The body work is exactly the same for the fast back GT's of all years. So yes the wheel base is the same. And yes the 88 suspension is totally different and better than all previous years, the changes in the "foot print" of the car are insignificant.
The front suspension of the 88's are just as big of a change as the rear. The geometry is totally changed and improved front and rear. The 88 stock steering feels like power steering compared to the pre 88's and the 88's ride and handle better too.
The 88 space frame is identical to previous years so the track can't be too different. The 88 front steering advantage, (feels like power steering) goes away if you add aftermarket wheels.
The 88 space frame is identical to previous years so the track can't be too different.
But, it's not identical to previous years... There are differences, although slight, in both the front and rear parts of the spaceframe. In the rear, for example, the strut towers are closer together and braced differently. And the front, although again slight, is different enough that the 88 suspension is not a bolt in.
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02:35 PM
Apr 1st, 2006
Steven Snyder Member
Posts: 3326 From: Los Angeles, CA Registered: Mar 2004
The 88 space frame is identical to previous years so the track can't be too different. The 88 front steering advantage, (feels like power steering) goes away if you add aftermarket wheels.
If you add the WRONG aftermarket wheels, yes. You need to get the right offset so you don't increase the scrub radius, and don't put some uselessly wide tires up there.
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01:05 AM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
But, it's not identical to previous years... There are differences, although slight, in both the front and rear parts of the spaceframe. In the rear, for example, the strut towers are closer together and braced differently. And the front, although again slight, is different enough that the 88 suspension is not a bolt in.
That is correct. The space frame was modified in 88 due to the changes in the suspension. All the body mounts are the same, but the suspension mounting locations were changed.
Wheelbase should be the same for all years, but front track is definitely different on an 88, and the rear might be as well.
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01:09 AM
Apr 2nd, 2006
jscott1 Member
Posts: 21676 From: Houston, TX , USA Registered: Dec 2001
In the rear, for example, the strut towers are closer together and braced differently. And the front, although again slight, is different enough that the 88 suspension is not a bolt in.
It's true the 88 suspension is not a bolt in, but the strut towers on the space frame on the 88 are not closer together. Only the mounting position of the struts moved closer together. The strut towers themselves are identical.
As for wheels, good luck finding the wheels in the diameter, width, design, finish, offsets and price for both the front and rear on the 88. Unless you spend a fortune for custom wheels you will undoubtedly have to comrpomise on one of the other aspects of the wheels.
Very few wheels come in staggered diameters, widths and offsets to fit the 88.
[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 04-02-2006).]
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09:48 PM
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Bigfieroman Member
Posts: 2416 From: Pleasant Hills, PA, near Pittsburgh Registered: Nov 2000
As for wheels, good luck finding the wheels in the diameter, width, design, finish, offsets and price for both the front and rear on the 88. Unless you spend a fortune for custom wheels you will undoubtedly have to comrpomise on one of the other aspects of the wheels.
Very few wheels come in staggered diameters, widths and offsets to fit the 88.
Umm...I have a pair on my car, they were $550 for the set...16X7 front, 17X8.5 rear
but the strut towers on the space frame on the 88 are not closer together.
Yes they are. It is common knowledge that the 88 strut towers are closer together and commonly need modified to fit motor swaps that are drop-ins for the earlier cars. Look at what's necessary for a Northstar swap, and note the differences for Archies V8 swaps when they are done in 88 fieros vs. earlier models.
