'71 Goon

[Oscarmaier]

I decided to start running autocross, this was my first event. I had a blast and beat 10 cars and was 12.6 seconds off the fastest lap that was set by non other then Icehouse in a Datsun named "Hey."

 

 

My suspension was super soft and was the weak link. The body roll was so bad that tire side wall was rubbing on the fender.

 

 

How do I add a video to a post?

[Draker]

Upload to youtube, copy and paste url to video here and it will embed.

[Oscarmaier]

I tried that and it just posted the link that took you to youtube.

[Lockleaf]

Use "youtube" and "/youtube" inside of [ ] as brackets for the video url

[Oscarmaier]

got it thanks guys.

 

This was my first autocross event..

 

[Oscarmaier]

I built some coilovers with ZX struts and a no name weld on coilover kit. After I put them on I found out the spring rate was way too high, did some calculations and figured they are around 600#. I put a set of Monroe rear overload shocks on the car, it raised the rearend by about 2" so I cut some coils out and brought it down 1", still sits too high in the rear.

 

 

 

This was before I cut some coils

 

 

This was my second autocross event with the super stiff front springs. I beat 20 cars and was 7.5 seconds off the fastest lap, I feel that's a pretty good improvement.

[Oscarmaier]

I replaced the front springs with a set of 250# springs, man it drives so much better, I also got tired of not knowing what was going on with the car so I bought some gauges, still need to wire them up and make a plate to set them in the radio hole in the dash. Also picked up a dual contact oil sender so I can run the factory idiot light and the gauge.

 

sorry for the bad picture, left is 250# right is 600# both 7" long 

 

 

 

[Oscarmaier]

So this happened a few weeks ago, My 3 year old son decided my rear hatch Datsun emblem needed to be two words.

 

 

So my wife got me this for Father's Day

 

[Stitebunny]

Looking good! Nice progress all around!

[Oscarmaier]

Not much progress made on the car, but I did get a few things done.

 

finally replaced the noisy throw out bearing.

 

added some gauges. Not their final resting place, still need a radio delete gauge plate.

 

 

Picked up some SU's, these won't go on until I sort out my exhaust. 

 

Took the family camping. This was the first time camping in the wagon, poor thing is way under powered for all this weight.

 

Also did a bit of off roading, there is still dust in the interior.

[Draker]

Going with the dog

[Oscarmaier]

Going with the dog

 

It's the same one that was in the car when I bought it. Eventually I'd like a 280 5 speed, but since this is my daily I'll use what works and focus on fixing/replacing the things that don't.

[Draker]

It's the same one that was in the car when I bought it. Eventually I'd like a 280 5 speed, but since this is my daily I'll use what works and focus on fixing/replacing the things that don't.

 

Nothing wrong with the dogleg. Don't hammer on it in 5th and it will last you.

 

I've been running that tranny for a while. it's been great! other than the drain plug leaking. 

[DatMo]

I’m interested in your rear setup for your coil overs. You’re running stock leaf springs and that coil set?

[Lockleaf]

That coil set is simply a set of overload shocks. Monroe sells them. Others likely do to. They come with the coils already on them.

[Oscarmaier]

Correct, I cut some of the coils to get it to sit a bit lower. I'm going to do some math (which I'm not good at) and replace the springs with something shorter and stiffer.

 

Here is a link https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/monroe-4314/suspension---steering-16778/shocks-struts-16482/shocks-struts-16524/shock-strut-12872/load-adjusting-shk/58568/4464015/1971/nissan/510

[Lockleaf]

Do you happen to know the coil diameter on these? Are they a standard 2.5 inch?

[banzai510(hainz)]

rockauto has a spec look under 510 wagon Monroes hit info

[hang_510]

Nothing wrong with the dogleg. Don't hammer on it in 5th and it will last you.

 

I've been running that tranny for a while. it's been great!

 

I've heard so many stories about them being weak...

I had a Z trans waiting, in case. Sold it 2 years ago.

Its the only thing not rebuilt on the sedan. Had a weak synchro for 2-3 since I've had it. I test the limits regularly.

Enjoy it!

[Oscarmaier]

I've heard so many stories about them being weak...

I had a Z trans waiting, in case. Sold it 2 years ago.

Its the only thing not rebuilt on the sedan. Had a weak synchro for 2-3 since I've had it. I test the limits regularly.

Enjoy it!

Good thing my engine is under powered then  ;)

[Oscarmaier]

Do you happen to know the coil diameter on these? Are they a standard 2.5 inch?

I don't know off hand, I need to pull them out and take some measurements.

[Oscarmaier]

Did a quick measurement of of the rear coil springs, they have an inside diameter of 2.36" but I'm pretty sure I can get away with a 2.25"  Now I just need to figure out length and spring rate, length should be fairly straight forward. but not really sure how to figure out spring rate, any help would be appreciated.

[Lockleaf]

You need to know the diameter of the spring "wire" (the actual metal), the number of free coils, spring outer diameter and free standing spring height.

 

https://www.acxesspring.com/compression-spring-rate.html

 

Scroll down a ways, it has the formula and some examples/visual aids.

[Oscarmaier]

You need to know the diameter of the spring "wire" (the actual metal), the number of free coils, spring outer diameter and free standing spring height.

 

https://www.acxesspring.com/compression-spring-rate.html

 

Scroll down a ways, it has the formula and some examples/visual aids.

 

I wasn't clear, I am replacing the springs with a new set, the current springs are too long and too soft plus they are a progressive rate spring so I'm not really sure how to calculate the rate on those.  I used that site before to find the spring rate of my first set of front coils, very useful.

 

I'm just not sure what rate I need for the rear. The car is a daily with some autocrossing thrown in for fun. I have stock rear leafs with 2" blocks and I'm just looking to stiffen up the rear a bit without making it too bouncy.  

[Lockleaf]

I didn't realize they were progressive. My thought was if you know whats there it's easier to decide what to replace them with, but yeah progressive makes it harder.