Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Bob, thanks for posting these pictures. For those of you who have not yet installed the rear coilovers, these pictures are are worth a thousand words. Plan on many hours grinding out these holes to accomodate the top of the shock and bushing. Knowing that this needs to be done will eliminate some frustrating moments. I hope these pictures help and will provide a bit of guide as to what has not been discussed in the coilover installation process. Now, on to the right side grinding and then start on the front.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

That's pretty much what I expected to see. I've got some plates and reinforcements that require a similar modification for a non FX3 install and moving the shock forward something near 3/4" to allow clearance for the spring. What is the OD of the springs that were part of this package? My spring set is 87mm or something just short of 3.5".

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

WVZR-1 My coilovers are the DRM version. They use Hypercoil springs, I just stood the spring up on end and measured in the cent from outside edge to outside edge. The measurement is just a hair more than 3.5". I also think I have met you before. I believe you came down to my house with John Herald. I think it was something to do with my trailer. Stop on by sometime if you would want to take a look. Hope this helps. Doesn't seem to make a difference wether it is FX3 or non FX3. Just saw the weather, snows coming, I am off to grinding.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Didn't somebody mention a tool/saw/drill that makes the cutting easier?

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Goiing to give an update in the rear coilover install. Frustration has now taken over and I need to get away from this. After grinding the left side this morning and getting the schock assembly to fit , Bob was kinda enough to come by and help with the adjustment. Guess what , the schock collar hits the lower control nut that has been reversered and ground down to make more room. If I want the car to sit a slightly lower than stock ride height this wouldn't be a problem. When you turn the collar for the adjustment to lower the height, the bolthead interfers with the collar and will not allow the collar to lower. I am pissed. My solution would be to try and find a washer ( spacer ) to put between the schock and the knuckle shaft to move just a bit. I have 12 threads visible on the sleeve and would like to get the car down to ten or so I think. I would love to know how many threads and visible on Wyde Glyde Jims rear coilovers as that is the ride height I am trying to get. Very very frustrated right now. Anyone who has these and wants to chime in would be appreciated.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

It seems it might make a difference if using FX3 or not because of the top of the shock? Looking at this coilover set up there was no drilling, grinding or modification to the frame at all in the rear.

http://www.smokinvette.com/corvettef...ad.php?t=46262


Here are some notes from Randy at DRM about the install and what is required for their kit:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...tock-sale.html



I even like this set up how the bottom mount is, but I'm clueless right now about this install and just following along as well as seeing what all the other C4 coilovers look like. I also saw another one that does not modify the front swaybar location and just used the Exotic Muscle helm joint link,; but the coil spring did not look as wide as the DRM coil and no FX3 either.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Yes, I sent Craig the link to tool to use.......Ask him to forward it to you if you do not mind. :cheers:

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

IIRC, I am somewhere between 10-11 threads on the sleeve.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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. :cheers:

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

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?

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Craig,

Keep FX3 definetly! Keep your ride quality.

I've driven another Z with Morocco shocks and make the car even "tighter".... (though expensive)

:cheers:

David

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Keep the FX-3 works great with it

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

I would have to agree with the others who suggested retaining FX3. As long as the car is going to be street driven I would stay with this setup. I do suggest that you carefully think about what spring rates you want to run though. If the car is street driven I would go no higher than 425 front & 300 rear MAX. Randy talked me into 250 rear and I think that will be a good choice. YOu might even consider less if it is a later model car whoose springs were a tad softer than the early. NOthing would be more disapointing that being unhappy with too stiff of springs. So far in my short amount of driving ( just settling ride height) the car feels great. I hope my resolution to FX3 problem is quick as I have never had this issue before the install. I have to say that the squirly side of me justs LOVES the stance of the front now. It looks serious. Now I need to spend the same amount of time on the rear and then off to the alignment shop. Its funny I don't know if I am more happy or releived that this is done. It does give one a good sense of accomplishment though. I very lucky to have some good friends who really helped me out.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

All,

Thanks for the confirmations of staying with FX3. I'll check with Randy about spring rates and I may not have a choice with the group buy.

