Re: Suspension price questions

["Mark L. Chang" <mchang@ece.nwu.edu>]

On Tue, 24 Aug 1999 Gfbourcier@aol.com wrote:

> this car, without a really harsh ride, is to replace all 4 strut bearings 
> with the "blue" ones from the UrQ (and on the rear end of the 4kq's,) H&R 

I've got black 4kq bearings up front and blue urq bearings in rear, as per
the fiche (I believe).  Bob has UrQ bearings in the front which he says
lowered the car to level instead of saggy-@ss 4kqs that you normally see.
I'd try that route and just swallow the extra price.  As it is, my 4kq is
a little saggy, but not too much.  blame it on the 70pound sub and amp
rack in the trunk, too.

> springs, and Bilstein shocks/struts.  Forgive me for being ignorant, but are 
> Bilsteins really $140USD-$180USD apiece or are the prices quoted for a pair?  

I've also got bilstein sport all around, and they were closer to $100-$140
each than $180.  Check www.shox.com for your reference prices.  Not HD,
but Sport.  They ride firmly.  Too firmly for lots of people, but just
right for me :).  I do not have lowering springs, but am looking into
Eibachs someday (depending on the SCCA racing future of the car).

> If they are that expensive, are the Boge Turbo-Gas or Pro-gas shocks/struts a 
> better alternative?  If the Boge's transmit a lot of harshness, would the 
> "black" bushings help counteract excessive firmness?  I need the feedback, as 
> the rear end of this car is pretty sluggish.

Many people have done boges on the car, as I believe they are OEM.  Not a
bad ride for sure.  My father's has 'em and it rides just fine.  Not as
firmly as mine, but hey, it works.

Your mileage may vary -- ride in someone's car if you can that has similar
mods to get a good idea what you have in store.
Mark

                               The code was willing,
                               It considered your request,
                               But the chips were weak.
                               -- Barry L. Brumitt