View Single Post
  #358  
Old 05-11-2019, 01:21 PM
Coasttocoast's Avatar
Coasttocoast Coasttocoast is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 302
Thanks guys for the comments. I’ll post some pics later, but here is some of the latest changes

In the rebuild/swap I didn’t make any changes that would modify the suspension geometry. All the factory alignment points are in original condition and any shop can align to factory specs. Goodyear is the closest shop to me and that’s who I have used so far. They have a 4 wheel computerized setup that I’m sure is pretty accurate.

Issues that I was having was related, my best guess, was too much flow/pressure coming from the GM pump to the Flaming River rack. Through some creative investigation, I could see I was getting some flex in the rack support and frame rails at the connection point. The car originally had a steering stabilizer, in it’s last iteration I couldn’t find a way to install one.

The car also felt heavy, even though it only weighed a little over 100 lbs more than original. Took bumps, potholes, road crown badly.

After this last round of changes I am about 95% there. I have started driving daily again this week.

Changes to steering this time round.

Raised engine at mount by 1”, raised transmission at its mount at rear by 2”, new engine/trans combo weighs about 150 lbs less that LQ4/4L80, car should be close to or under original weight.

By raising engine/trans I had the space to install the OEM steering stabilizer.

Fabricated a new steel plate, out of a higher grade of steel, that the Flaming River rack is bolted to for less flexing.

Added support and through frame sleeves for bolting the rack support to the frame.

Added a Heidts adjustable power steering valve to adjust flow/pressure to rack

These are major changes to say the least 3 months of work.

Everything is better now, last issue, and I’m going to visit a local suspension “specialist” is to see how to deal with the cars original suspension. The issue is, as everyone who have jacked up the front of this MB would see, is that as the front end rises the wheels toe in. If I give the car anything over moderated pedal the front end comes up and the front tires squeal from the excessive toe-in. Kind of takes the fun out of the power!
__________________
"In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is strength, in water there is bacteria."
Reply With Quote