HSD coilover conversion

[BenZed]

I decided to go one step further than our sleeve kit and adapt an HSD TT-type coilover to my 240Z. This took a bit of mixing and matching, but the end result gives me a larger range of height adjustment and a large-diameter 12-step adjustable damper.

First I had to pick a suitable damper. Based on the overall body length and stroke I chose this TT damper from the front of a GC8 WRX kit.

To adapt this to the 240Z strut tube we used a base bracket from an EK Civic, which we machined down to match the inside diameter of the strut tube.

The standard strut tube was then cut down to only 50mm long, so we could slide in the bracket and weld it in place. For extra strength two holes were drilled in the tubes so we could weld onto the lower part of the bracket too.

[BenZed]

The brake bracket was then welded onto the bracket and the coilover screwed into the bracket. Screwing the coilover up or down adjusts the height without touching the spring seat. This does away with the need for a helper spring so you can keep more bump travel.

 

At the top of the coilover we used the upper seat from our sleeve kit, drilled out to 22mm to suit the shaft of the coilover. This sits against the orignal top slider for the 240Z. The hole for the threaded part of the shaft was drilled out to 18mm to suit the nut from the TT. This was cut down so it would not foul on the spacer when the whole thing was tightened up.

 

The second shot shows the finished coilover conversion in place. It is a fair bit of mucking around, but soon we will be offering an upgrade service where you send us your struts (front or rear) and we send them back ready to bolt back into your car.

[NZeder]

Looks good Ben.

[RB30X]

Be sure to tell us when this 'service' is ready and how much discount AUSZ members will be getting.

[RB26DETT]

Great news Ben.

 

Hope they are offered at a reasonable price to the rest of us

 

 

[(Locky)]

if they are around the same price as normal hsd's (ie turn into a off the self product)

 

im up for a set

[BenZed]

I doubt if there will be enough demand to justify an off-the-shelf kit, but the turnaround time for this upgrade should be less than a week and we are aiming for under $900 a pair.

[RB30X]

You've obviously read the latest HPI (or PI now??) mag. They have a great article on coil overs. I'm fairly new to them but do these units have a good range of adjusment for spring rate as well as ride height etc?

[BenZed]

Haven't read it. Yes plenty of range and any spring rate you like.

[ol_skl_jp]

Whats the eta on this upgrade Ben, I'm up for a set.

[BenZed]

As soon as I'm happy with the set up in my car I'll post up the price etc. Should be good to go within a month.

[zr240]

Hi Ben

 

Would you seel the parts so I can do the conversion myself??

 

Ash

[BenZed]

That will depend on how easily the kit goes together.

[RB30X]

how is this travelling??

[BenZed]

We are now able to offer the coilover conversion service to forum members.

If you send your front and rear struts to us (including top-mounts) we will convert them to HSD TT-type coilovers for $900 per pair (not including freight).

Currently we are only doing 240Z (51mm) struts but if there is demand we will sort out a 55mm conversion too.

I have the full kit in my car now and will post pics shortly.

[viking]

Hi Ben, Could you let us know which transport/delivery co. you use- maybe easier for us in Melb. What sort of turn over time are you looking at? cheers John

[BenZed]

We use TNT, depending on how you box them we can pick them up and return them for $80 all up. Turnaround time is three working days apart from the freight time.

[RB30X]

$80 being from Melbourne to Sydney and back?

 

Looking foward to the pics.

[BenZed]

Yes that's the charge for both ways ($40 each direction).

Here are some pics of the completed rear conversion.

We finished up using the same length damper front and rear (15-step adjustable TT type).

The springs are also 6kg/mm (336lb) front and rear, 225mm long. I've yet to do any track testing with these but on the road they are fantastic. Not too stiff a ride but much better steering response and minimal body roll.

[V8Datto]

Nice...

 

Have you had any demand in the 55mm's ?

 

For some reason my 240z has them.

[BenZed]

A number of people asked for them so I had them made, but so far no-one has actually ordered a set 

[garvice]

What size springs did you get away with using the 55mm tubes?

Could you get away with the same diameter springs?

 

Also, is it only the TT tube dampner we can use? Or are you able to change different dampners into the strut tubes? I.E. the monotube etc.

[V8Datto]

A number of people asked for them so I had them made, but so far no-one has actually ordered a set 

 

Is the price the same as the 51mm?

 

We are talking the HSD TT-type coilover with out the helper spring yeah?

[nizm0zed]

A number of people asked for them so I had them made, but so far no-one has actually ordered a set 

 

well we cant have that can we??? 

Sorry i havent organised payment yet, work has been a nightmare, i have the money sitting to the side at the moment.

I will endeavour to make some time for you....

[BenZed]

What size springs did you get away with using the 55mm tubes?

Could you get away with the same diameter springs?

 

Also, is it only the TT tube dampner we can use? Or are you able to change different dampners into the strut tubes? I.E. the monotube etc.

 

The springs are 70mm ID instead of 65mm ID. The sleeve kits are meant for use with the original tube and shorter inserts. In the case of the coilover conversion yes TT dampers are the only option at this stage. The HR type inverted monotube dampers are not suitable as there would no way to access the adjustment (at the bottom of the unit).

55mm sleeve kit photo is on the sleeve thread:

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,4075.0.html