Consider the following hypothetical situation (which just happens to be my situation):

I have an '80 GS with about 114k on the engine. Everything is stock except the muffler. I have about $500 to spend on upgrades in preparation for the next autocross season. I don't plan on staying in stock classes, so there's no limits to what I can and can't do other than money. Nevertheless I want to keep the car looking good and street-legal.

Where should my money go? I don't want to hear "save your money kid and be a better driver first" because I can practice and work on my skill as I upgrade, like everyone else.

I'm thinking Eibach pro-kit springs and RB headers. What do you think of that?

Also, what's the difference between a lot of the shocks and springs on the market? They don't list specifications or spring rates so all I can judge quality on is name brand and price.

 

with that money I would get some good adjustable shocks/struts and some good springs. If you have any money left over get yourself a front strut tower bar from ebay and since they are so cheap you could probably get a front and rear. After that or maybe even before, get yourself some good z rated tires. Um.............I think thats about it.

 

There are VERY few shocks that fit my year, and those that do suck.

 

get the ebay strut/sway bars and the springs. Hopefully you have some good tires??? Tires make a huge difference too

 

Shocks, and I know Tokico makes them for your car.
Power is not something you need to worry about as a beginner.
Focus on suspension first...


-Ted

 

Definitely suspension and tires.

 

Doesn't the 80 have the goofy long strut tube...

Best thing to do is find an 81 up to swap over the strut assemblies THEN you can find the shocks. An added bonus is doing away with the 79/80 brake thread pitch.

You mention that everything is stock.... is everything new? Ball joints Tie rod ends, idler bushings, suspension bushings????

 

If I was a beginner the first thing I would buy is adjustable shocks. Once I had some experience I would buy some race tires to go with the shocks.

 

Tires. Some r-compund tires will make even an old car with a worn out suspension noticeably faster. I'd also advise some rims to keep your R-compounds new between events. Drive up with your current tires, bolt the stickies on and run. Take the stickies off and drive home on the old tires.

-Trent

 

I'd actually advise against the sticky rubber for an absolute beginner.
"Street" tires have a more progressive break-away characteristic, and this can help.
Most R-compound rubber lose traction abruptly at the limit, and this can hinder learning.


-Ted