Stance Check: what if I...

[eastsidebimmer]

This is what my car looked like in 2006 on 175/70/13s, stock springs and KYB shocks. I think I have 2 dot rear pads.

My goal for this car, once the crash damage is done is a road trip/auto tour car, maybe an autocross, etc. I've always been happy with the stance of the early 68, but to make it handle better I was considering the following setup:

-6x13" Cosmics with 185/70/13 tires

-Ireland Stage I springs

-Bilstien HD shocks

-Fixed front camber plates

-Slightly beefier swaybars

What I DON'T want is to end up with the rear lower than the front. Anyone running a similar setup, how does it look? Any pics? (And for all the haters, I did search first and saw the stance thread from 2009, and no, that's not my house, it's my pool house.)

Thanks! -=Ben

[RandyMolson]

Your spruce tree to the right is looking a little weedy.

[roadhog0]

You could be like me and put H&R's in the front and leave stock ones in the rear. Makes for a funny rake and a lot of back end roll but it's fun

[Delia]

Springs are fine. Stance is perfect!

6" x 13" Cosmics

185/70-13s

Bilstein HDs

Bigger Bars

Run things like that for awhile. See how you like it.

D

[eurotrash]

Your spruce tree to the right is looking a little weedy.

I got it Mr. Ben. I'll take it out today.

(I'm his grounds keeper, but he calls me yard boy..)

[Mike Self]

-6x13" Cosmics with 185/70/13 tires -- makes no difference in ride height, just a wider stance.

-Ireland Stage I springs--slightly lower than the stock '68 springs (which are about an inch shorter than the 73-76 stock springs) Irelands are about the same height as H&Rs

-Bilstien HD shocks --no difference in ride height but better handling

-Fixed front camber plates--probably not needed for street or autocross with what you're contemplating other than the gee whiz factor

-Slightly beefier swaybars--flatter cornering but no ride height difference. Use urethane mounting and end link bushings.

I have essentially the same setup but with 5x13 wheels and H&R springs and am very happy with the handling. I'm going to a 22mm front bar vs the 19 I currently have.

BTW, glad you're repairing the '68; it's worth saving. Gonna have it ready for Vintage next year?

cheers

mike

[schwarz75]

I think your '68 2002 has the perfect height in the photos. Just try to accomplish that stance with the slightly stiffer springs and HD inserts and shocks. I have found that although a 1602/2002 may appear to sit lower in the rear than in the front, that measurements at various points of the body often indicate otherwise. Maybe it's the way the trim angles a little.

[kris]

I like where you are going with this.

-Ireland Stage I springs

-Bilstien HD shocks

-Fixed front camber plates

-Slightly beefier swaybars

The issue with the rear being lower than the front is a bit of an optical illusion, not that it is something you can't deal with. I found that H&R springs left my car *looking* higher in the front. My setup is now

IE Stage II springs, fronts cut one coil, no spring pads

Rears with spring pads

Bilstein HD

IE Fixed camber plates

Springs and pads will be the determinants of your ride height. Fixed camber plates are one of the best mods I have done...the car has a much better on center feel now

[mrgesq]

I have the same setup except the cut front springs. Two questions:

What are your wheel / tire tire sizes?

Did you wire the short springs to the perches so they stay put when you jack it up?

Mike

76 Malaga (Molly)

[kris]

I have the same setup except the cut front springs. Two questions:

What are your wheel / tire tire sizes?

Did you wire the short springs to the perches so they stay put when you jack it up?

Mike

76 Malaga (Molly)

15x6.5 front 195/50/15

15x7 rear 205/50/15

fronts are wired

[mrgesq]

Very nice. I'd say perfect stance.

Did you have to roll the fenders?

[kris]

Very nice. I'd say perfect stance.

Did you have to roll the fenders?

Rears were trimmed ever so slightly during my resto