Weekend racer......suspension?

[IronFreak]

I posted this in a different category but wasn't getting any answers, maybe I can get a few here.

I have read, and read, and read some more on setups.....it hurts my head because most threads turn into a stupid argument. I'm building this so I can do some cone chasing, and maybe even some HPDE events if there close. I don't really have the funds right now to build a spec 30 and travel around and there's enough stuff around here to keep me busy until school is over.

I have extensive fabrication abilities, been welding for a long time. I was thinking about building my own coilovers in the front with Billie sports, possibly Koni adjustables if I can land a good deal. and in back, do the 82-02 camaro KYB adjustables. What do you think I should do for rear springs? I was going to see if I could pick up some "lightly" used H&R's. Possible try my hand at modifying some adjustable spring mounts I have for height adjustment.

This all being said, I'm here to learn, if something looks off tell me why, don't give me some butt hurt BS on why it's a stupid idea and walk away. Keep in mind my use of the vehicle. I want to be able to tool around town, but have it usable for light track use as well.

Thanks for reading!

[jlevie]

Install a set of Bilstein Sport shocks, a set of H&R Sport springs (Race if you can find or fund a set), a 22/19mm sway set, and call it done. H&R Race (or IE Stage 3) springs will be be a bit much for a daily driver, but if your tolerance for NVH is high they will yield better handling.

[deutschman]

+1 ^
-H&R Sport springs
-Bilstein Sport struts
-Some Condor bushings http://www.condorspeedshop.com/colle...mponent-combos
-IE sway bars http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-...ng/e30sbs.html
-IE weld in rear toe/camber adjustment tabs:
Toe kit http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-...ekit-lock.html
Camber kit:http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-...bkit-lock.html
-IE camber plates http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-...0cambersr.html
The camber/caster/toe stuff will help you save tires on the lower car.

[IronFreak]

+1 ^
-H&R Sport springs
-Bilstein Sport struts - was leaning this direction
-Some Condor bushings have already been in contact with them to put a special combo together for mehttp://www.condorspeedshop.com/colle...mponent-combos
-IE sway bars http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-...ng/e30sbs.html
-IE weld in rear toe/camber adjustment tabs:I need to do some more reading and studying to actually see how these things work. I have seen those kits, If I could nail down the concept I can make my own.
Toe kit http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-...ekit-lock.html
Camber kit:http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-...bkit-lock.html
-IE camber plates http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-...0cambersr.html

[Northern]

Honestly, the h&r race and billy sport combo dont really cut it for me. I find the spring rates in the front too weak for the m20, and bottom out over some large bumps. I bought some camber plates, but can use less than half of their range, because the stock spring top hat hits the shock tower. For the money and time spent on hr race, billies, camber plates, ie rsms and shipping and setting up, I could've bought a gc kit, which I'm planning on later this summer

This is my dd by the way, autox in the summer if its on the road again by then

[deutschman]

Really comes down to individual preference on coils vs. springs/struts. I just would never want to DD a car with coils using autox spring rates. There are always the IE "Race" or H&R "Race" springs if you want to go stiffer. I like the H&R springs because they have progressive spring rates that feel good on shity roads, but still keep the car steady in the corners.
I like buying suspension parts from Ireland. I rarely have problems with their parts, and when I have, ether Andrew (SkiFree here on R3V) or Jeremy have helped me out quickly. The owner, Jeff, is a bit of a grump FYI :razz:
As fare as the rear toe/camber kit goes. Dont get the kit with the cam/eccentric type adjustment. They have a way of un-adjusting them selves, or just popping out of their little brackets all together. Thats why I sent you the link with the notched tooth type adjusters. I know this from experience, and its not just here say.

[acolella76]

Believe it or not it is possible to have both coilovers and progressive rates.


OP, what is your budget?

[IronFreak]

Budget haha those are kinda funny, always depends on how bad you really want something. All in all probably around a 1k for everything if I was going to put a price tag on it. That being said I'd go for less any day. That's why in my original post I put out the idea of building my own front coil setup. Whether I went with koni's or billies I have sourced parts, and with my fab experience and the equipment I have access too I could build some coils that would perform as good if not better then say a GC kit.

[IronFreak]

So its known going forward, this car will not:

Be a DD, I have learned from LOTS of experience to never EVER make my project DD's. This is a toy, to put around in, toast the local posers and get sideways when the need arises.

Have a m20 in it. Its actually sitting on the floor right now. Love it or hate it....it will be powered by a mildly built ford 302 paired to a tremec tr-3550. this is one of the reasons I'm leaning towards coils in the front, as I can adjust spring rate to help lift the additional 40ish lbs. the front half will carry.

[FLG]

Bc's make a decent coil over.. Not badly priced either. Few of us run em without issue.

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[IronFreak]

Bc's make a decent coil over.. Not badly priced either. Few of us run em without issue.
Pardon my ignorance, but bc stand for....?
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[IronFreak]

Aim gun and foot..........pull trigger.

I googled and boom der it wus.......

[FLG]

Lol yeah cms (circuit motor sports) sells em for somewhere around 950ish? If your interested give em a call. Whatever rates you want.

You need to cut the stock strut tube to about a 2" or so coils press onto that then get welded to the knuckle.

I've had mine for months now.. No issues whatsoever. I'm not easy on my car either.

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[IronFreak]

What about the Megan coilovers? Maybe they're complete junk just asking the question. I saw a thread on here where someone is selling them for 860 shipped I believe?

[FLG]

Not sure about those... They are copies of bc but im unsure of the quality. I know plenty of jdm friends have used bc's as well with no issues.

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