Second Gen Front Suspension Swap
#1
Second Gen Front Suspension Swap
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?
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?
#2
Stratoflattener
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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).
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).
#4
spoon!
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.
Here's an unforseen consequence for ye though... the fact that the rear end won't be 5-lug.
#6
I Push My Car Real Fast!
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Originally posted by Kenku
Here's an unforseen consequence for ye though... the fact that the rear end won't be 5-lug.
Here's an unforseen consequence for ye though... the fact that the rear end won't be 5-lug.
#7
spoon!
Originally posted by 81Rex6port13b
cpracing makes a 4 to 5 lug conversion so you can be 5 lug all around
cpracing makes a 4 to 5 lug conversion so you can be 5 lug all around
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#8
I Push My Car Real Fast!
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Originally posted by Kenku
I'm currently operating on the "well, maybe I can just get a mustang rear end in there for the same cost..." theory.
I'm currently operating on the "well, maybe I can just get a mustang rear end in there for the same cost..." theory.
#10
Rotary Enthusiast
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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.
#11
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 .
In the mean time, I'll have to plan on carrying two spare tires .
#13
Absolute Power is Awesome
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.
#14
spoon!
Originally posted by purple82
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.
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.
Rear subframes... if you wanted to do that, you're going to fabricate ****. A lot of it. The rear end is completely different setup.
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