1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Susp. Tighten Up

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Old Apr 29, 2006 | 06:45 PM
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Susp. Tighten Up

(i searched a little but no go)...........i want to do a total BOLT ON suspension upgrade, i will get Racing beat front swaybar and rear adjustable bar. Front and rear strut bars(cp racing most likely, but not the firewall mounted one because one member had fitting problems with it). And poly bushings...my question is, what all bushings should be replaced? i have heard not to replace all in the rear because the watts doesnt like that, but which ones do i stay away from(please describe in detail for me or with pics becuase i do not know all the names of every supension parts)

Also: what needs to be replaced in the sterring as far as small and easy components like bushings and idler arm. The recent article from "whiteline" has spawned this desire(and the desire to get involved with drifting here in vegas) but the article did not go into enough detail for me...what should we replace to get better steering?
***no major work like rack and pinion install tho, this setup should be for the budgeted street goer in need of a little better performance
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Old Apr 29, 2006 | 07:34 PM
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heres all i have to say....stay away from CP racing unless you just like to give money away.

oh yeah, also, check this out---

http://p-s-t.com/sport/sifekpg.html
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Old Apr 29, 2006 | 10:11 PM
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On the rear the only poly to use is the lower control arms and sway bar if you choose to keep the rear bar, I personally like to oversteer so my rear bar comes off as a matter of course.

Get some new springs and shock way ahead of struts bars. IMHO
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Old Apr 29, 2006 | 10:20 PM
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Steering links are out ehere a plenty, basically idler arm bushings "Moog" brand from Rockauto, new rod ends where necessary, tighten steering box

Link:http://www.mazspeed.com/steeringgear.htm

Can't underestimate the value of good quality tires.
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Old Apr 29, 2006 | 10:55 PM
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From: Inkerman, On, South of Ottawa, the 2nd coldest Capital in the World
Do yourself a favour and order a free catalog from Victoria British (now called black Dragon Automotive). They have pictures of all the suspension as well as bushing kits.
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 12:11 AM
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i have ST springs(not the best) and tokico blues already......yeah that's a good idea, i didnt even think to look at the vb catalog to learn what everything is...i think i will get the rear bar since it is adjustable, i just took off my rear bar and it actually has more understeer instead of oversteer.....
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 12:44 AM
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As you get to the limit you'll find the rear will step out more consistantly and not snap into oversteer as these cars are want to do.
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 12:37 PM
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From: las vegas
oh so its because im just driving on the street and not on the track?


----WOULD SOMEONE MAKE A REAR STRUT BAR? I DONT SEE ANY PROBLEM WITH PUTTING ONE IN EVEN IF ITS A MINIMAL CHANGE IN CHASSIS STRENGTH. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 01:28 PM
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So... why don't you make it?

About the P-S-T kit... on my outer tie rods that came with the kit, the boots are already split with less than 5000 miles but over 2 years. Just a heads up, I wouldn't use them again... all of the other pieces are good though.
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 06:33 PM
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From: las vegas
so the p-s-t kit is a no go, are there any other, or at least some better outer tie rod bushings?


also, do you think i would have to triangulate the rear strut bar or could it be one pipe straight across attaching only to the upper damper mounts...what metals would i use and how tight should it fit on?...thanks guys this is good stuff keep it comin
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 07:33 PM
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From: las vegas
ok so, i did some research on strut bars on here and there is a 50/50 opinion of them..do they make a difference in actual performance or just give you more confidence? i am trying to decide if its worth getting one, having the suspension and chassis more buttoned up has to be an improvement right?
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