Lowering a HC.

[Po79]

Po.

[oli8925]

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=14808&start=60

That's a 2" drop. Absolutely no problem with bumpstops, still plenty of travel left. Wheel clearance is fine on the standard steels but I'm yet to have a set banded to 5.5/6" so couldn't say, but I'm going to keep the same rolling radius and hopefully will be done in the next couple of months. I have a powerflow 2" exhaust system, which if I'm honest is awful. The fit is rubbish, so you might not have such problems, but the only grounding issues I have is a little on speed bumps and driveway humps at the point where the downpipe connects to the system, as this is right under the gearbox crossmember. Not sure what can be done about this other than find a place to run the exhaust over the crossmember somehow, apparently it can be done.

I got KYB oil shocks, they don't do gas any more. They cope fairly well but the rides a bit bouncy, so I'm going to get the AVO adjustables when I get a few more things done that are higher on the priority list.

Couldn't help you with springs. How heavy is a slant and 'box?

[Po79]

Slant and box....

About a bloody tonn!!!!

Your car looks very low (-50mm). I was going to go to -40mm but might rethink to poss -30 or -35mm drop.

If your is still bouncy I'll definatly want stiffer springs, adjustable shocks will have to wait for a while.

What does yours handly like now your lowered it, much improvement?

Po.

[oli8925]

Thought as much

It is, the springs were bought as -2" from springs2000 (or I think Northampton springs or something similar). I was told they would be the correct spring rate for shorter springs, but I might get some stiffer ones made at a later date, could be tempted to go half inch lower at the back too.

To be honest I haven't pushed it since getting it back on the road, partly due to the problems the cars had and partly due to using old rubber on narrow steels, but already there's a noticeable massive improvement in handling. Body roll has been hugely reduced, I dare say it's near perfect for road use now as it feels flat but not so stiff it throws you into the side of the car. It just carries you through the corner really comfortably and makes the twisties fun again. I remember it used to be a scary thing going round a corner with the amount of body roll!

Another thing I will say is due to the HC suspension arrangement, lowering the car this much creates a lot of negative camber on the front. Mine is -3.3deg, will have to keep a close eye on tyre wear and joint wear. Paul C did mention the HB lower arm is shorter due to the Hb's narrower track, so if it is possible to put the HB lower arms on the HC, this may rectify the camber.

[Po79]

Well I have just spoken to Tony at South Yorkshire Springs (springs 2000). There used to be a link for them in the suppliers section of this forum but its been removed for some reason. Hope this wasn't for poor service or other such problems.

Anyway he said they could do a set of 2" lowering springs for £108 posted and they are black powder coated which I thought was reasonable.

I was looking at House's and Coggers cars with -60mm and quite like the look of them but Tony said the front springs Coggers used would be to high or stiff (can't remember which) for my car as they are intended for the Magnum.

I can only think Coggers is running a 2.3 slant four which is a lot heavier than the Pinto but then the Pinto is a lot heavier then the 1256 viva engine so the 1256 springs will have extra weight to deal with an may sit low.

Going to have to have a good think about it I guess.

Po.

[oli8925]

South Yorkshire Springs! That'll be them.

I have a feeling Coggers is running a slant. Surely if you get the weight of the Pinto and its box from somewhere, Tony can do a few calculations and get the right spring rate and length for your car. Or do a few rudimentary calculations yourself I suppose.

It is quite a drop but I think it just looks so right with the original sized tyres just tucking into the arches, and with the arches sweeping towards the back too.

[yoeddynz]

When I built the rotorvette I weighed the 1256 engine with alternator, starter and manifold. 115kg.

Rotary engine with inlet manifold, starter,alt and carb about 130kg just for your interest....

These weights are rough- taken by carefully balancing motor on old scales.

Couldn't find scales man enough for a 2.3....

I have had a nice exhaust built that follows floor properly and loads of clearance!

[oli8925]

I have had a nice exhaust built that follows floor properly and loads of clearance!

This is what I paid for but not what I got

[SL1256]

Coggers is running a CIH motor out of a earlyish Manta, prob slightly heavier than a pinto but not as heavy as a slant

My twink-powered HC is on 1256 front springs with one coil chopped out and Corsa -40mm rear springs, the front is pretty much on the bumpstops but still rides ok but the rear is only ok when i dont have passengers or anything more than a paper bag in the boot i will prob be buying a set of the springs Coggers & House are using OR just bite the bullet and go to coilovers with custom springs.

Heres how mine sits:


Steve

[oli8925]

Oh yeah, I remember. We had a conversation about his nice shiny oil filler cap and how there are none available for the OHV

bite the bullet and go to coilovers with custom springs

I'm definitely voting for this option! and then following suite when I sort the exhaust