Does flipping over the strut top mounting plate change the Fiero's rear height? (Page 6/6)
Will FEB 02, 01:47 PM

quote
Originally posted by pmbrunelle:

Assuming I install the spring with the same preload (1/4") in both cases (standard/flipped), the coilover assembly will provide exactly the same compression/droop travel relative to the resting position.

So the main difference between standard/flipped would be a ~1" difference in ride height.

Standard:
Car CG a bit higher, less risk of rubbing things

Flipped:
Car CG a bit lower, more risk of rubbing things

Next spring/summer I will check which alternative I prefer by cycling the suspension with my tire of choice.

My main focus is to make my Fiero easy to drive / predictable, while not having the highest limits. If I lose a bit of grip because its CG is higher, I won't cry over that.



If you moved the lower perch to maintain pre-load, then yes, that would change ride height.

Without moving the lower perch, there's no change in ride height.

At the higher ride height, the Fiero suspension has a higher roll center. '88's actually like this. Lowering the car lowers the roll center more than the car is lowered, so even though the CG is lower, the roll moment ends up HIGHER due to longer lever arm from CG to roll center.

[This message has been edited by Will (edited 02-03-2022).]

Patrick FEB 02, 03:35 PM

quote
Originally posted by wilberto:

If you read my post, I said I flipped the strut towers before installing the springs and it lowered the car by .5". I can't be more clear on that.



I read your post. What exactly are you referring to... "strut towers"...? You and I might be using different terminology. What did you actually flip?
wilberto FEB 05, 03:45 PM
I just flipped the hats. I've read numerous articles on this subject...some people say it lowers the vehicle, some say it doesn't. I've got it where I want it so that's fine with me. We may be using different terminology for the same part, that can vary from manual to manual.
Patrick FEB 05, 10:17 PM

quote
Originally posted by wilberto:

I just flipped the hats. I've read numerous articles on this subject...some people say it lowers the vehicle, some say it doesn't.



It doesn't.


quote
Originally posted by wilberto:

I've got it where I want it so that's fine with me.



I'm glad you got it where you want it, but it wasn't from flipping the hats.

Wilberto, the whole reason why I started this thread nine years ago was because of all the erroneous information that was floating around online about this simple mod. I felt there needed to be a thread at PFF where this was set straight once and for all. I have to admit I'm rather surprised that after all that's been posted in this thread, that there still appears to be some confusion. Several contributors to this thread, some much more knowledgeable than myself, have all agreed and stated quite clearly that flipping over the hats does not affect ride height at all. It is what it is.
87GT3800SC5SPD NOV 12, 05:21 PM
I haven't visited the forum since sometime before this discussion began in 2013. It is nice to return and see that these kind of discussions are still going on.

My Fiero has been lowered three times in the past 26 years of ownership. The last time, it received 2" drop spindles in the front, 4 OMG firm springs and adjustable coil overs in the rear.

The final adjustment, after ride height was determined, was to reverse the top hat in the rear for the purpose of slightly increasing rear suspension travel. That change required the previously mentioned, small modification in the vents that is hardly noticeable. When the ride is similar to a shifter cart, you appreciate an additional .5" in suspension travel.

I can also verify that occasionally, an unexpected dip in the road will cause tires to contact the fender well liners. Those rub marks help identify where the liners need to be modified.
Patrick NOV 12, 05:43 PM

quote
Originally posted by 87GT3800SC5SPD:

I haven't visited the forum since sometime before this discussion began in 2013. It is nice to return and see that these kind of discussions are still going on.



Welcome back... but aw man, another thread with missing images. I'll have to see if I can locate my missing images to re-post.
Spadesluck NOV 12, 06:11 PM
On a stock height Fiero, I would say no unless you are jumping the car. Now, on a lowered car hitting the inner liner is always an issue depending on the ride height.

With my 87 lowered with coil overs in the back I never had an issues with toe or hitting liner. The front is another issue as there isn't as much tuck room.