GB: DRM Coilovers

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by mgg

XFire, thanks for the info. My guestimate comparing to my other car was about 12. WVZR-1 sent me a great link which describes the problem I am having with the collar nut interfering with the control arm bolt. I am going to have to grind the bolt down even more than I did. Plus, I noticed the the shock bushing on the botton of the shock is not stock. It is the poly bushing and it is MUCH wider than the stock bushing. With a little more grinding and replacing the stock shock bushing with a poly bushing , this should give me enough room to eliminate the interference. Thanks again to all who have helped with this install.

I'll have to look at my setup but seem to recall I used a washer between the shock poly bushing and the lwr control arm bolt. But I think I did that to provide more clearance between the spring and the half shaft. I also didn't like how the bushing was deforming on the control arm bolt as the diameter of the bolt increases. One of the coils was rubbing slightly against the half shaft and I could see a bright ring around the shaft. Later I rotated the spring to give me greater clearance since the compressed spring is a bit asymmetrical.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by RICKYRJ1

This is on my todo list also. I spoke a rep. From Van Steel at Carlisle last year. I liked their set up very much, he said they have had great sucsess with the C4 guys that track their cars. I'm also like QA1 double adjustable shocks. Craig, let's touch base on what way we should proceed. Happy New Year my mod brother

Hey Mod Brother Ricky, what is up?? I hear what you are saying and I love that set up, but I'm committed to the DRM. I really want to research and know exactly what I'm up against, but I did feel like I will get the entire Banski set up after all the reading about it. This weekend I drove my car on a few long runs and really hate the way it rides, handles and feels, but not sure what is wrong with it. I have to get this car back to Hawaii where I can properly hang it up and wrench on it again. I have so many other mod in boxes on the shelf, but need the time and place to get er' done. Happy New Year to you too. We're a day ahead over here so New Year's Eve tonight and closing in.

[mgg]

Ricky and Craig, I saw your post regarding the Van Steel coilovers. I am not familiar with that setup but I can tell you that the success and satisfaction you will get with the DRM coilovers will be hard to beat. I would have to say that the DRM would be the preferred set for several reasons. 1.) With all the help available on this forum from an installation standpoint, it would be wise to consider the DRM's as a first choice as installation can be a bit challenging. 2.) performance: DRM's set has been used countless times on C4s from the race track ( Corvette Challenge, World Challenge, high dollar tuner cars,Lingenfelter, etc.) with great success. 3) Randy @ DRM is a great guy to work with. 4.) I can personally add that I have had this setup as well as one of my best friends on our race cars for over 10 years with zero issues. We have raced with SCCA, NASA, COMSCC & NCCCC with excellent results. Many race wins, FTD's between the two of us. Even though I am having some moments with this latest install, I can tell you that when you guys are ready to do yours I could definately help out with a few tips that will make your installation MUCH easier. I am not one for re-inventing the wheel and I would highly recommend DRM as the preferred kit. My friends and I have worked with Randy at DRM with our race cars for over 10 years and you could not ask for a nicer guy.

[RICKYRJ1]

Originally Posted by mgg

Ricky and Craig, I saw your post regarding the Van Steel coilovers. I am not familiar with that setup but I can tell you that the success and satisfaction you will get with the DRM coilovers will be hard to beat. I would have to say that the DRM would be the preferred set for several reasons. 1.) With all the help available on this forum from an installation standpoint, it would be wise to consider the DRM's as a first choice as installation can be a bit challenging. 2.) performance: DRM's set has been used countless times on C4s from the race track ( Corvette Challenge, World Challenge, high dollar tuner cars,Lingenfelter, etc.) with great success. 3) Randy @ DRM is a great guy to work with. 4.) I can personally add that I have had this setup as well as one of my best friends on our race cars for over 10 years with zero issues. We have raced with SCCA, NASA, COMSCC & NCCCC with excellent results. Many race wins, FTD's between the two of us. Even though I am having some moments with this latest install, I can tell you that when you guys are ready to do yours I could definately help out with a few tips that will make your installation MUCH easier. I am not one for re-inventing the wheel and I would highly recommend DRM as the preferred kit. My friends and I have worked with Randy at DRM with our race cars for over 10 years and you could not ask for a nicer guy.

Thanks, will be reaching out to you in the new year. Keep us posted on your front set up when you start.

[mgg]

Ricky, I owe you one for hooking me up with center caps. Don't think I forgot all of your help. I think by the time this installation is over I can save you a lot of time by not making the mistakes I have. JUst allow some down time as this is NOT a quick turnaround. Hope you have a great NEW YEAR. Hopefully this year I can get out a little more and have some fun with the Z after all of this work. I will keep you posted when I start on the front.

