Nova TomVauxhall

[TomVauxhall]

Just done some research and apparently if I remove the helper springs and raise the locknuts and fit camber bolts it will work on the coilovers

 

[edessex]

Went to stick the wheel on and it's touching the coilover!!!

Thats the issue I've got with my Astra, can't go much over 185/65r15 or the tyre fouls the lower spring seat.
I did look at coilovers, but dismissed them as they didn't really suit my needs.

My plan is to cut the shock tube and weld more tube in, meaning I get the ride height increase, while moving the spring seat up out the way, and can continue using standard suspension consumables.

The theory could apply here too, but in an easier form. You could get shorter springs, and wind the lower seat up higher to compensate. This might move it out the way, but only if there is enough room to have all the spring above the tyre...

 

[edessex]

...aaaaaand having read the next page, that might pretty much be what you just said. Lol.

 

[TomVauxhall]

Have you thought about spacers for yours Ed? I may have to have a 5-10mm spacer on mine aswell yet..

 

[edessex]

To miss the spring seat I'd have to go 30mm or so. Lol

 

[TomVauxhall]

To miss the spring seat I'd have to go 30mm or so. Lol

Hmmm bit much. I've seen 35mm spacers but I wouldn't be keen myself

 

[edessex]

I had some massive ones for the Pug 205, fitted them, looked at it, took them off. Lol.

With my bearing consumption it's probably not advisable to go down the spacer route anyway.

 

[TomVauxhall]

Hello beautiful..nova gsi sideskirts painted in rover hurricane grey.

 

[TomVauxhall]

Removed the helper spring and raised the locknut thing and it has clearance for the wheel.

Need to get camber bolts now for the slotted top hole on the shock as apparently the standard bolts move.

 

[edessex]

Nice work, what's the ride height like? Did you manage to get it low enough as you had to wind the spring seat up so far? Or has it just topped the shock out...

 

[TomVauxhall]

Nice work, what's the ride height like? Did you manage to get it low enough as you had to wind the spring seat up so far? Or has it just topped the shock out...

Haven't dropped it down yet but it will be in the same place as it would be bottomed out with the helper springs on. Have about 20mm of play up or down.

 

[edessex]

I thought those helper springs went flat under the vehicle weight, and where only there for when the vehicle body lifts (ie. gets air in a rally type stage)?

 

[TomVauxhall]

I thought those helper springs went flat under the vehicle weight, and where only there for when the vehicle body lifts (ie. gets air in a rally type stage)?

Not sure what the score is with them but I'd have needed big spacers to clear them with the springs on. Not an option.
They don't feel strong, I could probably press them flat with my foot.
Have to see how it goes once it's dropped back on the deck. I got them for nothing anyway off Tommy. He bought them for his grasser but got given a set of koni's instead so donated these to me

 

[edessex]

When its free, its always worth a try!

 

[Todd100]

Edwards is correct with how helpers should work, my gaz coilovers don't have them from factory tho and springs drop when vehicle is up, my mot tester said they should fail but as they come from the manufacturer like it he would pass it

 

[TomVauxhall]

Edwards is correct with how helpers should work, my gaz coilovers don't have them from factory tho and springs drop when vehicle is up, my mot tester said they should fail but as they come from the manufacturer like it he would pass it

I've adjusted these so the spring is still held whilst the car is jacked up.
I'll see what the ride height is like once I've done the other side and If it's no good to me I'll have a look at getting some fixed height shocks

 

[edessex]

If it doesn't sit right, there are still other options, like extending where the shock joins the hub, swinging the unit towards the inner wing slightly, then you might fit the springs in next to the tyre sidewall.

But its worth seeing how it sits first.

Do you know what length spring they are?

 

[TomVauxhall]

If it doesn't sit right, there are still other options, like extending where the shock joins the hub, swinging the unit towards the inner wing slightly, then you might fit the springs in next to the tyre sidewall.

But its worth seeing how it sits first.

Do you know what length spring they are?

Don't know own the length but it's basically set on the where the lowest setting would be with the helper springs on...

And with the top mounts on the spring is held and not moving with about 20mm of adjustment either way before its topped out or touches the wheel...


I've lost most of the adjustment but if I can get it to sit low enough I'm not bothered about adjusting it once it's set.

Also tried my hand at a bit of welding today. Only the inner arch as won't be seen. More for strength really and will be ground back and undersealed anyway

 

[edessex]

Only asked, as if its too high you can buy shorter ones.

Good work on it all though. Using MIG I take it?

 

[TomVauxhall]

Only asked, as if its too high you can buy shorter ones.

Good work on it all though. Using MIG I take it?

Not sure ed, It has gas and wire?!