How am I doing? (Page 10/31)
FieroFinatic FEB 25, 01:37 PM
what size wheels you running on those 18s?
randye FEB 25, 01:57 PM

quote
Originally posted by FieroFinatic:

what size wheels you running on those 18s?



HP EVO 18 X 8 38mm offset

Nexen 225/40/18 tires

Intrax lowering springs. 1.7" drop front and 1.8" drop rear

CarolinaJoe rode in it yesterday and said it feels like a stock suspension ride...
It's VERY smooth and doesn't hit the bump stops.

There is minimal clearance between the tire and the strut spring perch, (approx. a fingers width), in the rear and a on a VERY hard 90 degree corner the tire will rub the spring perch slightly. I have no rear sway bar yet so I think that will help eliminate that by reducing body roll, and I will probably also cut away a bit of the excess spring perch, (they are huge on the Gabriel struts), to get a tiny bit more clearance as well.
Dr.Porsche FEB 25, 02:53 PM
I was kind of following the whole intrax thing before, but just to clarify...did you get them off of e-bay. Also, just stock suspension with those lowering springs...what kind of shocks? Thanks
FieroFinatic FEB 25, 02:57 PM
oh nice...how do you think 215/40/18 would look on a stock fiero wheel well w/ the car lowered slightly?
randye FEB 25, 04:55 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dr.Porsche:

I was kind of following the whole intrax thing before, but just to clarify...did you get them off of e-bay. Also, just stock suspension with those lowering springs...what kind of shocks? Thanks



Hi Doc,

I eventually did get my Intrax from Ebay, but a STRONG word of caution:
DO NOT order from "Qualified Japanese Parts" or whatever name they might be going by. They don't have Intrax in stock and will wait a few weeks and then email you and offer Eibach.
It's a continuing bait & switch that I've complained to Ebay about. Took a month or more to get my money back. I eventually got mine new in the box on Ebay from an individual here in FL, (just pure luck).
Some of the guys have mentioned the ST springs, or "Suspension Technologies", (I think that's the right name), which Summit or others stock. I've heard they are similar but don't know. there's a thread on the forum "Intrax in Stock" you might want to read....don't have the link handy at the moment....

I chose Intrax because they offered the most drop with a progressive rate spring. Eibachs are linear rate and not as much drop.
I wanted a comfortable street ride with the benefit of firmer handling when I wanted to "lean on it" a bit. So far the Inrax have delivered as advertised.
Since you are a performance driving instructor you'll doubtless know the difference in progressive vs linear rate springs. They both have their place.

I mis-typed earlier. I have Monroe performance struts and shocks installed, (not Gabriel). I don't recall the exact trade name right now but they are non-adjustable gas shocks and struts..supposedly top of the line in what Monroe offers for stock replacement. I'll look up exactly what they are for you. I do know they're a lot firmer than stock, but not at all harsh. There is no "jounce", or "porpoising", just a very stable damping with the Intrax springs. As an engineer, I'm a big believer in "incremental development". Makes diagnosing and correcting problems much easier than modifying a lot of things all at once and then trying to figure out al the interactions between what you've done to correct it. For that reason I'm going a step at a time with shocks, springs, bushings, brakes, sway bars. etc. until I get it to what I like. I didn't set out to make this a "race car", I just want the best compromise between comfortable cruising and occasional mild "performance" handling.

Just curious about the "Dr." in your sig. ???? Physician?, DDS?, PhD?

Randy

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Everyone thinks I'm psychotic,
except for my friends deep inside the earth.

randye FEB 25, 05:06 PM

quote
Originally posted by FieroFinatic:

oh nice...how do you think 215/40/18 would look on a stock fiero wheel well w/ the car lowered slightly?



Should be fine.
A 40 series 18" tire will give you almost the same rolling diameter as a stock 15" Fiero wheel and tire, so measure your drop from the stock wheel and tire and proceed accordingly.
The 215 width should give you a bit more clearance on the inside with a 38mm offset.
I can't stress enough to watch the offset though.
Too much and they'll hit on the inside.
Too little and they'll stick out of your wheel wells not look too good.
On my 87 GT a 38mm offset was almost perfect with the 225 width on an 8" wide wheel.

Randy

------------------
Everyone thinks I'm psychotic,
except for my friends deep inside the earth.

Dr.Porsche FEB 25, 06:05 PM
Thank you Sir. I knew there was something going on there. I will be dropping my car this spring, and I have liked your approach, so I am trying to stick as close to your set-up as possible. I bought a set of 17"s from a member here.

As far as the sig, DC and have gone on to specialize in radiology. I teach undergraduate Physics on the side. In my former lives I was a immunologist/biotech researcher and did some time at GM (Delco) as an engineering analyst. I have a long history with Porsche, so that is what I always used as a sig. When I got my professional degree, I thought it would be funny to play on the original Dr. Porsche's name. It also helps to ease the pain of student loan debt

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'87 Fiero Gt, 5 speed
'87 Porsche 944S
'94 Audi 90CS

MsLoriFiero FEB 25, 08:39 PM
That is a very nice car Randy, you have done an excellent job. I am trying my best to get those windows for you, and others before D7. I am having to depend on the molding shop to keep their word to me. (hopefully)

Lori
MsLoriFiero FEB 25, 08:41 PM
double post

Lori

[This message has been edited by MsLoriFiero (edited 02-25-2007).]

randye FEB 25, 08:55 PM

quote
Originally posted by MsLoriFiero:

That is a very nice car Randy, you have done an excellent job. I am trying my best to get those windows for you, and others before D7. I am having to depend on the molding shop to keep their word to me. (hopefully)

Lori



Lori you know full well that I have complete faith in you. I know that you are doing your very best.
Just to demonstrate my confidence in you, the car will remain without quarter windows until yours are ready and I have a set in my hands
I haven't made many compromises on this car so far, and I don't see why I should settle for something less now.

Randy