars completely? What are your spring rates F/R??
I constantly hear mixed reviews about t-bars delete mod, some are concerned with ridgidity of the mouning points, especially on the track cars.
Props for tackling the job yourself, i love to take take on new projects that are harder than previous ones.... i get so pissed off in the process but the ending is always happy
Vlad.

joseph mitro

Sweet photos. It is very nice doing it yourself. The ledas look great....what are the spring rates? ANd the spherical bushings will make your car feel like it's on rails.

500

Looks great, and I am keen to hear how it feels when you drive it.

Even those fender liners look nice - what did you paint them with?

The DareDevil

Very nice, Jim!

shiners780

Thanks for the compliments guys, I appreciate it!

Vlad: yes, the torsion bars are completely removed. Rear shock mount failures are very rare. I used the Racer's Edge lower mounts, of which I have heard of no failures.

Allan: the fender liners I removed, scrubbed with degreaser, let dry, and painted with Krylon gloss black spray paint. Honestly, it makes a HUGE difference in the wheel-well appearance, and is really easy to do. I kept looking at them, and how ugly they looked all the time, and knew I had to do something. I think they turned out surprisingly well.

Spring rates? Hey, I can't give away all my secrets. Let's just say they are in excess of 500#.

Thanks again!