External reservoir shocks anyone?

[gtzero]

Hi All,

Just day dreaming while waiting for the computer to crunch some simulations. I've read a few threads about coilovers and the work required to fit them.

Has anyone looked into external reservoir shocks? I would thinkthat with an external reservoir, the body of the shock could be thin enough with the coilover spring to replace our original shocks. The only issue would be mounting the external reservoir which doesn't seem like a big deal.

Anyone have any thoughts while my computer is in a coma?

Manny

[opelwasp]

like this?

[gtzero]

Originally Posted by opelwasp like this?

Exactomundo Buddy. Wouldn't something like that fit? It seems like a great solution to getting coilovers for the Opel.

Manny

[LeftLaneGuy]

manny..
I'm using Penske coil-overs on my gt.. had to fab top a arms, but they'll work EXCELLENT.. They have external resevoirs, attached or unattached.. I'm using the attached ones. (it's what i had available) Fit is tight, but I had to box the cross member anyway. I'll try to get some pics of what I've got so far.

dave

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by gtzero Has anyone looked into external reservoir shocks? I would thinkthat with an external reservoir, the body of the shock could be thin enough with the coilover spring to replace our original shocks. The only issue would be mounting the external reservoir which doesn't seem like a big deal.

Springs would still be the same size Manny. Same fitment issues. Either 2.25" or 2.5". Plus a quality shock will have a large body anyway, not for oil, but for greater piston surface area inside.

Bob

[gtzero]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Springs would still be the same size Manny. Same fitment issues. Either 2.25" or 2.5". Plus a quality shock will have a large body anyway, not for oil, but for greater piston surface area inside. Bob

Hi Bob,

How's it going? Ya, I had some time between simulations to research my idea. And like you say, either 2.25" or 2.5". Oh well, I was excited for a little while.

Manny

[gtzero]

I think someone just needs to design a pushrod system. That way, we can have a relatively skinny rod between the A-arms. And we can mount the shocks in the engine bay.

But on a system like that, and I'm just thinking out loud 'cuz I'm crunching numbers again, how would one of the benefits of a coilover, adjustable ride height, work?

I'm going to have to sketch it out to see but my computer is showing signs of life again.

Manny

[gtzero]

Originally Posted by LeftLaneGuy manny.. I'm using Penske coil-overs on my gt.. had to fab top a arms, but they'll work EXCELLENT.. They have external resevoirs, attached or unattached.. I'm using the attached ones. (it's what i had available) Fit is tight, but I had to box the cross member anyway. I'll try to get some pics of what I've got so far. dave

Dave,

Very interesting. What are you running in the rear?

Manny

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by gtzero I think someone just needs to design a pushrod system. That way, we can have a relatively skinny rod between the A-arms. And we can mount the shocks in the engine bay.

Manny, when I build the new front suspension for my Dad's GT, it's getting inboard-mounted pushrod-actuated coilovers. Because like you said, the GT has room under the hood! However, I only have a Koni budget, not a Penske budget. Heck, I can get all 4 Konis for about half the price of one Penske!

I hope to start on this later this spring, I just got the new wheels for his car two days ago, went with 17 x 9 Halibrands on all 4 corners.

Bob

[gtzero]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Manny, when I build the new front suspension for my Dad's GT, it's getting inboard-mounted pushrod-actuated coilovers. Because like you said, the GT has room under the hood! However, I only have a Koni budget, not a Penske budget. Heck, I can get all 4 Konis for about half the price of one Penske! I hope to start on this later this spring, I just got the new wheels for his car two days ago, went with 17 x 9 Halibrands on all 4 corners. Bob

Bob,

That's going to be sweet! I've always liked those wheels. Will there be enough clearance in the front to turn lock to lock?

Isn't it always easier to build 2 sets of anything while your making the first set?

What are you going to run in the rear?

Manny

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by gtzero Bob, That's going to be sweet! I've always liked those wheels. Will there be enough clearance in the front to turn lock to lock? Isn't it always easier to build 2 sets of anything while your making the first set? What are you going to run in the rear? Manny

Nothing stock will remain. Power steering (either Miata or WRX rack and pinion, haven't decided yet), custom crossmember, custom a-arms top and bottom, coil-overs as mentioned before, alternate hubs and spindles, etc. Stud pattern will be changed to 5 x 114.3. Rear axle will be Toyota 8" with coil overs and 4-link (parallel lower and converging upper links), panhard bar (unless I can somehow fit a watt's link around the fuel cell). Front and rear fenders will be flared by 3" per corner (in steel). I don't even want to know what it all will cost....

Bob

[gtzero]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Nothing stock will remain. Power steering (either Miata or WRX rack and pinion, haven't decided yet), custom crossmember, custom a-arms top and bottom, coil-overs as mentioned before, alternate hubs and spindles, etc. Stud pattern will be changed to 5 x 114.3. Rear axle will be Toyota 8" with coil overs and 4-link (parallel lower and converging upper links), panhard bar (unless I can somehow fit a watt's link around the fuel cell). Front and rear fenders will be flared by 3" per corner (in steel). I don't even want to know what it all will cost.... Bob

Sounds juicy as always Bob.

Manny

[asdasc]

Build two and auction the other car off! It will pay for the first one is my guess!