I was the one asking about custom fitting 4th or 5th gen struts to a 3rd gen, but that seemed to go nowhere. They won't fit. What, then, are my options? It seems that I could just go with the best aftermarket set up out there. I assume that means koni reds with Eibach Pro Kit Springs? What in your opinions are the best set ups?

What were the custom options again? - get the Koni Reds tailored into externally adjustable ones by koni, and what about the coilovers? I know some Volvo enthusiasts were welding threaded sleaves onto strut housings and using coilover springs and collars to make custom coilovers. Would that work for our cars? What would it take? and how strong and reliable would they be? I would love to use ground-control coilover springs with adjusteable collars.

Thanks,
Mrkanda

(P.S. Starting to look at 5 and 5.5 gens- silver on black SE or AE with manual tranny and the works, except leather)

(P.S.S. Also, found my DREAM car online. Only thing is its in Australia and there's no chance in hell I can bring it over here until I become a multi-millionaire. Here are some picks though. Enjoy!)

http://private.carsales.com.au/photos/321766.jpg
http://private.carsales.com.au/photos/321767.jpg
http://private.carsales.com.au/photos/321769.jpg
http://private.carsales.com.au/photos/321768.jpg
http://private.carsales.com.au/photos/321770.jpg

 

Another thought I had was concerning the stock suspension setup. As I mentioned elswhere I have the Sonar Suspension II- Electronically Controlled Adjusteable Struts. Of course, to replace them cost about $850 each in the front and about $80 ea. for the rears. In order to keep some adjustability would it be adviseable to go with those, dispite the astronomical price? Are aftermarket struts THAT much better?

What about lowering springs or coilovers? Can I use them with these OEM Struts replacements? I just want the most performance, but with adjusteability.

Thanks.
-Mrkanda

 

If you are getting this serious about suspension, just trade in for a used BMW 3-series like an e30 325is (pre-1991) or e36 (92-98) 325 or 328.

MANY more serious suspension options (not to mention other go-fast parts). e30 BMW is very comparible to a 3rd gen, but better (and maybe just a lil' more expensive, but not by much).

 

Konis+Eibachs

 

wow, thats a nice car

 

If you want to get a nice setup. Go with Koni and Eibach. PLUS!!! some goodies from our good friend Matt Blehm. That'll give you a nice setup.

www.mattblehm.com

 

Thanks for the input, Guys. I think I will go with the Konis + Eibachs, although, as someone mentioned, I might try to have Koni customize some reds to make them externally adjusteable. That is if I don't just sell my '89 and go with an '02 SE first.

I like the idea of the Bimmer, but they are just so common in the DC area where I live, plus the interior room in a 3 series is cramped compared to a Maxima. If I do go with a Bimmer in the future it would have to be a true sports sedan (mid-full size) like the M5 or 98-02 740i. I might just have to go with an Infinity G35x or M35/45 when the $ comes rollin' in.

Nyways- Thanks again.
Ciau, Mrkanda