GTV front suspension & ride height

Al Landwehr · #1 (**permalink**) 01-30-2008, 07:51 PM

I'm new to alfabb, so I'm not sure of the process, but there goes: I've completely rebuilt the front suspension in my 74 GTV. I didn't torque any of the fittings because I knew to wait until the weight is on the car. When I let the car down, the front end was so high that it looked as if there was no engine in the car. I took out the springs (allthreads take a long time) and lowered the pans in which the springs ride, but that didn't make a great deal of difference. I measured a friend's 69 GTV and from the floor to the highest point on the fender curve is 25 inches; mine is 28 inches. I've been told that Alfa raised the front end of GTVs coming into this country to meet D.O.T. specifications. A friend suggested cutting off part of each spring. Another friend said he did that on his Berlina and the ride was very harsh. I hope someone can give me some advice on this. I thought the "problem" must have come up before on alfabb, but I didn't know how to find it. Thanks in advance, AL

BlpltGTV · #2 (**permalink**) 01-30-2008, 08:48 PM

Al,
Are you in SLO? If so you have seen my car. I have a set of Centerline springs all around, and they made a huge difference with the way the car drives. I had the stock ones, and the front end was so soft the brake dive was out of control. Cutting a coil off the front springs probably won't make it that harsh. Personally, I tend to find non lowered GTVs look like they are on stilts. The issue with lowering a GTV is that is really messes with the roll center and the fact that the front is already low, and the rear is all together too high. When you lower the cars, the roll center goes below ground requiring a high spring rate to compensate. The other thing is that the shocks will play a large part in the harshness of the ride. I still have the original stock SPICAs. If you have stiff springs you need firmer shocks to control them. Koni reds should work if you just cut the springs, the yellows might be a better choice if you go with a set of aftermarket springs. Personally, I'm thinking of running a set of Bilsteins on the front and a set of Koni reds on the back as I am sort of setting the car up as an emergency race car (autoX) and would like to control some of the body roll without relying on huge swaybars that could tear up the front mounts.

Oh yeah, did you remove the spacers from under the springs?

See ya,

Will

Al Landwehr · #3 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 05:41 PM

Hello Will,
I am Al in SLO, and yes, I have seen your beautiful and original car. Thanks for the info on the springs and shocks. The first thing I'm going to do is to take out the springs again!!!and see if I've missed a spacer on top. International says they have front and back springs which will drop and level the car. Hope all goes well. AL

bryan · #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 06:49 PM

Greetings Al,

How high was the car before you did the rebuild? Did you replace the springs?

Anyway, as BlpltGTV mentioned, you have different options for performance springs that will lower the car. Centerline's springs are very popular and give the car a nice stance. It will probably cost you about $600 for springs and shocks, but it will transform the ride to something very enjoyable.

Centerline and IAP are probably the two largest parts suppliers in the U.S. You should expect a good product and support from both.

Have fun!

Bryan

BlpltGTV · #5 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 10:01 PM

Al,
Its good to hear your car is getting closer to running. The last time I saw it it was still in primer. As for springs, check out these threads. They have everything anyone could possibly want to know about the subject for these cars.
British vs. Yankee’s in Spring Weights

Suspension: Springs

The 105 Suspension Bible

Lots of info there. Say Hi to Barry and Tim Barns for me. Speaking of Barry, did he get his car running yet? Here are a couple of pictures of my car with the Centerlines installed.

See ya,
Will

Alfa · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 12:10 AM

Hi there

What size tyres do you have fitted?

best wishes

BlpltGTV · #7 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa

Hi there

What size tyres do you have fitted?

best wishes

**Peter** · #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlpltGTV

Those are 185/60 14s soon to be replaced with a set of 195/60/14s when I get the new wheels later this month.

Will

BlpltGTV · #9 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter

I would go with 195/65/14s, it's closer to stock and will fill up your wheel wells a little better

Pat Padden · #10 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 10:56 AM

Al...I've got Centerline Springs and Koni Red's set to full soft with 205/60/14 Yokohamas on my '74 GTV.

The ride is smooth and firm but never harsh. In fact it takes the bumps better than with the old original shocks and springs. The car does sit pretty low. The only slight downside to my set up is that the wide tires take a bit of muscle in the parking lot.

Here's a picture:

**Peter** · #11 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlpltGTV

Except that no one makes a decent tire in that size. I'd consider a 205 series, but the car doesn't have the power to need that much tire. The weight is also too high. I wish I could find a tire with a super stiff sidewall like the first generation falken Azenis. The new ones are too soft for my liking, but I will probably run them anyway. I'd rather have grip over a softer ride any day of the week.

Will

BlpltGTV · #12 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 08:23 AM

I will see how the tires that are on the car look on my car. I'm fairly sure they are 195/60/14s (largest allowed by the vintage race group that the guy runs with.) The pictures are of the exact pair of wheels I will be buying when the guy comes up this way to race later in the month. I took the pictures last year when he said he was going to have to sell the wheels after learning that CSRG ruled that all cars must run the correct diameter wheels that they came with from the factory. In this case, he needs 15s.
My guess is that my ride height is close to this. I don't really want to run 205s as they are heavier, and cost more. There aren't many choices in that size either (unless you go to a full R compound, but whats the point.)

Will

bjfrantz@charte · #13 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 09:26 AM

Hi Will, Your car is looking great. Lately I have been wondering about the effect of wider tires on steering boxes. I know wide tires have been installed on Alfas forever, but now some of the Burman steering boxes are showing stress cracks. These boxes are hard to find if available at all. Any one have any thoughts on this.

The SPICA and head for my car are now out to be rebuilt. Never did get it running properly.

Barry