what a know it all... (archive)

and thanks. It is guys like you on this board that save hard heads like me from dong stuff that is counterproductive.
Again, thanks. I have dropped the notion of using the spacers. But I can't ditch the TRX setup because I've got 2 other cars to spend $$$ on. This is just the daily driver. And I'm a CHEAP bastard, if you haven't figured by now.
Can you elaborate a bit on what you mean by slotting the front shock towers?

"Wider is better" is overly simplified. If you mess with wheel spacers, you mess with the steering dimensions like scrub radius and steering offset. These are very important for handling and road feel. Adding 5/16" spacers will not help handling any more than adding cupholders. You will put greater stress on your wheel bearings. And the reason that the real spacers are $100/pair is because they are HUB CENTRIC. They are not just flat pieces of metal with holes. The JC Whitney spacers are junk. You will end up with off-center wheels and you will need to buy $50 worth of longer wheel bolts. Why bother?

I am going to tell you to get new wheels. The best performance gain you can possibly do is to SELL/JUNK the TRXs. Any all-season tires can provide better dry, wet, and snow grip than those things. Sell them on eBay to someone who's too stubborn to buy real wheels and tires. TRXs were cutting edge back in the 70s.

I've slotted the front shock towers to add more negative camber for the front. It helps a bit. And it's free. I've also cut the front and rear springs. Cut 1 coil off the front and 1.5 off the rear. You will need a MacPherson strut spring compressor and a bunch of other tools. Get the Bentley manual if you want to do this.

James
james_535@yahoo.com
88 M5
88 M3

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Slotting... JamesM 12:19 5/11/2001 (0)

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