Capri Coilovers

[Aether]

Ok so i was hoping to again ask more advice for my capri build. I received upgraded brakes for the front (willwood 4 pots and some slotted/drilled rotors) and I was looking at getting just lowered king springs for the front but wondering if its worth replacing the whole front coilovers with uprated units? I found the below on eBay ($735 + shipping - reconditioned competition units) and wondering what else is tried and tested out there?

Can you even replace the front shock absorbers by themselves without replacing the whole strut??

I also wonder what the benefits would be with eccentric strut tops? Anyone done this mod?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Escort-Mk...item2343b6fcca

e we have listed a pair of Brand new reconditioned Ford Rs Escort or Capri struts ideal for any MK1 or MK2 Escort of any spec the ultimate pair of front struts these have been converted to as close to group 4 spec you can get the bodies of the struts have been strengthened by "wedging" the lower section where the damper tube meets the hub section for extra rigidity and have also had adjustable spring platforms welded to them to allow the use of 2 1/4" springs which will then allow the height of your escort to be easily adjusted in situ The positioning of these platforms is perfect to allow the use of many different height springs They have also been fitted with brand new heavy duty Kyb gas inserts and come complete with Brand new 10" 200lb Springs Spring Seats and Brand New Eccentric Alloy Strut Top Mounts (not the eccentric ones pictured)basically the complete set up ready to accept whatever Hubs Arms and Brakes you decide to fit

[Puzzlescort]

it really depends on what you are going to do with the car? I have a very similar set up in my rally car....
the adjustable spring platforms are a bit of a cool thing for varying heights on a competition car but not sure about if they are street legal
the strut tops once again are great for being able to adjust caster & camber, the bearings are a big improvement over the standard - down side is the ride will be a lot firmer with nothing to take out any vibration from the road

[jpblue1000]

725 is a good price as it comes with springs and eccentric strut tops, new average Shock absorbers and the better strut and axle (I assume). Postage will be expensive from the UK making it much more cost effective to build these here. A pair I did recently including new strut tubes

I don't know about legality but as puzzlescort mentioned all worthwhile for finer adjustment than standard.
Before buying them make sure you have or can get or are prepared to pay for steering arms and most likely alternate tie rod ends to suit.
Check the spring rate as for a road car they may be too stiff?
I've never used KYB shocks but they would want to be matched to the spring rate and car weight. Check if they are short length shock absorbers as if you wind the springs down they may not be operating in the correct portion of the strut and finally check you can get bearings to suit the stub axle and your hubs otherwise you may be forking out for new hubs as well.

JP

[Aether]

ok thanks for that info... starting to get a clearer picture.

So if I am building a car for cruising on the weekend, and the occasional track day just for fun, would this sort of gear be overkill?


So far I have bought the below.

1. Adjustable track arms
2. Uprated brakes + calipers
3. Stock items in good (visual) condition

Do you think I should instead look at new shock absorbers (Cost unknown?) and 30mm lowered king springs ($140)?

[jpblue1000]

All good enough gear for track days. Not sure about legal for the road. I believe you will need engineering for the brakes to be legal. And the lower adjustable arms may never be legal or engineer-able because they are welded, though a good addition to small fords front end.
For an occasional track day car id go the best shock absorbers you can afford and lowered springs new poly bushes and upgraded front sway bar...maybe a rear bar too...maybe!

JP

[Aether]

Ok so you think the adjustable track arms might not be legal? I think the brakes should be ok, they arent big rotors. I think they are only 270mm or so. They had to be on the small side to fit in my 14" rims. But for their size they should stop me a lot quicker than the stock brakes.

I bought all new poly bush kit for the whole car, but the sway bar is the original unit.

So you reckon I can get good shocks for the standard struts. Ill contact pedders etc and see whats available. With new springs I reckon it sounds like it will be more comfortable for road use.

What about strut braces? Here's a weld-on unit....
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/370512907...84.m1438.l2649

[Aether]

I called Pedders and the front shock inserts are in stock and they are $150 each.

Are there better brands out there?

[jpblue1000]

I think the brakes will be well up to the challenge, its the legality of them that will need engineering.
The brackets will need to be assessed, the calipers will need dust boots and the strain on the stub axle will need assessment in my experience. I am sure it will all pass but to be legal it will need engineering.
A strut brace is a good addition but it must work. In my opinion most 2 point straight bars with pivoting ends are less successful at creating the desired rigidity than cross bracing strut tops against firewalls or multi point braces. But for the money it looks the part.
Look to bilstein and Koni for inserts unless Pedders are still making custom length and valved X spec parts which I doubt as I think the guy retired many years ago and nobody picked up the reins.
I use Rx7 Koni inserts which are good for -4 inches and 340-50 Lbs springs and are adjustable (mine is a race car)
What model Capri? I assume not the FWD 1990's version.
JP