I want to do a complete suspension overhall in my 1985 type 10 hatch back its a 2
0 with 4speed. My purpose is performance. Im thinking ordering the z24 suspension and just calling it good. But before I dump a bunch of money fig. I'd ask the pro's. I know the front end is heavier than the z24 will this matter? Were there any better setups out there?
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Oh and one more thing I want 15"rims low pro file tires. Dose this mean I need stationwagon shocks and struts?
I am far from the expert on this, but I don't think you would have to change shocks & struts for 15" rims. I was in a topic a while back and learned that Fiero GT rims go right on our Js with no problems, and I remember those cars as having the 15" rims.
That's good news. Looks km gonna try to rally race. And the largest they allow are 15 x 7.
Brian Spencer wrote: I know the front end is heavier than the z24 will this matter?
How is the front of a hatchback any heavier than a Z24? You're running the 2.0 and the Z's came with the 2.8. Am I wrong in my thinking? ( not being sarcastic )
Paul
Wayne Schiff wrote:I am far from the expert on this, but I don't think you would have to change shocks & struts for 15" rims. I was in a topic a while back and learned that Fiero GT rims go right on our Js with no problems, and I remember those cars as having the 15" rims.
Yes, sir. The 86-87 Fiero GT lace wheels are 15x7. Also the Beretta GT lace wheels are 15x7 and I
think the Phase 2 Z24's are as well.
Sorry I ment the z24 were heavier in the front.
The F bodies (Camaro/Firebird) used 15x7s in both 2nd & 3rd generation (1970 1/2 - 1992), but if you're racing and concerned about weight, I guess you'll be looking more at OZ rims or something along those lines since factory ones are usually heavier.
Interesting you brought this up.I myself will be in the process of upgrading my front end this year.I currently have new axles left/right to replace due to wear,age and input shaft seal leaking.I am going to upgrade to the monroe quickstrut (has the sensatrac strut) and will replace my mounts as well.First unless your wanting a tighter feel using a harder spring and bushings would help.MIne is solely a stock resto job,but I have already done the rear end new everything all stock trw springs,monroe sensa trac shocks and restored paint,undercoat etc.I would not use wagon springs for it.Stick with stock springs,new poly bushings for better wear and the sway bar will help I want one for mine.Hope this is not totally useless just sharing.I'm on cardomain under ronsoldcav pics are there of my rear end resto even tho ur doing the front end.
So nothing. Good will come from using station wagon or convertable suspension? Cuzco I'm going to rally race. And I was trying to get as stiff and ground cleance for jumps and what not?
You don't want stiff springs for rallying. You want lots of travel at a moderate spring rate. You aren't going to find any direct bolt in stuff for your car. You can convert to coil-over type springs easily in the front, but in the rear, you will need to do some fab work. There is one person out there that I know of with a coil-over type rear suspension, and I'm pretty sure I'm the only one with an adjustable height coil/shock system. The first gen suspension is the same as the 2nd gen (for the most part), so you can get all the bushings, you just need to know what you have stock and go from there.
You aren't going to gain anything from using a Z/wagon/convertible/whatever suspension to do the type of racing you want to.
Your ideal setup would go like this-
front- Bilstein external reservoir double adjustable struts with internal bump stop, 2.5" 250lb spring, maybe 12" long, triangulated brace between strut towers and firewall
rear- Bilstein external reservoir double adjustable threaded body shocks, 2.5" 300lb spring, around 14" long, massive bracing between inner fenders to support car weight, extended bump stops
You can use any wheel you want. J bodies had 14/15/16s from the factory. Its once you get into the 17+ wheels you're rubbing.
