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coilovers

Printed From: West Coast Fieros
Category: Technical Topics Forum
Forum Name: Technical Questions and Discussions
Forum Description: Got a technical question about your fiero? ask it here.
URL: http://www.westcoastfieros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2425
Printed Date: 25 April 2025 at 9:55pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: coilovers
Posted By: dobie1
Subject: coilovers
Date Posted: 25 April 2011 at 6:54pm
My 86GT with the SC 3.8 is coming along and I'm thinking I
would like to do up the suspension.
Any suggestions on coil-overs and a good supplier?
Also any other upgrades I should consider?

Thanks
Wayne

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you can run but you can't hide



Replies:
Posted By: Capt Fiero
Date Posted: 26 April 2011 at 7:09am

Coil-overs I can't help as I have never felt the need even on my V8 Fiero.  However, the one thing you NEED to do, put poly or solid mounts in the cradle as well as do the entire rear suspension in poly bushings.  Then make sure your motor mounts are good and solid.

      Just the stock V6 Fiero engine could cause cradle or control arm twisting, when you add more power from a better engine everything gets amplified. 



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Capt Fiero
88 Fiero GT 5spd V6
Eight Fifty Seven GT V8 5spd.


Posted By: dobie1
Date Posted: 26 April 2011 at 8:10am
Hi thanks for the reply.
Yes I have been considering the aluminum ones from WCF, I
have already got poly mounts for the engine and new poly
for rest of the suspension. Just thought it might be necessary but if your running the V8 without perhaps I will
just replace the shocks all around with some new Koni or
KYB's.
Thanks

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you can run but you can't hide


Posted By: Romeo
Date Posted: 26 April 2011 at 12:38pm

Oooh boy, suspension discussion, my speciality.

First things first, Koni only makes the struts (Which means your spring rate would remain the same) and even those you'll have to find someone with leftover stock, as they stopped production a little while back.

Coilovers, if need be, can also be adapted to the stock suspension ( http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/046456.html - Here's a link to the Fiero , although this applies to literally any MacPherson or Modified MacPherson suspension set-up). Be advised, however, that it can be difficult to find optimum settings with a coilover set-up on the stock springs. Progressive springs (What we have) will take any linear, easy to solve system and beat it senseless with a complexity bat, making simulators and general knowledge useless.

Also, to tie the two previous paragraphs together, it is always best to sort've "match" the shock rates and spring rates. For this reason, the Koni's would be fantastic - if you can find them, of course. As you dial in more spring stiffness (Say, for a spirited run, or for racing), don't forget to stiffen the shocks to match. Likewise, when running a more comfortable spring rate (Daily driving), harsh shock stiffness will negatively impact both comfort and performance. Something to bare in mind when considering coil-overs.



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Never shift into reverse without a back-up plan.


Posted By: Bassman
Date Posted: 27 April 2011 at 7:19pm

Here is the main question...how will you drive your car, will you autox, track day, or drive the streets hard like Tristan

I rebuilt my suspension with poly, etc...but went with KYB's, they do just fine...need to ask also on ride comfort

Now my car I just race with...but when on the street, comfortable



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Brian (Bassman)

86 GT Fastback 3.2L

2013 Mazda3 Sport GS SkyActive

[IMG]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u243/Bassman68/BassmanSignature.png">


Posted By: dobie1
Date Posted: 29 April 2011 at 8:51am
Thanks guys lots of info.
I just ordered the aluminum bushings for the cradle and all
poly for the rest.
The question as to how I will be driving ,I will not be
racing, perhaps Auto-cross how ever I do want to drive it!!
So then the question is will I really feel the difference
between Koni and KYB? or is it just that the Koni's are adjustable
Then should I look at replacing the springs with lowering
springs?



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you can run but you can't hide


Posted By: Romeo
Date Posted: 29 April 2011 at 10:05am

Koni's aren't any different than KYB's if you never intend to adjust them - stick with the KYB's if you don't. However, as I stated, if you want to go through the effort of coilovers, you're already in for an adjustable suspension, the Koni's will allow you to take advantage of that.

As for the springs, if you're making a coilover set-up, you needn't buy Fiero springs at all - simply buy a set of springs with an inside diameter that matches your coilover perch outside diameter (Should be between 2.25 and 2.50"). In buying "universal" springs you can get the prices waaay down.



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Never shift into reverse without a back-up plan.


Posted By: dobie1
Date Posted: 29 April 2011 at 10:57am
Thanks Romeo!!

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you can run but you can't hide


Posted By: Romeo
Date Posted: 29 April 2011 at 12:56pm
A pleasure. As it stands, I'm actually on the simulator today figuring out all the different ways I could improve the handling and wear characteristics of the tires. 'Tis such fun. =)

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Never shift into reverse without a back-up plan.



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