Hi,
I've just picked up a set of the new type of adjustable superbug struts from Volks Conversions. These have a circlip which can go into a number of different grooves depending on how low you want to go.
Is anyone out there running these? I'd be interstested to know if there are any problems with running them at or near the lowest position. I'm looking to get the best handling I can for Autocrosses and track sprints.
Cheers.
are they two or three bolt struts?
Sounds like a copy of the Topline or Empi stuff
I have heard of ball joints needing to be flipped if 3 bolt on bottom setting
2 bolt wont go as low
Maybe ask over on SBO
Futue te ipsum!!!
Mine is a 3 bolter, 73 model. I'm hoping to get it handling better than the 68 model I currently run. I've got to beat those datto 1600's and tricked up escorts around the Autocross track!
With the three bolt struts on the lowest setting or any drop more than 2 1/2'' for that matter , you will need to do the following
- flip the tie rod ends around so they go through the bottom of the steering knuckle. You can get brass inserts "flip kit" that press into the hole you need to drill out to correct the taper for the ends. This is needed for tie rod clearance from the body or you will end up with bent rods.
- Your going have to run a thin front tire 145 r15 78 at the largest me thinks. Or a scrubbing ye shall have.
-Springs can go either way. I just used my stock springs but if you have the $ get a set of lowered ones.
- it would be a good idea to get some camber+ bushes for extra camber adjustment and caster fix bushes for the sway bar. Both are speciality bushes for lowered Supers.
- Lowered sway bar. Bent a little different to stock bars and slightly different dimentions. I am still hunting one of these for myself so it you find a supplier in Aust ,please let me know.
- I also run type 3 front rims as the different offset (et46 I think) gives a little more clearance from the guard outside lip.
-you will need some adjustable brackets for the flexible brake lines so they don't rub on the body or strut cups. I made mine by welding the brackets off some stock struts onto some good quality muffler clamps.
Handling wise it should be smooth as butter but having to run a thin tire up front for clearance is going to limit it through cornering.
I would prob re think going so low and use a wider front tire.
I would be going for more of a "German Look" set up for track performance.
The flip kit, bushes and bar is available from Topline in the US.
His speciality is parts for lowered Supers.
🙂
Hi
Do these struts use a standard type coil? I prefer the type that uses a smaller coil so that you can fit bigger wheels & tyres. With the snap ring you cant corner weight the car accurately.
Steve
These struts accept the standard spring. They allow adjustment in approximately 1/2" increments. I could get an extra few grooves machined if the corner weighting is too far off.
Narrow front wheels are not an option since I'm after handling and I really really hate understeer.
I've got 15x6" and 14x6" alloy wheels which I have trial fitted on the standard struts. These have a bit more offset than stock, so it looks like I can squeeze in a 195 section tyre if I widen the guards.
(The previous owner parked by feel, so the guards are looking pretty sad anyway.)
I'll probably initially set them up for a 2" drop.
I have considered getting a bunch of standard springs and trimming them by various amounts to get different spring rates to try out, if only to determine if a stiffer spring is an improvement.
I plan to hit the track early next year with this bug (his name is Henry). Until then I will keep running the 68........ to establish a benchmark and keep the engine in tune!
Hi
The factory supplied 3 spring rates, the heaviest had 3 red paint marks on the coil, try and find some of these. Also get some 23.5 mm Type 3 wagon torsion bars for the back.
Steve
Hey SCB, are you coming to Warwick, we could talk struts and big arse taillights if you are?
Thanks for the tip about the springs. I've got the thicker torsion bars in my 68 at present.
I don't think I'll make it to Warwick this year. Should be a great event though. Pity there aren't any corners in the track though!
