Project "Payback"

[Vegas69]

I ordered a set of Hypercoils from Ridetech last week and they came in on Tuesday. As usual, I couldn't wait to get dirty so I went out and got them installed. Hypercoil reccomended a 10" spring instead of the 12" that Alston spec'd originally. He said it would decrease the preload on the spring to achieve ride height along with being close to coil bind at max shock compression. Hopefully I'll have enough adjustment on the ground. Pretty simple job swapping springs on the coil overs. I set the front springs even and about 1/8 extra preload in the LR vs the RR as that's how it was after my corner weighting. I'll set the ride height close and make sure these are the right springs before I corner weight again.




I gave the newly designed shock plates the krylon touch and decided to redesign the tow hooks out back. The last set was a last minute deal for my first road race with redline time attack. I never cared for it so another do over. I ended up buying a set for a BMW with hopes of adapting them. I was hoping for M12 threads and I lucked out since nobody had a clue where I bought them. They have allens on both ends so I could tighten them in place and then a small set screw for backup. The main reason I like two is for tie downs in the trailer. They clear the wheel and shock by enough. I made sure the tow hook will clear the wheel if it decides to swing down. Turned out pretty nice. I've now got my much needed 1/2 of shock travel. Up next is testing.




Before I drop the car on all fours, I am making two other tweaks. Mounting everything solid on these cars sounds great until you drive one. Solid body mounts, solid shock mounts, solid engine mounts, solid steering knuckles, heim joints,etc. Both of my engines have suffered a harmonic vibration between 2700-2900. I can mainly feel it through the steering wheel rowing through the gears putting around town and through the car and steering wheel at say 85-90mph when I hit the rpm range in 5th. So, I'm putting a new steering knuckle in that will cut down on harmonics in the steering wheel. I'm also going to swap the passenger engine mount for a stock interlocking rubber mount. I run 302 Z28 mounts to center the drivetrain. Supposedly it cuts down on vibrations considerably. You know I won't sugar coat it. If I can just get AJ to bring back my picker I'm set.


Even after a gazillion thread pages and 150,000 views, I'm still working towards perfection. While I don't think perfection is possible, every tweak I make improves the car. The list is getting really short and the light is pretty bright. No, I'm not ready to start over.

[CarlC]

No worries Todd. After RTTC and an Elvis experience, you'll be back in the garage with more ideas.

[Vegas69]

The trans is the next major change. I'm trying to be patient. I heard noise of a TKO 600 Magnum. Who knows when and if.... I almost pulled the trigger on a Liberty modded Tko 600 but he wouldn't give me free shipping.

[89 RS]

Good stuff Todd, curious to see how you like those Hypercoils.

[syborg tt]

Before I drop the car on all fours, I am making two other tweaks. Mounting everything solid on these cars sounds great until you drive one. Solid body mounts, solid shock mounts, solid engine mounts, solid steering knuckles, heim joints,etc.

As you know I've already started the next project and the I have been going back and 4th on body mounts. I already know that i am going poly on the engine and Ride Tech's suspension. My concern has been the solid mounts for a daily driver.

My question is would you still do the solid mounts on the body ?

[tones2SS]

Awesome stuff Todd. I hope those Hypercoils work out for you.
Good luck.

[conekiller13]

Lookin' very nice. I dig the tow hook......looks custom and clean.

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by syborg tt

As you know I've already started the next project and the I have been going back and 4th on body mounts. I already know that i am going poly on the engine and Ride Tech's suspension. My concern has been the solid mounts for a daily driver.

My question is would you still do the solid mounts on the body ?

Once you weld the subframe connectors to the body, you really have no choice. (DSE) That being said, I'd take a completely different approach to a daily driver than I have with a cross breed.

[Matt@BOS]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

Once you weld the subframe connectors to the body, you really have no choice. (DSE) That being said, I'd take a completely different approach to a daily driver than I have with a cross breed.

Todd, what are the primary things that you'd change? I just picked up a project I want to be able to drive almost daily so I'm all ears for advice too. I know your engine shakes the earth and could probably open up fault lines, which depending on your likes might not make it ideal, but what else would you not put on a driver, solid mounts, a 4pt cage, etc?

Other than the engine combo our cars are fairly similar and I think the only thing that would keep me from driving it everyday (aside from worrying about leaving it in parking lots) would be the noise. I feel like I've stepped off an eight our flight after driving it for a couple hours.

Matt

[69x22]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I ordered a set of Hypercoils from Ridetech last week and they came in on Tuesday. As usual, I couldn't wait to get dirty so I went out and got them installed. Hypercoil reccomended a 10" spring instead of the 12" that Alston spec'd originally. He said it would decrease the preload on the spring to achieve ride height along with being close to coil bind at max shock compression. Hopefully I'll have enough adjustment on the ground. Pretty simple job swapping springs on the coil overs. I set the front springs even and about 1/8 extra preload in the LR vs the RR as that's how it was after my corner weighting. I'll set the ride height close and make sure these are the right springs before I corner weight again.




I gave the newly designed shock plates the krylon touch and decided to redesign the tow hooks out back. The last set was a last minute deal for my first road race with redline time attack. I never cared for it so another do over. I ended up buying a set for a BMW with hopes of adapting them. I was hoping for M12 threads and I lucked out since nobody had a clue where I bought them. They have allens on both ends so I could tighten them in place and then a small set screw for backup. The main reason I like two is for tie downs in the trailer. They clear the wheel and shock by enough. I made sure the tow hook will clear the wheel if it decides to swing down. Turned out pretty nice. I've now got my much needed 1/2 of shock travel. Up next is testing.




Before I drop the car on all fours, I am making two other tweaks. Mounting everything solid on these cars sounds great until you drive one. Solid body mounts, solid shock mounts, solid engine mounts, solid steering knuckles, heim joints,etc. Both of my engines have suffered a harmonic vibration between 2700-2900. I can mainly feel it through the steering wheel rowing through the gears putting around town and through the car and steering wheel at say 85-90mph when I hit the rpm range in 5th. So, I'm putting a new steering knuckle in that will cut down on harmonics in the steering wheel. I'm also going to swap the passenger engine mount for a stock interlocking rubber mount. I run 302 Z28 mounts to center the drivetrain. Supposedly it cuts down on vibrations considerably. You know I won't sugar coat it. If I can just get AJ to bring back my picker I'm set.


Even after a gazillion thread pages and 150,000 views, I'm still working towards perfection. While I don't think perfection is possible, every tweak I make improves the car. The list is getting really short and the light is pretty bright. No, I'm not ready to start over.

Hey Todd, that black fuel hose that you are running, is it teflon lined?
Man I appreciate you posting all of the improvments that work on your car, (and all of the stuff that didn't work) it helps some of us in the building stage cut through the chase and save some money on our builds. You always take the time and throw in the detail that people need.