Putting in a replacement L-28

[Racer X]

On 8/7/2021 at 3:45 PM, Av8ferg said:

Thanks Cliff you always seems to have the answers. 
 

I think he used to be this guy.

 

 

 

[Av8ferg]

How about this guy. Even has the same first name!



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[siteunseen]

Plenty of beer wisdom too. I should change my last name, eh?

Well ya see, Norm, it’s like this… A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That’s why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”

-Cliff Clavin

[Av8ferg]

Can’t wait to use that logic on my wife and see how she reacts!


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[siteunseen]

1 hour ago, Av8ferg said:

Can’t wait to use that logic on my wife and see how she reacts!


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Make sure you've had a few beers first, you'll be more beleiveable (at least in your head}. 

[Av8ferg]

Today’s mission.  Remove the front suspension.  Now that the engine is out I can see what a mess it is.  I had already bought all new rubber, ball joints etc…but had planned on doing that later but with the engine out I think I need to do it now.   I have a local powder coating guy that I’ll take all the parts too to have coated including the cross member.  I live near the beach…the salt air is relentless.  

Now once I have the suspension off should I do the struts?  I’m sure I need new ones.  The next question do you just keep it stock or buy coilovers?  What are you guys running and/or recommend?  I don’t like the big fender gap I have but it’s not a big deal.  I mostly want a nice driving, fun street car.  Does the Z rabbit hole end?  

Edited August 9, 2021 by Av8ferg

[Racer X]

1 hour ago, Av8ferg said:

Today’s mission.  Remove the front suspension.  Now that the engine is out I can see what a mess it is.  I had already bought all new rubber, ball joints etc…but had planned on doing that later but with the engine out I think I need to do it now.   I have a local powder coating guy that I’ll take all the parts too to have coated including the cross member.  I live near the beach…the salt air is relentless.  

Now once I have the suspension off should I do the struts?  I’m sure I need new ones.  The next question do you just keep it stock or buy coilovers?  What are you guys running and/or recommend?  I don’t like the big fender gap I have but it’s not a big deal.  I mostly want a nice driving, fun street car.  Does the Z rabbit hole end?  

You are walking down a path. Pull engine. Replace transmission. Clean engine bay. Rework the front suspension.

Next stop, rear suspension.

Where does it end?

 

Edited August 9, 2021 by Racer X

[S30Driver]

Just lower it 1 1/2", lowering springs such as Eibachs with KYB struts unless you want to spring for Koni's.  I run Eibach's and illuminas, perfect gap, with 205 55 16's - no rubbing.  Replace the rack bushings if needed, and if you do the TC rod bushings, rubber on the back side, not all polly.

Don't forget the beefier sway bars, the rear makes the biggest difference.  Or atleast replace the bushings.

Your wife would approve of electric power steering ....  

[SteveJ]

22 minutes ago, Racer X said:

You are walking down a path. Pull engine. Replace transmission. Clean engine bay. Rework the front suspension.

Next stop, rear suspension.

Where does it end?

 

Wait! There's an end point?

[Av8ferg]

Jim, thanks just wanted I needed to hear. The thought of cutting my struts to put coilovers on didn’t seem like something I wanted to do. I’m going to research your suggestion.

And it’s always about the journey and not the destination, but at some point I do want to enjoy it. So no more mission creep for me.
Like you said Jim. Get the engine bay cleaned up, replace the engine rework the front end suspension and steering and enjoy it until the winter hits and then tackle the rear end.
Wife hasn’t complained about the car at all. We’ve had several visitors to the house and every one of the men always talk about how much they love the Z. My wife is hearing it and realizes it’s not exactly the POS she thought it was . Still hates the Viper though!!


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[siteunseen]

If you use a small bottle jack or some kind of jack under the "A" arms to take the drop down load off it'll make things a lot easier to work on. I figured that out changing the tie rods. Just jack it up enough to level out the weight, none down and none up. You'll see what I mean if you give it a try.

Whoops! Stub axle up front. "A" arms in the back.

Edited August 9, 2021 by siteunseen

[siteunseen]

If you're a visual type maybe you'll see what I'm saying. "Unload" is what my Dad said???