Craig

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Mike's car:

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/q...2/DSCN0690.jpg

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Mike,

Your setup looks great with the photo that Bob posted and that is kind of what I am after in terms of looks, ride, and handling. My setup came in the last week, but I was out of country and finally looked at them today. I got the whole deal with trailing arm and camber brackets; everything looks great and well packed for shipment. The front rates are 425 and the rear 250 so Randy felt the same based on what I was looking for. Here are his thoughts: 300 too stiff, 275 right on, 250 a tick softer than the 275. I'm waiting on Carter brackets and in the meanwhile I need to figure out how I will have the shocks grooved. Thanks for sharing your info and experience with this setup.

Craig:handshak:

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Craig I wholeheartedly agree.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....ight=coilovers


As you can see above I went with the hypercoil 425/275 spring rate as well which is the right rate for our car. Any stiffer on the back end and you will feel like you are riding on a buckboard

After the install im sure your impression will be the same as mine that this was the way the car should have been setup from the factory. In turns she will ride like on a rail.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

I re-did my setup last year using 400/275s. I am using Moracca valved Bilsteins
and did a full replacement of the front bushings w poly. I have thought about going w 300 in the rear. The taller 19" Z06 wheel on the right rear will rub slightly on the inner part of the wheel well when hitting some dips in the road.
Another solution might be to use a slightly thicker spacer on that side to push the right rear tire out further matching the positioning of the left rear. As we know, the left/right wheels positioning is not symmetrical on our cars. Right side is slightly shorter than left.
Overall, I really like the feel and ride of the coilovers. My preference is for a tauter, tighter ride. I was one of those crazies that actually liked the Z51 setup on my 84. 200# lighter than the ZR w 11" rubber on the back and C5 brakes up front. Handled very nicely.
The poly really tightens things up in terms of road feel and transient response. Not a Porsche but much better than stock. I usually am on the SPORT setting for daily driving. Al drove my car and really liked the setup and felt it was a better feel than his stock Bilsteins.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

By how much?

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Daryll,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and link. I can't wait to get these on. Not sure how much difference the 250 in the rear will be and I might like it a tad bid softer so we'll see. Thanks again!! :cheers:

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Craig, I wanted to let you know, that I had a talk with Randy Rippie the other day concerning the spring rates. I asked Randy if he knew the difference between the early ZR-1 transverse leaf spring rates compared to the 425 front / 250 rear coils that he suggested for my car. He said he didn't have the slide rule in front of him jokingly but he estimated that the coil springs were about 10 -15% stiffer than the leafs that they have replaced. Not having had a chance to drive my car much since the conversion and not having had the car aligned yet, I cannot offer too much of an evaluation other than my brief experience running up and down the street to get the suspension to settle. The one thing I know is that these springs are way softer than whats on the race car but my intial feeling is that they feel great. I didn't notice a significant difference in ride quality which is a good thing. I am looking forward to the day of hammering it through some twisties and a launch to see how it feels. I can tell at this stage, no regrets! I just can't say enough good things about Randy Rippie. This guy is as good as it gets. I have known Randy and have done business with DRM for well over 15 years and they have always treated me exceptionally well. Randy is one in a million in this industry and I have all the confidence in the world in them supporting their products and going the extra mile to make it right. Just wanted to share that.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Mike,

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience with DRM and Randy. Yes, I had the same experience while communicating with him back and forth for the past few months and he really took care of me about the shipping to Japan and my military address. I never really did like the feel and the way the car handled even when stock. You know prior to buying my ZR-1 in 2003 I was really searching for an NSX and drove quite a few of them in the process. Now that is a great handling car in stock form and makes even me feel like I'm a Formula Car race driver. I think something is wrong with my suspension how I put it back together when I had it all apart and rebuilding it along with my motor. I think there is binding or something because it just seems bouncy. When I redo everything to put this DRM coilover on I think it should correct the problem since I also bought the full Banski set up too for the rear and it could be my rear shocks are shot from hanging too long during the rebuild. Anyway, best wishes on the rest of the suspension tuning and thanks again.

Craig :cheers:

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

I would imagine this GB is long over? Just picking up a Z and am thinking coilovers may be the easiest way to achieve the height I want.

Re: GB: DRM Coilovers
 

Yes, but I'm in the process of doing a set now and can do an extra set if you are interested. I'll PM you the info. Thanks, Carter