[RICKYRJ1]

Originally Posted by mgg

Ricky, I owe you one for hooking me up with center caps. Don't think I forgot all of your help. I think by the time this installation is over I can save you a lot of time by not making the mistakes I have. JUst allow some down time as this is NOT a quick turnaround. Hope you have a great NEW YEAR. Hopefully this year I can get out a little more and have some fun with the Z after all of this work. I will keep you posted when I start on the front.

Thanks brother, have a safe & happy New Year! We'll touch base, I trust your call on this setup so looking forward to it.

[mgg]

Well. I know it has been awhile since this all got started but I was able get all of the coilovers mounted on saturday. Now I have to say that there are some challenges taking out the front spring and I am glad it is done. Something I would not look forward to doing again. One thing many might find interesting. I had removed the front spring once before to install the poly shims that are available through Mid America/ Ecklers along with the lowering bolts. The poor mans suspension adjustment setup. When I removed the front spring this time, I had found that the poly lowering wedges were absolutely destroyed. There was nothing left. That is after about 1500 miles of pretty easy driving. So in other words, that stuff is JUNK. The coilovers are on and this morning spent some time adjust the front ride height. Getting close. I'm burnt out now so the rear will have to wait for a day or two. The service ride control light is now on so I will also have to look into that. When I am finished, I plan on putting together some do'd and don'ts for the this coilover install and hopefully it will make anyone who wants to do this conversion aware of certain issues that can be avoided for an easier install. Thanks for everyones help on the forum who responded to my many questions. Pictures will follow one day.

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by mgg

Well. I know it has been awhile since this all got started but I was able get all of the coilovers mounted on saturday. Now I have to say that there are some challenges taking out the front spring and I am glad it is done. Something I would not look forward to doing again. One thing many might find interesting. I had removed the front spring once before to install the poly shims that are available through Mid America/ Ecklers along with the lowering bolts. The poor mans suspension adjustment setup. When I removed the front spring this time, I had found that the poly lowering wedges were absolutely destroyed. There was nothing left. That is after about 1500 miles of pretty easy driving. So in other words, that stuff is JUNK. The coilovers are on and this morning spent some time adjust the front ride height. Getting close. I'm burnt out now so the rear will have to wait for a day or two. The service ride control light is now on so I will also have to look into that. When I am finished, I plan on putting together some do'd and don'ts for the this coilover install and hopefully it will make anyone who wants to do this conversion aware of certain issues that can be avoided for an easier install. Thanks for everyones help on the forum who responded to my many questions. Pictures will follow one day.

Good job and congratulations!!! I am sure you feel jubillant that it's done and over with.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by mgg

Well. I know it has been awhile since this all got started but I was able get all of the coilovers mounted on saturday. Now I have to say that there are some challenges taking out the front spring and I am glad it is done. Something I would not look forward to doing again. One thing many might find interesting. I had removed the front spring once before to install the poly shims that are available through Mid America/ Ecklers along with the lowering bolts. The poor mans suspension adjustment setup. When I removed the front spring this time, I had found that the poly lowering wedges were absolutely destroyed. There was nothing left. That is after about 1500 miles of pretty easy driving. So in other words, that stuff is JUNK. The coilovers are on and this morning spent some time adjust the front ride height. Getting close. I'm burnt out now so the rear will have to wait for a day or two. The service ride control light is now on so I will also have to look into that. When I am finished, I plan on putting together some do'd and don'ts for the this coilover install and hopefully it will make anyone who wants to do this conversion aware of certain issues that can be avoided for an easier install. Thanks for everyones help on the forum who responded to my many questions. Pictures will follow one day.

Good to hearing things are heading in a positive direction. I'm glad I never tried to install the wedge/bolts to lower.

What are your and the group's thought about non FX3 if going coilovers and just get rid of the FX3?

I don't know if any installation benefit or just avoiding future problems and cost.

Thanks for sharing.

Craig

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

Good to hearing things are heading in a positive direction. I'm glad I never tried to install the wedge/bolts to lower.

What are your and the group's thought about non FX3 if going coilovers and just get rid of the FX3?

I don't know if any installation benefit or just avoiding future problems and cost.

Thanks for sharing.

Craig

Craig,

I am seriously thinking about going coil-over come spring. I intend to keep FX3, if anything, to keep the SRC switch working.
If I elect to discard the system later that can be done regardless.
In 18 years of ZR-1s, 1991-1996 and 2000-2013, FX3 functioned 98% of the time without any issues. So, why discard it?