Hey guys. I am putting a depowered 15.2:1 rack in my '89 NA, and I was wondering what else I can do while I'm in there. I am having T2 brakes and stainless lines installed at the same time. I've read that the front sway bar has to come off, and the radiator has to be moved, so I am thinking of also doing Tanabe front/ ST rear sway bars, polyurethane bushings, and a Koyo radiator. Is there anything else I can do on my list (or not on my list) while I'm at it?

My plans for the car as of now are: after the brakes are done, I am doing a full exhaust and home-made intake on my already street ported motor. I am then moving on to suspension (coilovers, poly bushings, strut bars, sway bars etc), and possibly going standalong when all that is done for that few extra hp. After that, and also after I buy a new daily driver, I am stripping the interior, putting in a cage, and having it as a designated track car (starting with autox, hopefully getting into hillclimbs and some road racing). In the mean time, I will be autocrossing as often as possible.

So basically, what I'm asking is: after looking at my future plans, what can you suggest I do while the rack and brakes are being installed? (I hope this makes sense, I'm kind of in a hurry typing this). Thanks in advance for any questions/opinions/suggestions.

 

Since I can't edit, I figured I would throw in that I forgot to mention the most inportant part (which I know someone will bring up): tires. Right now I have Kelly Charger's on the rear (came with the car) and I put Falken Ziex's on the front, which I'm not very happy with. I'm going to wear them down and try the Azenis next, and will probably try a few different brands in the future.

 

definitely get RB's adjustable endlinks (and I'd recommend their swaybar over Tanabe's)

and Mazdatrix has some nice uber overkill strut tower braces, not great for street use but since you're making a racer out of it

best money I've spent though is on a spare set of dedicated lightweight wheels with Hoosier AS04's on them (for autoX)

oh and you might as well get a new set of mounting brackets for the endlinks, those 18 year old welds are gonna break with the new stiffer suspension and high grip tires
don't worry they're like $17 ea. from Mazda

 

I also forgot to mention that I was going to go with RB's endlinks. Why would you recommend their sway bar over the Tanabe?

I was going to try to find an Infini strut bar for the front... do you think the Mazdatrix one would be better?

I am also thinking of a set of vert wheels for the future.

 

Assuming you're 5-lug, some Toyota Camry models came with 15" BBS wheels in gold. I bought a set, with worn Azenis, for $75. Cheaper and easier to find than the vert wheels.

 

As long as the radiator is out, now would be the time to replace hoses/thermostat/pressure cap/waterpump if there are any doubts about them at all.

 

I just swapped steering racks last night, the radiator doesn't have to come out.

 

I will keep an eye out for some rims, but the car came with 15" CSA wheels (5 lug). I don't know anything about them (weight, quality, etc) but they look like old-school 5 spoke Ferrari wheels.

If the radiator doesn't need to come out, them I will hold off on it for now. Anything else?

 

Since I've been recommending that it does have to be moved to pull the rack, I looked at the car last night and realized that my aftermarket rad has the fittings at the bottom for an auto trans cooler and it was those that necessitated moving the radiator.
Also, you were swapping out one depowered rack for another, were you not?
The hard lines that run from the spindle to the rack body were also an issue that might make moving the rad a good idea.

 

cuz they're red and they're also made well by a shop that knows our cars well, what size arer the Tanabe's?
yes, it triangulates to the firewall plus it has an optional engine torque brace you can get
do it, see how awesome they look on my car

 

I did my math wrong, and thought that Tanabe's was bigger, but I just checked it and realized RB's are bigger, so I will probably go with that.

If the mazdatrix one is the best, then I will pick up one of those as well.

I've always loved the vert wheels, so I will most likely end up with a set later on.

Keep the suggestions coming everyone!

 

Here's pictures of my rims now, in case anyone gives a ****...

 

where are you located at in PA?

 

Aston, about 15 minutes from philly.