Coil Over Installation

[Demps]

The Coil Over Installation Process

Jim Milstead, DRM and JeffVette all contributed to the pre-process. The following links are where I started.

Rears
click the link then replace the *s with CF spelled out
Fronts
click the link then replace the *s with CF spelled out

So, good start. I did not like some parts of it. In comes Carter. Here's where I departed and some lessons learned.


Get the car on jacks as high as you can. Remove the old stuff per the service manual. You will need a puller to remove the tie rods and spindle in the front.

*****TIP*****
Remove the lower and upper A-arms completely. It will help remove the spring and then spread out the mount.

I had all of the old stuff removed in about two hours. It took two months to get it back together.

*****TIP*****
Have all of the parts necessary prior to starting. Carter has a tremendous start on this--now.

I did not want to cut into my front frame area. Carter made these mounting devices and I replaced the stock sway bar mounting brackets with Energy Suspension brackets (see picture) from Autozone for a 1inch sway bar.



The stock bolts will not do to mount into the frame. You need bolts long enough to go through the block into the frame. Size is 10mm x 1.5 pitch. Two long for the outsides and one smaller for the inside (threaded). You can see how I did it here:



*****TIP*****
Fronts are fairly straight forward.



Now for the fun--Rears.

You will need to mill the head and reverse the suspension mounting bolts per Milstead's thread above.

Get a pry bar.

I did not like the weld then drill method for the old mounts--did have the resources. Carter made some great mounting brackets but they require shaving the upper urethane bushing. I figured it only mounts the gear and the bracket and bushing insert take up the slack.

*****TIP******
Get a dremel with a quick attachment cutting wheel. After I figured this out I was done in an hour. Use it to open the rear frame area. I did not have the necessary tools or experience to accomplish Milstead's write up opening. It also would have required removing most/all of the rear suspension. I used a grinding bit on an air compressor small grider to round the corners.

Here's what I did:

Old


New


Carter's Bracket


Mounted on frame:


D@mn site--can't put up more than 8 images. This will get sporty. Go to end to see more.

Ted

[jonszr1]

i would call corey on this . he has a great install proceedure

[jonszr1]

opps face is a mistake. it early fingers stiff

Ted, I'll forward over some instructions.

[Demps]

I think I have an interesting way to accomplish the front without cutting into the frame.

Question on the rear for anyone that has done this: is the frame area strong enough to cut out a new clearance area and what kind and how do you tighten the bolts holding the shock/coil in place?

[XfireZ51]

Demps,

I am interested in seeing what you learn. I have some of the parts for this stashed away.

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

Demps,

I am interested in seeing what you learn. I have some of the parts for this stashed away.

X2 im awaiting some new rear springs and a few poly kits from Summit (End links and such) and Im almost ready do get this done as well.

[Demps]

Well...Holy Sh!t.

I have to admit: I had more fun today than I've had in a long time. I love working on my cars. Almost knew what I was doing.

Must first tell a story on myself-->I bought the dark red car and it had a service ride control light. Well, I had sent out some Bilstein's to have rebuilt (for the coil overs sitting on the shelf). On they went (dark red car). Fast forward 10 months. Black car sits too high with the Fikses. So, first I had to transfer the shocks from dk red car to black car. Hour and a half later I got started.

The short of it: rear is ready, minus a minor opening, for the install plus the following story. The front...not so much, BUT I thought I was close. Ready to remove the spring, after the control arms. I have to get a puller.

The following story: the economy is not that bad. No one wants my money. Tried four machine shops to fabricate what I think I need for minimal frame modifications. Turns out the fourth said no until I explained "Corvette ZR-1"...so maybe a chance.

More to follow. Anyone want some sway bar relocation pieces and rear shock relocation mounts?

Ted

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by Demps

More to follow. Anyone want some sway bar relocation pieces and rear shock relocation mounts?

Ted

Ted are these new I may be interested. GC

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by Demps

More to follow. Anyone want some sway bar relocation pieces and rear shock relocation mounts?

Ted

ted, I would be interested in the rear shock mounts (my fronts are done already)