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Coil over conversion


Tkirk___68

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Has anyone used a s13 sub frame for their coil over conversion?

I’m wondering how much fab work goes into get the subframe mounted and coil overs on yo replace leaf in the rear.

Any advice/knowledge is greatly appreciated. This is my first build so I’m asking around for ad much info and know how asi can

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I would caution you, that if you have never done something similar, don't have thousands of dollars to spend on it, a secure covered garage work space, welding and fabricating tools, time, knowledge or if you have a girlfriend.... it would be better to leave this alone. That said, every builder started somewhere and there was always a first time. If you have all the above but experience, enthusiasm may be enough for you to complete this project. I will say it's sad when incomplete projects get sold off or worse... scrapped.

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Search for Bob's MX520.

 

Bob swapped/fabbed a Miata subframe to the rear of a 520. Hell, almost every bit of that Miata went into the truck.

 

His thread will give you a bit of I sight to what it will take.

 

 

Also note that the 240sx is wider than a 521.

 

240sx is also independent with CV axles; your truck being leaf spring/solid axle. Things to think about.

 

 

Why is this thought coming about? What are you trying to gain?

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Another thing to consider is the S13s struts attach to the body while the 620's suspension is attached to the frame. The 620 body won't support struts and will tear off the frame. You will need to fab some kind of support for the tops of the struts to be structurally connected to the frame.

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By the time you stiffen up the springs and shocks on an IRS to get rid of the brake induced toe in and toe out rear steering, you may as well have leaf springs anyway. Lower judiciously so you don't fuck up the underside on a raised manhole lid,  get some nice tires and rims, a disc brake kit, electronic ignition, larger alternator, a 2" exhaust system with larger muffler, HID headlamps and some nice comfortable seats. Later think about an engine swap. An L20B is 50% larger displacement and literally drops in as it also is an L series engine. A Z22 or Z24 with an L head makes it into an L series (mostly) and bolts in. Then there is the KA series and 5 speed. It's all been done before and documented.

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Again...coilovers will not do anything by being bolted in. Nothing.

 

 

They will not lower your truck. They will not make you corner any better. They will not even get seen.

 

Break that thought.

 

Coilovers are expensive. On cars that could actually benefit from them they are still on the wasteful side. They're set once and never touched again in most situations.

This is a horrible way to spend $1000+.

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Coilovers front and rear done.

Low? well second lowest static dropped 521.

Comfort? better than torsions and leafs all day.

Handling? I can say running 15x11 doesnt allow me to give an opinion.

But if it wasnt for that this thing would handle amazing.

 

But my over all experience is every penny was worth it. Cruising on the freeway at 85mph is the most comfortable thing ever. "Until i bottom out the frame lol".

 

Waste of money? Not at all worth every penny.

 

 

38954407701_7d9cd58303_b.jpg2017-12-10_01-48-39 by Carlos Ortiz, on Flickr

 

38068531585_5bf11503c6_b.jpg2017-12-10_01-47-57 by Carlos Ortiz, on Flickr

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These are a good bit cheaper than QA1's.....at least that's what I've heard......so you might want to take a look at them.  

 

https://www.afcodynapro.com/PROSHOCKS/1827310179  

 

The can be mounted to the stock locations, but I would HIGHLY recommend that you reinforce those mounts!!!  They were not designed to handle the weight of the vehicle.

 

Both of these are running coilovers.....the top one has modified upper mounts, the bottom does not, but I think he's going to before it hits the road.  We'll be putting a rack and pinion in it before that happens. :)

 

http://www.bluehandsinc.com/big-brake-ball-joint-5-lug.html

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Coilovers front and rear done.

Low? well second lowest static dropped 521.

Comfort? better than torsions and leafs all day.

Handling? I can say running 15x11 doesnt allow me to give an opinion.

But if it wasnt for that this thing would handle amazing.

But my over all experience is every penny was worth it. Cruising on the freeway at 85mph is the most comfortable thing ever. "Until i bottom out the frame lol".

Waste of money? Not at all worth every penny.38954407701_7d9cd58303_b.jpg2017-12-10_01-48-39 by Carlos Ortiz, on Flickr38068531585_5bf11503c6_b.jpg2017-12-10_01-47-57 by Carlos Ortiz, on Flickr

 

 

If going this far, I'm on board. And that is a whole lot of pennies spent.

 

 

 

 

But until one reaches ^ that ^....

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