I just lowered my 86 GT and it didn't turn out the way i wanted. So I was wondering if you have a lowered Fiero....Please post pictures and let me know how you did it and what size tires you have......So we can share our own look...
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09:55 PM
PFF
System Bot
procarnut Member
Posts: 622 From: Blum, Texas USA Registered: Mar 2006
Ok to start off... Here is my 86GT with 18x7.5 nippon wheels and coils springs cut 1.5 all around. The tires are 225/40r18 all around. Still doesn't have the balanced look I was looking for. Any suggestions?
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10:41 PM
Finally_Mine_86_GT Member
Posts: 4809 From: Hyde Park, New York Registered: Sep 2006
should have measured the tire to wheel well on both front and back and figured out how mush for each to cut. Edit: side note... sometimes you can get away with putting a level under the rocker panel to see how far off you are... if you think you need to cut more off the back then have somebody push down on the rear... measure tire to wheel well before and after. that'll tell you how much more on the rear... if you wanted the front a little higher... well... i don't have to say it.
[This message has been edited by Finally_Mine_86_GT (edited 02-07-2007).]
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10:47 PM
88White3.4GT Member
Posts: 1604 From: Hayward, CA Registered: Dec 2003
the tire in the back is too small. the stock 215 - 60 -15 is wider and taller than the tire you have on. Atleast a 235-40-18 to match the original height , but wider than the orig. or even a 245-40-18. front one is fine.
if you want the rear lower, maybe coil-over's could be a better choice?
[This message has been edited by 88White3.4GT (edited 02-07-2007).]
I've got 1.5-2.0 cut springs in the front of my car and it handles like a rock, so I'd say your spring cut is fine for the upcoming autocross. If you want the back end lower the best way to do it is a coilover. The added stiffness of a 300-350 lb spring would also help greatly. Coilovers can cost as little as $250 to build (all new parts), plus you have full adjustability and a stiff setup.
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11:21 PM
Feb 9th, 2007
procarnut Member
Posts: 622 From: Blum, Texas USA Registered: Mar 2006
I did cut the rear spring 2 turns and it seems much better. It's still 1/2 inch taller in the back compaired to the front but that is what I like to see. I drove it and it handles great without hitting the bump stops. It is VERY stiff but VERY responsive. Since I have installed the poly bushings There is very little body roll. Now tha next step is building the solid cradle mounts. That should get me buy for my autocross practice soon.
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11:57 AM
procarnut Member
Posts: 622 From: Blum, Texas USA Registered: Mar 2006
But the tire size difference between the 225/40r18 and the stock 215/60r15 is less than 1/10th of an inch which yealds a -.03%.
Another way to look at it is stock tire rotates 802 times a mile and the 225/40r18 rotates 804 times a mile. The actuall contact patch is larger with the 18" tire. The 15" is wider but only at the side wall. You may know this but I'm only listing this for everyone else to read.
p225/40r18
P = Pasanger
225 = the milimeter width from side wall to side wall
40 = is Aspect Ratio ( tire's height to width in %)
R = radial
18 = rim diameter.
I just listed this to be informative. I use to work for a tire company and we actually had a 16 hour class on nothing but tires. Untill then I never knew a donut had so much to it.
Bob.
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12:11 PM
procarnut Member
Posts: 622 From: Blum, Texas USA Registered: Mar 2006
Just went back and re-read the post.... You are right that the 235/40r18 would be bigger but it yeald a 1% difference and a 794 RPM. My driving would be too fast already without a slow speedo..I just wanted to get something close to facotry size.
Bob the stiff cradle bushings make a HUGE difference in the back end sway. My brother's 86 GT has the West Coast aluminum bushings; big overall difference. I can still out handle him though
Your progress is amazing! Be sure that when you autocross you get someone to film it, I'd like to see how the Fiero's back end holds up with the added 3.4 weight.
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02:34 PM
Maloso Member
Posts: 515 From: Van Nuys, CA Registered: Dec 2006
To be honest with you....if I had the extra cash I would go with Eibachs too. Between building the motor, exhaust, harness paint and etc....... I have run out of play money. But most of all I have a newborn baby girl that takes priority on my funds. Hey I would have any other way.
Actually I would do the coil overs......more adjustment.
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05:03 PM
procarnut Member
Posts: 622 From: Blum, Texas USA Registered: Mar 2006
heres my old car, it has since been sold, wrecked and crushed anywhoo, eibach's with Koni's eibach's are 1" drop, and i also had 1" drop ball joints in the front from Rodney Dickman so its 2" front 1" rear, on 225-50-16's
Really nice rides everyone. I'm sorry to hear about the "sold, wrecked and crushed" part.
Doesn't that sucks when you put time and money into something just for someone else to destry it?
That happend twice to me...
77 Formula Firebird, 403 olds, balanced/Blue print, port & polished, posi-trac 273 diff, headers, cross-over, flowmasters, cam, 4-wheel disk brakes and much more. Ran a 13.8 1/4 mile in only 1st and 2nd gears.
Kid bought it and wrecked it in a week.
Same story with a truck too.
Anyway.......Keep sending pics.......Thanks.
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01:40 AM
CaliforniaSpeeder9 Member
Posts: 1523 From: San Jose, California Registered: Feb 2005
I bought the 1.7" rear 1.8" front lowering springs from the fiero store. I had a friend of mine whos going to mechanics school do it for me for free. Then when i nearly killed myself because the alignment was terrible I decided to take it to a wheel works to get it all sorted out.
[This message has been edited by CaliforniaSpeeder9 (edited 02-10-2007).]
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02:10 AM
yellowstone Member
Posts: 9299 From: Düsseldorf/Germany Registered: Jun 2003
heres my old car, it has since been sold, wrecked and crushed
I remember when you were selling it. I wanted to buy it so bad! I'm so sorry it was wrecked, I can imagine your frustration with the new owner you must be.
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10:33 AM
PFF
System Bot
TD37 Member
Posts: 746 From: Howards Grove, Wisconsin Registered: Jan 2004
Your progress is amazing! Be sure that when you autocross you get someone to film it, I'd like to see how the Fiero's back end holds up with the added 3.4 weight.
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