I've driven my FC about... 100 miles since last May. The front wheel bearings are pretty bad, and I've been putting miles on my Subaru.

It's getting warm, so I've been taking the '7 around town again, and it's far too enjoyable, even with ancient suspension and such.

So, I'm getting ready to work on it, and get it ready for the summer autocross/track day season.

My questions:

I have a full 5 lug swap laying in my garage. It's been off a car and sitting around for at least 2 years, probably 3-4 years. What should I do to it before I put it on? Repack the bearings? Will I need to rebuild the brakes if they've been sitting dry that long? And should I replace the DTSS bushings while they're off the car?

Then, as for the car, I need to pretty much redo the suspension. I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive option, but one that's still good enough to handle autocross and HPDE/open track days. I'd prefer adjustable struts, so I can have it stiff at the track, and still soft for the drive to/from. It's also a general summer cruiser, but I don't mind a stiff ride.

I was thinking of going with the Energy Suspension bushing set, then a set of springs/struts. Would I be better off with a set of coilovers (and who makes a good set for FCs that isn't terribly expensive) for what I'm looking to do?

What's the consensus on brake pads for 5 lug stuff? I'm not opposed to switching pads for hard track days, but I'd like something that can handle daily driving and autocross work without too much squeaking/rotor eating when cold.

I was planning to replace the tranny and diff fluid with Redline stuff.

Finally, anything else I should think about doing while I have the car on jackstands and torn apart?

Thanks!

-=Russ=-

 

Honestly you don't really need the 5 lug swap. If you want to that's fine but a good pad/rotor combo will be just as good if not better. The 4 lug suspension set up is lighter too. Sometimes it's better to leave it that way. As far as struts/springs you've got the right idea. It's all personal preference. I'm on cut springs and I've been drifting it like that for awhile and have got quite good at it. (Check my sig for a link to my thread there's video in there) Redline MT-90 will work great for your tranny, I would suggest putting that in there. Then some Redline 80W-90 or something gear oil for the diff. Aside from that you've got it down it seems, just dont forget to do the regular tune up stuff and your good.

P.S. If you're going to run autocross I would suggest doing some research on the pads, like for me when I'm on the track I don't want a pad that takes awhile to heat up. You might a similar set up if you're doing autocross since the runs don't last too long. GOODLUCK!

 

I'm planning to eventually get to around 170-180whp, with some open track days involving higher speed stretches. The 4 lug stuff will hold up to that just fine? I was also under the impression the 4 piston front calipers would provide better brake feel/modulation. It's also a lot easier to find rubber/wheels for the 5 lug spacing/wheel size than the 4 lug stuff, from what I've seen. Part of the reason I was planning to do the 5 lug swap is because I have the stuff, and replacing the bearings seems to be a pain, as well as the sheered off bleeder in one of my front calipers.

If the 4 lug stuff would be better for what I'm planning to do, I'm open to the option of getting my current setup fixed, I was just under the impression the 5 lug would be better for that sort of stuff. How much heavier is it?

-=Russ=-

 

tokico illumina w/tanabe gf210s, t2 sway bars and brakes w/stainless steel braided lines, poly-u bushings, and youll be good.

peace

 

I'd been looking at the Illuminas before - sounds from the reading I've been doing like those are a well liked strut.

The GF210s appear to have a ~1.5" drop over stock. How much of a drop is that over "20 year old stock springs with 145k miles on them"? If I go much lower, I'm not going to be able to get in/out of my parking lot.

-=Russ=-

 

hahaha, im on stock suspension, and wont be able to open the passenger door (damned curbs) when i put the suspension together. and its about an 1" drop over stock 20 Y/O springs.

peace

 

I know a guy who had an ls1 FC in formula d and if I remember right he switched out the 5 lug to 4 lug suspension. He is the man when it comes to driving FC's, best FC driver I've ever seen. He wouldn't do it if it wasn't a good thing. The ls1 is way more than 180whp lol

But I'm not saying the 5 lug isn't good either, jus giving you food for thought that's all. And yes you're right changing the bearings is a huge pain!