Suspension and handling

swindler_57 · 05-31-2003

What should I do to a 1973 Opel GT suspension wise? I plan on front and rear sway bars wider and better tires and Koni shocks. Is there anything else I can do to make my car handle? Be advised that I am a high school students with lots of time on his hands but a low budget. Any help would be appreciated.(woops I put this thread in the wrong place)

Travis · 05-31-2003

The other common bolt-ons would be stiffer shorter springs and bushings. When lowering the car the rear roll steer issues really should be fixed. Thankfully, this is mostly labor. It's also a good idea to fix the front bump/roll steer issues but this isn't quite as straight forward.

-Travis

okieopel · 05-31-2003

"What should I do to a 1973 Opel GT suspension wise?"

I would start with Bushings, Ball joints and tie rod ends. I like the red poly bushings from OGTS. You can move on to Koni shocks, stiffer springs and sway bars as you budget allows.

Travis · 05-31-2003

As long as all the joints are tight and the boots are intact I wouldn't worry about the ball joints or tie rods. With the exception of the boots they are not affected by old age.

I should have mentioned before that before you do anything you need to get the brakes in order. At the very minimum, replace the rubber lines if they have not been replaced already. Also, a good set of shocks will go a long way toward improving the performance of any car. They will also help keep you upright if you ever decide to slap on some sticky tires and try some autocrossing.

-Travis

05-31-2003	#1 (permalink)
swindler_57 Opeler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Burley ID Posts: 17	Unanswered: Suspension and handling What should I do to a 1973 Opel GT suspension wise? I plan on front and rear sway bars wider and better tires and Koni shocks. Is there anything else I can do to make my car handle? Be advised that I am a high school students with lots of time on his hands but a low budget. Any help would be appreciated.(woops I put this thread in the wrong place)

05-31-2003	#3 (permalink)
okieopel Solo II is fun in a GT! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Norman Oklahoma Posts: 181	"What should I do to a 1973 Opel GT suspension wise?" I would start with Bushings, Ball joints and tie rod ends. I like the red poly bushings from OGTS. You can move on to Koni shocks, stiffer springs and sway bars as you budget allows. __________________ Dan 'okieopel' Oklahoma Opel Preservation Society O.O.P.S.

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05-31-2003	#2 (permalink)
Travis Senior Contributor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Temple, NH Posts: 781	The other common bolt-ons would be stiffer shorter springs and bushings. When lowering the car the rear roll steer issues really should be fixed. Thankfully, this is mostly labor. It's also a good idea to fix the front bump/roll steer issues but this isn't quite as straight forward. -Travis

05-31-2003	#4 (permalink)
Travis Senior Contributor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Temple, NH Posts: 781	As long as all the joints are tight and the boots are intact I wouldn't worry about the ball joints or tie rods. With the exception of the boots they are not affected by old age. I should have mentioned before that before you do anything you need to get the brakes in order. At the very minimum, replace the rubber lines if they have not been replaced already. Also, a good set of shocks will go a long way toward improving the performance of any car. They will also help keep you upright if you ever decide to slap on some sticky tires and try some autocrossing. -Travis

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