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Old 01-19-2006, 07:16 PM   #1
WayFast84
 
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Cheap handling stuff?

I need some cheap things to improve the handleing of my car! what would you recomend thats cheap still quality and possibly install my self?
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Old 01-19-2006, 07:20 PM   #2
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boxed LCAs, new shocks and springs, or at least change the bushings on your current lcas. thr front springs/shocks are a little more work to do but still able to do at home.
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Old 01-19-2006, 08:31 PM   #3
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adding to smokin'
SFC's, panhard bar, wonderbar, and a STB
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Old 01-19-2006, 08:39 PM   #4
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the easiest and prolly cheapest thing woudl be a set of WS6 sway bars with poly bushings and endlinks. you can find them at just about any junkyard for 10-15 each and the bushings and links can be found in any parts store pretty much.
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Old 01-20-2006, 05:53 PM   #5
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since your car is a 83, and parts most likely havent been replaced in a long time or not at all... i would also highly recommend new tie rods and ball joints, that should make a big improvemnet too
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Old 01-20-2006, 11:31 PM   #6
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I also have a rub with the front tires (because of the gta wheels are 16 and the stockers were 14) How would I get that fixed with out taking the wheel wells out?
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Old 01-20-2006, 11:40 PM   #7
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do your wheel well liners sag down? with 245/50-16 tires the stock wheels can rub a little bit at full lock, but it isn't really anything to be concerned with.
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Old 01-20-2006, 11:46 PM   #8
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they rub at a little before full lock and theese tires barely have tread
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Old 01-21-2006, 12:05 AM   #9
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if it is just rubbing on the plastic, don't worry about it. it is just a thirdgen thing.
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Old 01-21-2006, 01:05 AM   #10
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I'll also bet you can't get enough caster out of it - the early ones had smaller adjustments. I elongated the adjustment slots on my 82. Course, then you need an alignment.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WayFast84
they rub at a little before full lock and theese tires barely have tread
You'll get rub - the 16" OE ones had stops on the control arms yours does not have. Nothing you can do.
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Old 01-21-2006, 07:24 AM   #11
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Do I have to adjust the speedomeeter or something to make it acurate..?
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Old 01-22-2006, 03:26 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WayFast84
Do I have to adjust the speedomeeter or something to make it acurate..?
Not with 245/50/16 tires....they are a stock size so no adjustment is necessary.

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Old 01-22-2006, 08:04 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tru2Chevy
Not with 245/50/16 tires....they are a stock size so no adjustment is necessary.

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I had 14's on their before though.. are 100 % positive cause my cars at the mechanic right now
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Old 01-22-2006, 09:10 PM   #14
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the thirdgen facctory tire heights were all very similar regardless of which wheels you had originally. the tire height is what effects the speedo, not the rim size or tire width.
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Old 01-31-2006, 03:00 PM   #15
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subframes, subframes, subframes....

arguably the #1 most important modification of any kind to our cars.
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Old 01-31-2006, 06:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cbrrmike
subframes, subframes, subframes....

arguably the #1 most important modification of any kind to our cars.
i agree
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Old 01-31-2006, 06:35 PM   #17
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I would agree SFC's first. You should replace the worn out front pieces as well. I just replaced the tie rods, ball joints, a-arm bushings, idler arm, and center link with MOOG pieces. I can look up the part #'s if you need them. I also put on new springs, struts and strut mount bearings, and a 13" C4 brake kit while I had everything apart.

Your wheel rub might be caused by your steering box. Cars that were originally equiped with 16" wheels came with a different gear ratio box than cars with smaller stock wheels. Look for a used one of a GTA, Formula, or Iroc.
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Old 01-31-2006, 08:51 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MilehighBird
I would agree SFC's first. You should replace the worn out front pieces as well. I just replaced the tie rods, ball joints, a-arm bushings, idler arm, and center link with MOOG pieces. I can look up the part #'s if you need them. I also put on new springs, struts and strut mount bearings, and a 13" C4 brake kit while I had everything apart.

Your wheel rub might be caused by your steering box. Cars that were originally equiped with 16" wheels came with a different gear ratio box than cars with smaller stock wheels. Look for a used one of a GTA, Formula, or Iroc.
any pics or info on the c4 brake setup?
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Old 01-31-2006, 09:53 PM   #19
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I took pics after they were installed but I don't have a digital camera. I'll post them as soon as I get the film developed.

I bought the Corvette brake kit from a guy over at TGO. It comes with 13 in. rotors, modified painted spindles, dual piston PBR calipers, earl's stainless brake lines and all the hardware is zinc coated. I am very happy with the fit and finish.
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Old 02-10-2006, 07:13 PM   #20
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You'd probably feel the biggest difference in corners with larger sway bars, just make sure you have some good rubber before you go crazy...
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