ecotec swap (Page 66/98)
wftb JAN 04, 04:00 PM
While I was figuring out how to straighten the arm I accidentally invented a jig I can make my arms with:
Lunatic JAN 05, 05:19 AM
I was going to recommend making a jig to hold it square as you are going to have to make the other side as well. It looks like you've already done that.

I like where this going, however, I have to ask, would installing the 88 rear cradle not be a solution here?

Also, I have some spare Heim joints. The swage tubes are too long but perhaps you could use the joints themselves.
wftb JAN 05, 04:11 PM
I gave up on the idea of an 88 cradle swap mostly because of having to go stateside to get one .But in the end I really wanted to get rid of the struts .I like the coilovers I have in the front and that is what will going in the back .I considered rod ends for the easy toe adjustability but the delrins I am using are grease able and should hold up better for street use .That sure is a nice collection , thanks for the offer .
wftb JAN 05, 11:14 PM
One thing I should mention is the finished design will feature a cross brace between the arms so that they become a single arm per side .That will be the last feature I add , because it is really easy to take them in and out the way they are now .I want them to be really stiff , to eliminate unwanted deflections under load .
wftb JAN 16, 10:13 AM
I checked all the movements with the upper arms and the bump steer arms .With the chassis sitting level , I jacked the suspension up and down through its range of motion and it looked good .Camber remained mostly constant with slight changes at the extremes of travel .Very little toe change and again only happening at very bottom or top .I tilted the car and simulated a big corner lean and the tire patch ended up at 0 degrees so i was happy with these results .So I replaced the bumpsteer arm with the RCC arm and stock spindle .Camber at ride height became -5 degees and not enough adjustment on the strut to get it to -1 or even close to that .The RCC arms seem to push the bottom of the spindle out .Now I am going to move the mounts for the upper arms further outboard to get the adjustment back .And the toe will probably be out of wack now too .

[This message has been edited by wftb (edited 01-16-2015).]

wftb JAN 16, 10:20 AM
For measuring purposes , I put a disc on backwards in the above pic .I don't have any stock discs and the 11" disc does not fit a stock spindle .
wftb JAN 16, 07:41 PM
I figured out how to cut the mount portion off of my old coilover strut .I thought it could make a good base for my upper arm /coilover mount .I managed to save the coilover kit pieces so in 2 months or so I can sell them in the mall .Once I am done using this piece for mock ups and measuring , it will be hopefully transformed in to an all purpose mount .

[This message has been edited by wftb (edited 01-18-2015).]

Lunatic JAN 18, 07:44 AM
That's the nice thing about winter in Canada, it gives us time to work on our rides in preparation for the next driving season. Keep the R&D coming!
I'm interested in the coil over sleeves and springs. Let me know once you're ready to part with them.

PS-I have a short set of coil overs should you be able to utilize them.
wftb JAN 20, 12:29 PM
I will save the kits for you . I have my old carrera coilovers that used to be on the front of the car and I hope to use them to mock up a mount system .They are a popular size so if I can make them work , then my options for coilovers will be huge .Right now I am trying to decide whether to make the arms longer or to move the mount points out .
wftb JAN 20, 10:31 PM