Monthly Warrior

**Bill** · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 12:23 PM

What happens when an old fa*t gets it in his head to go out and play whith the kids.

This is a shot of Sophia & me in the Oct. AutoX here at A&M. Playing games with Z cars and Miatas. Did alright but think my suspension is in need of updating (all original).

Any recommendations? Want to stay in E-stock so no poly bushings or harder springs.

Thanks, Bill

**John M** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 02:21 PM

Hey Bill:

First....and foremost, I must say that Sophia is looking stunning. You have done a great job making her shine.

In regards to suspension, what can you do and stay in your class? First things I would have said would have been stiffer lower springs, poly bushings, and konis....but I already see from your comment that the springs and bushings are out.

Best Regards,
John M

**Bill** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 03:54 PM

Thanks John, we appreciate the complement!

According to SCCA rules on stock classes, nothing can change that was not a factory installed option for the model, as far as suspension mods go with the exception of shocks , brake pads and exhaust past the Cat.

I can put in new bushings and any other "options" available from the factory. Since "poly" was not an option, nor was shorter/tighter springs, those are "technically" out.

I have already installed Koni reds on the front, I will follow up with the rear pair next month.

She does not handle badly, just "loose and tired" feeling. I have thougt about new "factory" springs but what's the advantage. I dont know if these are worn out ,but after 25 years I would suspect they are.

Anyway, I'm having fun and just want to be a little more competative.

Thanks again!

( here is another view)

**John M** · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 04:37 PM

Well....here is food for thought and a head long dive around that rule in regards for the springs.

The euro version had shorter springs. Only in North America did the spider ride so high and have the heavy rubber bumpers. So in essence, there were factory springs that were shorter that should be completely legal. Also the euro bumpers which are lighter.....should be legal as well. I cannot help though on the polys.

Best Regards,
John M

PSk · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 12:10 AM

If the car feels loose then maybe you have some bushes that need replacing.

Thus replacing with standard rubber bushes will make her better ... after all after 25 years all bushes are probably on the stuffed side.

Also springs to get old and actually get longer and raise the car. If you buy new springs they will be shorter.

I think the best you can do is:
1. Replace your rear shocks as you stated.
2. Replace all suspension bushes - ie. a full suspension rebuild.
3. Replace your springs with standard but new springs.
4. 4 wheel wheel alignment, maybe with some careful work to setup the camber, caster the best you can with standard parts.

Pete

RogerB · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by John M
Well....here is food for thought and a head long dive around that rule in regards for the springs.

The euro version had shorter springs. Only in North America did the spider ride so high and have the heavy rubber bumpers. So in essence, there were factory springs that were shorter that should be completely legal. Also the euro bumpers which are lighter.....should be legal as well. I cannot help though on the polys.

Best Regards,
John M

PSk · #7 (**permalink**) 10-16-2003, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Not sure about springs wearing out and getting taller? Seems counterintuitive, but...

**Alex Csank** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-16-2003, 07:07 PM

Hmmm, it sounds like you are trying hard to make it hard on yourself!

Look, I would never suggest bending the rules, but if you were to get some IAP or Centerline springs and re-paint them black to match the originals, and then get all new rubber bushings and then get the adjustable upper control arms that were an option on some Alfas, and then re-adjust your camber a bit, and then get yourself some highly sticky DOT legal sticky tires in a 185/70-14 size, and then take her back out on the track...you would notice a BIG difference! Not that I (or any other Alfisti) have ever done anything like that, you understand?

NikosF · #9 (**permalink**) 10-16-2003, 07:55 PM

Hey Alex,

I see in your sig that you are selling your Spider. Just curious why you are selling - if I recall, you were talking earlier about dropping in a 2L. Canadian weather going to be too limiting for a convertible?

**Alex Csank** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-16-2003, 08:59 PM

Nikos,

No, I have had lots of fun in my Spider, and I will keep her if nobody buys her. I have owned her for almost five years now, and I have done lots of work to her and I really enjoy her. Unfortunately, I have lots of other Alfas that also need my attention, and I am getting more focused on what I want in my stable. The '69 Spider is a great car, but lacks the amenities of a later model Spider, while she also doesn't have the 'no-holds barred' handling prowess of a GTV, for example.

So, what I really want is to:

a. fix-up my GTV to be a track and occasional road car.
b. use my Milano Verde as a long-distance car.
c. buy a GTV6 as a daily driver
d. buy a more modern Spider ('86-'89) for convertible days.
e. give my Milano Gold to my son.
f. buy a 164L to use in the winter

Does that make any sense to you?

Cheers,