EDIT - After typing all this, had I just opened this link
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...120111-2-091747.html , id have gotten all my answers. Nevermind. - EDIT
Guru,
As you know we have been PM’ing on other suspension and brake issues for the 88’s. I had some questions about this setup.
http://www.qa1.net/qa1_moto...ngle-adjustable.htmlOn this site you can see that QA1 offers a lot of different size shocks, both selectable in compressed/extended height, with a recommended spring size too. These shocks can be modified to switch the top mounting “loop” to a nut/bolt setup like we use on our cars. Here is the link for that part.
http://www.qa1.net/qa1_moto...conversion-kits.htmlIn your setup, you have to cut a lot of the bottom out of the LCA, and a lot of it's going to be hanging down. I know you have measured it and have room but I’d be a little concerned with the shock being that low. I would think that you could modify the LCA like you are by welding in the lower shock piece but not have to move it so low if you purchased the correct QA1 shock from the website above. I know they are expensive for R&D purpose, but if you were able to create a kit that was kind of a morph between the WCF Koni relocate kit (For 88 only)
http://www.westcoastfiero.c...ero_koni_shocks.html and the HT Motorsports Coil Over kit (for 88)
http://arrautmotorsports.co...pension-information/ you may be able to bridge the gap in price. $500 for the WCF kit, $1150 for the HT kit (with QA1 upgrade).
I would think that using the stock Fiero LCA, modified with a lower plate to support the coil over shock, and the correct QA1 coil over would come in around $600-700 bucks. The R&D on the correct parts would be pricy upfront unless the research done before the purchase worked this out. Plus, the R&D parts could also be sold to defray cost.
Some questions are:
Which QA1 shock will be the correct size to fit between the LCA and the shock tower?
Will the stock shock upper location need to be modified for the QA1 coil over top? If so, what is needed and can this be done without significant modification? (HT motorsports page says it does not need to be modified, I also called Richard about this, and he states no modifications are needed)
What would be needed to be done to the LCA to mount the QA1 lower shock mount? Would the average owner have the ability to do this? (cut and bolt similar to WCF kit or cut and weld in kit)
After all this is done, would the setup provide adequate spring rate, and suspension travel, and offer the ability to lower the suspension enough to be “worth the effort”?
I know for you it's easy, you have master fab skills. The rest of us need a bolt in / easy kit.
Looking forward to your thoughts on this.
Rob
[This message has been edited by qwikgta (edited 02-29-2012).]