Suspension upgrade

Suspension related stuff goes in here.
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Dawgme85
Posts: 148
Joined: Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:15 pm
Your car is a: 1977 124 Spider - Shelob
Location: Sammamish, WA

Suspension upgrade

Post by Dawgme85 »

Just upgraded SHELOB's suspension this week. New Control Arms, AR Progressive Springs, and Koni Yellows. The improvement is quite noticeable, both in looks and performance. Removed were the original arms, original springs, original front shocks, and KYB Silver rear shocks. 185/70R-13 tires. 79k miles. The result is a lower stance, better ride, tighter steering, and flatter handling.

Image
Before the upgrades

Image
After the upgrades

Last night, on a winding country road, I chased a late model S-Class Mercedes at speeds approaching the Century mark and felt completely comfortable. Yes, he probably could have easily left me way behind, but I was able to keep up with the pace he set. It was a nice evening for top down motoring.
One of these days I'll get around to the paint and interior. In the meantime, I have what I consider to be a great driver that runs pretty darn good. A wise man once told me, "Take care of the mechanicals first, then worry about the looks." At this point, I wouldn't hesitate to drive her cross country, except for the lack of creature comforts (like A/C). :D
Last edited by Dawgme85 on Mon Jul 18, 2016 12:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
1977 Spider 1800 (SHELOB - driver)
1970 124 Sport Spider (99% complete barn find, now in my garage, awaiting restoration)
Fiatlanta
Posts: 184
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 6:00 am
Your car is a: 1979 Spider 124

Re: Suspension upgrade

Post by Fiatlanta »

Looks really good! How much did all that set you back?
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Dawgme85
Posts: 148
Joined: Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:15 pm
Your car is a: 1977 124 Spider - Shelob
Location: Sammamish, WA

Re: Suspension upgrade

Post by Dawgme85 »

About the price of a non-running Spider, give or take. I've been avoiding adding up the total cost, but you can look up the cost of the parts at Auto Ricambi. :)

It was worth it!
1977 Spider 1800 (SHELOB - driver)
1970 124 Sport Spider (99% complete barn find, now in my garage, awaiting restoration)
ebrown0104
Posts: 92
Joined: Thu Aug 06, 2015 10:24 pm
Your car is a: 1977 Spider
Location: Jeannette, PA

Re: Suspension upgrade

Post by ebrown0104 »

I really like your wheels, what are they? I also like the 185 tire look. My car has 175/70-13 tires that are probably needing replacement soon, and I couldn't decide whether to stick with 175's or go to 185's. I think your pictures made my mind up for me.

Also, where did you get the Konis?
User avatar
Dawgme85
Posts: 148
Joined: Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:15 pm
Your car is a: 1977 124 Spider - Shelob
Location: Sammamish, WA

Re: Suspension upgrade

Post by Dawgme85 »

Thanks! The wheels came on my 1970 Spider, but I believe they are Appliance Wire Mags. I seem to recall one or two of them had (broken) Appliance center caps on them when I got the car (around 2009). 185/70's are closer in OD to the original 165's, which have an aspect ratio of 82.

I got the shocks from Koni Market. In stock, and arrived in 2 days, free shipping.
1977 Spider 1800 (SHELOB - driver)
1970 124 Sport Spider (99% complete barn find, now in my garage, awaiting restoration)
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