Modest Motorsport Requirements, Lower & Stiffen on a Budget?

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theBaron
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Modest Motorsport Requirements, Lower & Stiffen on a Budget?

Post by theBaron » 20 Jan 2011 06:36 pm

Ok Guys,

If this has been addressed before (and I'm sure it probably has) please point me in the right direction. I'm aware it the tried and tested "lowering" question but I'm interested in any advice members my have regarding the 340 in motorsport applications.

I've decided to do a couple of autotest/endurance rally events in the 340 while I'm waiting to finish up the KP30 Rally Build.

However, I don't want to go down the route of investing in expensive specialist parts when it will revert to a road car once the above is completed.

The main problem I have (following some field shakedown work :D ) is the roll. As i want to drop her 2" in any case for road use I'm looking for advice as to what products I should use to get the desired lowering and stiffening effects.

I cant go down the chopped spring route for 2 reasons, I wouldn't trust them to last and they would never get through my forthcoming NCT date.

I've heard various, and varying! reports of landrover dampers in the rear but I don't know much about options for the front.

Also, if anyone has any secondhand springs, dampers, lowering blocks for sale that would be suitable please give me a heads up.

Cheaper the better is key on this as if I spend wedge on the 340 I will have to let it go (a fate that appears to have befallen my rally Starlet!)

All advice and direction is greatly appreciated.
1991 Volvo 340
1975 Toyota KP30
1991 Mazda MX-5
1995 BMW 316i Coupe

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mrsoundcraft
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Location: Ayrshire

Re: Modest Motorsport Requirements, Lower & Stiffen on a Bud

Post by mrsoundcraft » 21 Jan 2011 12:31 am

As the 340 has always been my second car Im with you on the money spending front.
I had to accept though, that there were sertain minimum costs if I wanted to do anything with it, as like you say it rolls around too much.

The most expensive option would be to buy all the classic swede stuff:
Blocks
Shocks
Springs
Polybushes

Total cost would be around £500

Although it goes without saying that decent tyres and alloys help a lot too.
Last summer I discovered that my narrow 13s were the main cause of my understeer - the high sidewall just bent over under cornering loads.

I did try to do things a bit cheaper than that though.
The landrover shocks are a must at £30+ postage off ebay
At the front you could try changing the oil in the dampers to EP90 transmision fluid. I didnt fancy that though and spent about 80 on some KYB shocks, LipTec are also avaliable.
The Classic swede springs are another must while you're doing the shocks, and could you get better springs anywhere else for the money?
At the back again £25 isnt actualy a lot to ask for some lowering blocks, unless you could make them yourself?

I could not be happyer with my car now, for me it has been a real achievement. The polybushes are great.

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theBaron
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Re: Modest Motorsport Requirements, Lower & Stiffen on a Bud

Post by theBaron » 23 Jan 2011 03:12 pm

Cheers for the response., Much appreciated sm4

Work has now begun. 1st event should hopefull be the 19th of Feb.
1991 Volvo 340
1975 Toyota KP30
1991 Mazda MX-5
1995 BMW 316i Coupe

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broady81
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Joined: 14 Nov 2010 02:46 am

Re: Modest Motorsport Requirements, Lower & Stiffen on a Bud

Post by broady81 » 23 Jan 2011 03:16 pm

theBaron wrote:Cheers for the response., Much appreciated sm4

Work has now begun. 1st event should hopefull be the 19th of Feb.
Britvic? :)
“the winner ain't the one with the fastest car, it's the one who refuses to lose” - Dale Earnhardt

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theBaron
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Joined: 14 Nov 2010 09:30 pm
Location: Dublin/Laois, Ireland
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Re: Modest Motorsport Requirements, Lower & Stiffen on a Bud

Post by theBaron » 23 Jan 2011 05:13 pm

Nah mate,it's the 1st ever Endurance event on this side of the pond. We are trying to get them off of the ground.

ALMC event
1991 Volvo 340
1975 Toyota KP30
1991 Mazda MX-5
1995 BMW 316i Coupe

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