My 1988 LFX F40 build. (Page 37/68)
Joseph Upson JUN 06, 05:32 AM

quote
Originally posted by Daryl M:

Joseph, after cutting the springs, did you heat and bend the end to flatten it?




No, that would affect temper and possibly ruin the spring, if not cause it to sit lower than intended. It was about 10 yrs ago when I did this, but I don't recall any trouble afterwards.

I don't believe I ever posted any follow up info, but here is a side by side comparison of the stock spring and Eibach so that you can get an idea of where about the 3/4 coil cut what leave you.

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/F...2/HTML/107886-4.html
Daryl M JUN 06, 12:48 PM
Joseph one more question. Did you cut from the top or bottom of the spring, or does it even matter?
Thanks for the help.
Joseph Upson JUN 06, 12:53 PM
I cut from the top because of the cushing's ability to conform to the change.

[This message has been edited by Joseph Upson (edited 06-06-2020).]

Raydar JUN 07, 08:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by Daryl M:

Not to change the subject, but I have been looking at options for front springs. What are thoughts on methods for lowering the front by 1-1.5 inches? Are springs available? Can stock springs be trimmed ? Thoughts?



You have an 88... right?
My preferred method to lower the front of an 88 is to cut one coil from the bottom of the spring. I use a cutoff wheel, and dress the end of the wire with a file.
When you put it back together, make sure the coil is seated correctly in the indentation in the lower arm spring pocket. (It's also possible to not seat them correctly at the top. Just be careful, and it won't be a problem.

You will need to cut the "wedge" off of the top of your bump stops. It's just rubber. Takes about two minutes per side.

If you want a little stiffer spring, you can swap in an 86 GT spring. It will also need to be cut by ~one coil.

I have done these tweaks on both of my cars, but I cut the 86 spring by 1.25 coils. Should have stopped at 1, I think. YMMV.

88 coupe front springs, cut by one coil. 17x7. 215/45-17. 38mm offset.


86 GT front springs, cut by 1.25 coils. 17x7. 215/45-17. 48mm offset. (May ride .25" - .5" lower than the white car.)



Edit - Fieroguru has probably more 88 suspension experience than most anyone on the forum. I might suggest checking out some of his threads. He knows what works on an 88, especially in higher powered applications.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 06-07-2020).]

Daryl M JUN 08, 02:02 AM

quote
Originally posted by Raydar:


You have an 88... right?
My preferred method to lower the front of an 88 is to cut one coil from the bottom of the spring. I use a cutoff wheel, and dress the end of the wire with a file.
When you put it back together, make sure the coil is seated correctly in the indentation in the lower arm spring pocket. (It's also possible to not seat them correctly at the top. Just be careful, and it won't be a problem.

You will need to cut the "wedge" off of the top of your bump stops. It's just rubber. Takes about two minutes per side.

If you want a little stiffer spring, you can swap in an 86 GT spring. It will also need to be cut by ~one coil.

I have done these tweaks on both of my cars, but I cut the 86 spring by 1.25 coils. Should have stopped at 1, I think. YMMV.

88 coupe front springs, cut by one coil. 17x7. 215/45-17. 38mm offset.


86 GT front springs, cut by 1.25 coils. 17x7. 215/45-17. 48mm offset. (May ride .25" - .5" lower than the white car.)



Edit - Fieroguru has probably more 88 suspension experience than most anyone on the forum. I might suggest checking out some of his threads. He knows what works on an 88, especially in higher powered applications.




Thanks for the info. As it turns out I did a combination of yours and other suggestions and cut 3/4 of a coil off the bottom and assembled the front end this evening. New ball joints, tyrod ends, sway bar links and shocks. Looks nice, I just hope it gives the results I am looking for. Still have to fit the brakes.
Daryl M JUN 14, 02:35 PM
Moving on to the next step, it was pointed out earlier in this thread that the Impala LFX engine has the radiator inlet and outlet reversed from what the stock engine has. Although there are several ways to address this issue, would any of you have suggestions on the pros and cons of the available options?
Thanks
Will JUN 15, 02:52 PM
Get a custom radiator with the inlet/outlet reversed, thus avoiding a cross-cradle pipe?
Daryl M JUN 15, 11:34 PM
That is the way I am leaning. Any recommendations of a place to get one?
msweldon JUN 16, 02:41 PM
Griffin radiator is your best bet as they have a standard size, also reversed available, that "almost" fits but does require mounting modifications. See Steven Snyder griffin radiator in search.

I inquired about a custom fit from griffin but that would run about 1-1.5$k...
Daryl M JUN 26, 02:36 PM
New question for you sharp people. Since the coolant flow on the LFX is reversed from the 2.8, I am trying to work out coolant flow. I am getting a custom radiator that has the flow from the engine to the radiator on the passenger side. One of the heater hoses connects to that metal line going to the radiator. Can I just run the other heater hose that comes from the heater core, directly to the water pump fitting on the LFX? (See photo)