GC vs other options

[325isStephen]

Hey guys, I have been researching for the last week or so and i've come down to the GC track school kit.

My questions are:

- Are there comparable kits/combos that will let me go as low as i want (tuck tire all 4 corners) for around the same money

- Is there a reason to buy the more expensive GC kits (they seem to include all the same parts? am i wrong?)

- As far as spring rates, I was thinking around 450f and 550r. Not sure if it will be good for what i want. (stiff enough to not bottem out being slammed, keep the car flat in the corners, firmer rear end for possible drifting)

- I would like to replace all the bushings while im at it, where to buy?

Hopefully you guys can help me out, I would really like to nail down exactly what im looking for but everything on all the manufacturers websites is layed out so loosely.

Steve

[325isStephen]

come on guys just a little imput from those running gc's I've looked but no specific info has come up.

Steve

[omar85]

what size tire are you planning to tuck in the front. i have GC's and i have them set to max dumped and i still have a finger clearance which i hate but if i go lower from a 195-50-50 to 195-45-15 im pretty sure my oil pan will be destroyed.

as far as spring rate i would go a little stiffer then that. i have 14k and 12k i forget what they are converted, but they are great. even rolled they scrape fender front and rear under harsh turning/ drifting.

my ride height, tucking tire in the rear. and my oil pan on my old m42. the m20 is a bit better i think.

[325isStephen]

right now i have a 195/50/16 up front, maybe I will get 550/650

Steve

[gearheadE30]

With my vorshlags and unmodded strut tubes (GC), I'm at maybe 1/4 inch from full drop and I'm at about a finger. 205/50/15.

[z31maniac]

I'm running GC track kit, not sure of the spring rate they were on the car when I bought it, but I'm very happy with it.

550/650 will let you get away with awesome wheel fitments. Search for Zimmie's car running 225/35/17s on 17 x 10 Keskin's, fucking amazing.

For bushings, I would go with Ground Control's Control Arm Bearings, then AKG for the rest and don't forget to get new engine/tranny/diff mounts either.

[325isStephen]

awesome thanks for the information, I'll definitely look up AKG

So I guess the consensus is GC is the way to go?

Steve

[z31maniac]

GC makes quality kit, and its affordable compared to the other good quality options out there. AST, TC Kline, etc

[325isStephen]

thansk again for the input z31maniac, do you know of any other perhaps more affordable places to buy new bushings?

Maybe i'm better off with new stock bushings, I work at a shop so I could get them at cost.

Steve

[z31maniac]

I didn't think AKG was that expensive. You could get all your bushings and subframe mounts for around $325 I though.

[omar85]

thansk again for the input z31maniac, do you know of any other perhaps more affordable places to buy new bushings?

Maybe i'm better off with new stock bushings, I work at a shop so I could get them at cost.

Steve

AKG builds a great product. if you dont want to transfer to much vibration dont get the trans mount, but definitely motor, subframe and they are pretty affordable and unquestionable quality.

i wouldnt go with stock ones. you are using money and gaining zero rigidity or performance.

[gearheadE30]

+1 on AKG. My e30 has all of their bushings, and I love it! Just make sure you use copious amounts of grease. I suggest some type of marine grease. Otherwise poly stuff can get a bit squeaky.

[kishg]

+1 on akg too.. i have the 75d bushings all around. also, run GC with 450/650 rates. while your down there, replace your control arms and tie-rods. look into the treehouse racing eyeballs for the cabs. btw, my car is track only so not sure how stiff you want your DD to be.

[325isStephen]

Well the tie rods are new (inner and outer) going to replace the ball joints, but i think i might leave the bushings stock for now as my motor mounts are new, the trans mounts are in good shape and nothing is asking for attention. Then after my coilovers are in I will see what else I want to do.

So you guys think 550/650 would be good rates for a car that will be dumped to say the least. I will be modifying my struts to get a good amount of drop.

Steve

[kishg]

Well the tie rods are new (inner and outer) going to replace the ball joints, but i think i might leave the bushings stock for now as my motor mounts are new, the trans mounts are in good shape and nothing is asking for attention. Then after my coilovers are in I will see what else I want to do.

So you guys think 550/650 would be good rates for a car that will be dumped to say the least. I will be modifying my struts to get a good amount of drop.

Steve

i'd go 450/650 or 550/750