Has anybody swapped a second gen front suspension setup into a first gen car?

Things I think this will do for me:
1) Improved steering feel with less backlash
2) More options for bolt-on brake upgrades
3) 5-lug bolt pattern for more wheel options

Things I'm concerned about:
1) Connecting steering linkage
2) Strut length
3) Unforseen interferences

What else do I need to know?

 

I can't remember the name of the guy that did it, but I've seen pics of at least one 2nd gen front-end swap. While I agree with your reasons for wanting to do the swap, there may be an easier method of going about it (although I'm not sure about difference in cost).

You could, in theory, go with the CP rack-and-pinion swap, and then switch to just using 2nd gen hubs and calipers (I've seen this done as well). I imagine it would be more straightforward to adapt 2nd gen brake hardware to a 1st gen spindle than it would be to adapt the entirety of the 2nd gen suspension system to the 1st gen frame. Not to mention the fact that 2nd gen's are front-steer, while 1st gen's are rear-steer (referring to the placement of the steering gear either behind of, or in front of, the axle centerline).

 

search for user "abeomid" and "suspension", and you'll find what you're looking for.

 

In the progress of the swap m'self. Fairly straightforwards so far, as long as you use the whole subframe. Connecting the steering isn't that hard, though you do have to modify some stuff; get the steering colum splined instead of having the worm gear on the end, and you can fit a universal joint.

Here's an unforseen consequence for ye though... the fact that the rear end won't be 5-lug.

 

but missmached wheels are the ****!

 

cpracing makes a 4 to 5 lug conversion so you can be 5 lug all around

 

I'm currently operating on the "well, maybe I can just get a mustang rear end in there for the same cost..." theory.

 

touché

 

Are there any thread on possibly swaping the rear from a second gen if you can get the whole subframe also?

 

or maybe he can just slap on the SE ( second gen) front end and put the gslse rear end on it ( same bolt patterns). And the 4x114 have quite a few rim and tire options available also.

 

Thanks for all the info. As far as the different bolt patterns are concerned, I do think that different bolt patterns look cool. I'll probably start out with 5-lugs in the front and retain my GSL-SE 4-lug rear axle for now, with the thought that maybe someday I'll go to a Mustang rear axle & even up the pattern.

In the mean time, I'll have to plan on carrying two spare tires .

 

why is the 4lug to 5 lug so expensive from cprracing, what does it all involve

 

Doesn't the 2nd gen suspension sit an inch or two too high if you just try bolting it into the 1st gen? I have no idea what's involoved, but I'd think that a Miata front suspension, with double wishbones, would be a better choice.

 

I'm dubious as to whether or not it's possible to swap a Miata subframe over as easily, given how it is, as you say, a completely different design. The 1st and 2nd gen subframes are about the same so...

Rear subframes... if you wanted to do that, you're going to fabricate ****. A lot of it. The rear end is completely different setup.