How to make rear coil-overs using factory struts, with pics. (Page 35/49)
Madscanner NOV 15, 03:26 AM
Well, I finally got around to buying both the strut tops, from Fiero Addiction, and the springs, from Faulkners.

As I had to strip the paint from the strut barrels in order to get the sleeves on, I now need to re-paint them. Once that is done, all I have to do is find the time to swap them in, when it isn't dark and when it isn't raining... :lol:

The (nearly finished) struts.

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'85 SE 2M6 automatic
'84 SE 2M4 manual

JPH87 NOV 17, 04:12 PM
Did this conversion to my new KYB struts a couple weeks ago. this thread made it easy and cheep thanks
thebaron NOV 20, 11:24 AM
How would Coil-over conversion for an FWD x-body/a-body work for front and rears? Would the rear be strong enoughI know that fiero shocks and struts will work on my x-11 and a few members have done that to lower their car several inches. Wondered what would be better for handling?
doublec4 NOV 20, 01:37 PM
Okayyyy....

So I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with info and options.

I have an 86 SE with a 3800 SC manual 4spd in it. I'm looking to make some coil overs... I currently have KYB's in the rear.

What I'm confused with is the length of threaded collar to buy, length of spring, number of coils, and spring rate for my set up...

I want to do this right the first time. Anybody with lots of experience who wants to give me a few pointers, please let me know. I've read a lot in this thread about guys with 350 swaps, and stock motors, and people who have posted what they've done, but not entirely too much on how it worked out for them, or if thjey would have gone with another spring rate if they did it a second time etc. Thanks!
Fiero2m8 NOV 20, 05:01 PM

quote
Originally posted by doublec4:
Okayyyy....
So I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with info and options.
Thanks!



Chris,

Buy the pieces you need to simulate what I bought from Held since that setup is proved to work and works very well on my Roadster.

http://www.heldmotorsports....iero/CoilOverKit.htm

I used 350lbs and like them, from what I know about your car 300's should be just right for you.
Get a 5" inch threaded collar and the longest springs you can fit - with your ride height 10-12" length range would be best IMHO.

Ryan

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Indy Northstar-Stretch ~ LT1-NOS Roadster

doublec4 NOV 21, 10:04 AM
Thanks for the suggestion ryan, thats not a bad idea.
BMTFIERO JAN 24, 03:38 PM
What spring rate you guys recommand for a for a 88GT with a Shelby S1 and a 4t80. I am looking for about an inch drop in the rear. So what would I need to make this happen?

Thanks,
Tim
Madscanner JAN 26, 07:57 AM
Hi Folks

Finally finished my conversion over the weekend.


How it looked when I started


Old and new side by side


New strut in place.

After I finished the job,I went out looking for potholes, sleeping policemen, and cats eyes, and was really pleased with the results. Although the suspension still needs to be properly set up front and rear, I was surprised by how smooth the ride was - I had been worried that the 375lb springs would be too stiff, but that isn't the case at all. Interestingly, there was a minor, but obvious difference in the angle of the struts at the knuckles when I started (they are much closer to the same angle now).

I initially set the height by eye before installing the struts and am about 1cm too high (compared to standard) so need to drop them a bit, next time I'm at home and it isn't dark and it isn't raining...

Ciao!

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'85 SE 2M6 automatic
'84 SE 2M4 manual
'98 Ford Mondeo Si
'73 Peugeot 304 S Cabriolet

[This message has been edited by Madscanner (edited 01-26-2009).]

Duke_On_Fire FEB 16, 07:45 AM
im thinking of doing this when i get some money. Nice writeup.
-Subscribed-
Tha Driver FEB 16, 02:28 PM
I'm STILL waiting for someone who did this with the cheaper sleeves from a kit for another car to tell us what works. Has anyone actually done this???
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"