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.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
It's like a ball of yarn unwinding, that has no end... Author DKz Garage
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