5-6" Drop with VW KYB's Converted to Coilovers?

[sketchman]

PORNOGRAPHY!!!! drool

[Advancedynamix]

I could just cut the spring hats down shorter to remove the taper? Or a washer will work. I should have looked at how they mount in the car first I guess... The beam I picked up today has bushings that aren't rotted so I'll use those. Everything inside the drums are in top shape as well. Hoping to get the coilovers on tomorrow, and I've just ordered everything to redo the rear brakes (shoes/seals/cylinders/hoses/axle nuts/etc).

Do you ever make extra camber spacers to sell? I know you don't do this as a business so no problem if you don't.

I picked up an '84 Snap On "taco cart" tool box last weekend that's been handy for working on parts like the rear beam. Got the sleeves glued onto the strut bodies and cut down one lower mount on the inside and spaced it over from the outside.

Yeah, if you've got room to turn those down before you interfere with the register (you'll want at least .125 of meat to register on the top collar on the shaft) that's the best plan.

[theastronaut]

I ended up modifying the original bushing cups, they worked out good to support the rubber bushing better. I got them swapped in and have been thrashing it on backroads and on/off ramps this afternoon... I may not drop it any lower if that's going to compromise grip, this is too much fun! The carb'd b3 is terribly inadequate between corners now, might have to "fix" that eventually.

(saw your motor question in the email notification) The motor is a mock-up 5.3 and T56 with an Inglese Weber IDA intake for LS3 heads. The C10 in the background is my main project, been working on it the past few years. It'll be set up for track and autocross while still being street friendly. Going to use either a LS2 or LS3 (8000+rpm solid roller cam/shaft rockers/ported LS3 heads either way so I can use the intake), a Magnum T56, 2nd gen CTS-V/Brembo brakes, the front has been reworked for better geometry, and a three link in the rear with a Ford 9". Bad thing is, it's still going to be slower than a prepped Festiva around a tight track... hmmmmmm Have you thought of going to any of the Optima/USCA events with a Festiva?

[Advancedynamix]

Bad thing is, it's still going to be slower than a prepped Festiva around a tight track... hmmmmmm Have you thought of going to any of the Optima/USCA events with a Festiva?

Believe it or not, a well prepped festiva will even dominate on a fast track. These cars are extremely stable at speed. My Cayman S won't hold a line like the festy will. Moving the engine weight forward is like waiving a magic wand and turning the Festiva into a real GT car.
This winter I'll start building a proper track prepped festiva. My B6T build was just a street car expirament that went better than planned. The next one will have an 11000 rpm redline, traction control and a sequential dog box. It'll be a time trials car, but I may enter in a few race groups from time to time.

[theastronaut]

... an 11000 rpm redline, traction control and a sequential dog box.

You have my attention, I'll be waiting anxiously to see this!

Going to work on getting the rear beam swapped in today. Already rebuilt the drums, just need to make camber spacers.

[theastronaut]

Took it out on the interstate today for the first time since swapping in the coilovers. Felt very planted and stable up to its top speed (speedo was pegged out). Took a sweeping off ramp at 80 mph and there was easily enough grip for another 20 mph. Needs more power!

[MiltonHavoc]

You guys need to make a coilover kit!
Advanceddynamics just killed the game in the looks department.
My gosh I need to step it up..

[Advancedynamix]

Took it out on the interstate today for the first time since swapping in the coilovers. Felt very planted and stable up to its top speed (speedo was pegged out). Took a sweeping off ramp at 80 mph and there was easily enough grip for another 20 mph. Needs more power!

Did you do the fronts too, or is that just with the rears? Wait till you feel one with the engine moved forward, negative camber and zero toe on all 4 wheels. You'll wonder why anyone ever bought a sports car. Lol

[theastronaut]

That was with all four in but no negative camber in the rear. The fronts have been on for a few weeks now but I hadn't had it on the interstate til last week. The last of the parts came in (was waiting on axle nuts) so now I can get the other rear beam swapped in, hopefully tonight.

[theastronaut]

The other rear beam is swapped in so now I'm running camber all the way around, and the e-brake works finally. I don't think I'm going to go any lower since its way to much fun as is and I don't want to compromise grip. I need to finalize the alignment next, and pick up some taller bump stops. Already thinking about picking up a set of lighter 13" wheels to mount sticky tires, and I've found a schedule for the local sports car club's autocross dates.

[bhazard]

The next one will have an 11000 rpm redline, traction control and a sequential dog box.

Wait wut?

[jdobbs86]

sounds like he's buying a motorcycle to me lol

[blake4591]

The other rear beam is swapped in so now I'm running camber all the way around, and the e-brake works finally. I don't think I'm going to go any lower since its way to much fun as is and I don't want to compromise grip. I need to finalize the alignment next, and pick up some taller bump stops. Already thinking about picking up a set of lighter 13" wheels to mount sticky tires, and I've found a schedule for the local sports car club's autocross dates.

The car looks great. The fall always makes for good car pictures. It sounds like you quickly got addicted to the Lateral Gs.

[theastronaut]

The car looks great. The fall always makes for good car pictures. It sounds like you quickly got addicted to the Lateral Gs.

Thanks! Yeah it's been extremely fun, would love to see what one would do with more power and sticky tires.

[theastronaut]

Well, it's been fun but the itch to get back into something rear wheel drive is strong. I bought a '92 Miata a couple weeks ago so I'm going to sell the Festiva. Full details are in the classified section. I really appreciate all the help the forum has been through the build process!