#ZedShed Project Dino D

[Dino D]

Got some of these waiting to go on the car, next day delivery from BC racing.

Saw the pics of your latest track day, looks fun with all that lean (I like lean in some cars) but my experience with BMWs that lean in a lot is that they can snap the other way...messy ending!
In something like a Clio or a Golf I always enjoyed some lean and cocking the rear wheel though!

Get them fitted already, keen to hear how you find them! I'm looking forward to being able to tweak the ride just how I want it.

 

[GazHyde]

I'm looking forward to see Lee fit and set these up. Doubt many have seen coil overs being setup before, so will try and take plenty of pictures of the process

 

[zedonist]

You need corner scales to set them up correctly, can you hire these?

 

[Brian H]

You need corner scales to set them up correctly, can you hire these?

Yes you can Rich, IIRC about £125 to hire the full set. I was talking to a guy at a localish garage the other day, he races MGs and says he can set up my car once these are on.

 

[zedonist]

That's good, it needs to be done other wise the balance of the car is upset and becomes unstable, are you going to have it set with driver weight Brian or leave it at dry weight? Driver weight ensures it is neutral when you are in the car.

I nearly had coil overs, but got put off by the setup cost, I am happy with the B12 kit for the road, that said I think you need adjustability for track days.

I would also recommend to Dino the H&R ARB's, as it these that control roll and not the springs and dampers.

 

[Brian H]

Apologies Dino for being off topic

That's good, it needs to be done other wise the balance of the car is upset and becomes unstable, are you going to have it set with driver weight Brian or leave it at dry weight? Driver weight ensures it is neutral when you are in the car.

Being done with the driver weight added Rich, I want it neutral with me in it .

 

[Dino D]

I find a bit of roll comforting to help the front grip better on road use but had very little with FK's. I find a bit of lean seems to aid grip on uneven ground better.
Will see how it goes with the BC's and maybe add roll bar if needed.
It will get set up on corner scales.

 

[zedonist]

Pressure will be on you for diet now Brian

 

[GazHyde]

I can only apologise in advance for the following pictures as they are bordering on pornography. Yes, it's coil over fitting time

The full kit laid out on the bench... *drools* Seriously though these are unbelievably good quality, and possibly the finest finish on any component I've seen fitted to a car.

Rear view. BC coil overs, Brembo discs, EBC Yellow Stuff pads, braided brake lines. Total respect to Dino for choosing quality

Rear shock top mounts and adjustment for the coil overs (30 different settings of firmess).

New and old front coil overs next for comparison.

Top ends of the coil overs side by side. Oh to even understand what is going on here!

Front coil over fitted and tucked under the strut brace...

 

[t-tony]

Good stuff Gaz. Some very nice gear there.

Tony.

 

[Dino D]

They do look like the are made as well as they say on their website.

Looking forward to driving it once all set up.

The firmness adjustments will provide hours of fun I'm sure!

The previous FK's were great (when fresh) but just a bit firm for rougher roads. On smooth roads they were superb.
These should be even better...
The little extenders to adjust the rear shocks are nice touch and will look great poking out through the carpet in roof stowage well!

Need to get one of those zip down mesh deflectors so that I can just reach in and adjust the dampers easily instead of removing my Perspex one each time..


Interesting that that BC front springs have a longer spring and no tender (helper) spring in them.

 

[Dino D]

Is that a rubber sleeve over the top and bottom coils on each spring I see in the pics?

 

[GazHyde]

The little extenders to adjust the rear shocks are nice touch and will look great poking out through the carpet in roof stowage well.

Yes, with a mesh deflector you should be able to make quick damping changes at the traffic lights! Interestingly the front adjusters have flexible extenders you can fit - Lee said this is so you can adjust damping without lifting the bonnet. Think of everything these people!

The amount of adjustment you can make to both the height of the front units and also the spring is impressive. Not sure if my diagram will make sense or not, but as I see it (I'm sure @Lee can correct me if I'm wrong)

The bottom locking ring allows you to extend/contract the overall length of the coil over. The locking rings above that allow you to control the length of the spring.

On the FK unit you only have one locking ring set which controls the height of the entire unit.

 

[GazHyde]

Is that a rubber sleeve over the top and bottom coils on each spring I see in the pics?

I'm happy to send you all the hi-res photos I've taken once we've finished the project if you want them. Currently have about half a GB of pictures taken (65 in total). Just remind me when you pick her up

Here is a better close up image of the rear springs for you. It has a rubber boot/sleeve on the top and bottom, and also the center coil has a rubber sleeve as well. They are well protected for sure.

 

[Lee]

I think Dino is right Gary, when I think about it those extenders are for the rear. In normal circumstances you would have to remove the seat the adjust the settings. These extenders make it easier.

 

[GazHyde]

I think Dino is right Gary, when I think about it those extenders are for the rear. In normal circumstances you would have to remove the seat the adjust the settings. These extenders make it easier.

Now that does make a bit more sense!

 

[Dino D]

Now that does make a bit more sense!

Well if we make holes in the bonnet then we can let the adjusters poke out for the front too.
Will make the adjustments at the traffic lights that much quicker!

Mike at Corby Motorsports was kind enough to throw in the adjusters FOC (normally about £10 each). He recommended the longest length which can be trimmed down to suit the application.

 

[Dino D]

@GazHyde
Yes please re the pics. Via Dropbox/wetransfer etc also ok.

Liking the rubber sleeves. I guess that will help in preventing the coating from cracking as the coils rest on each other?
They might as well have done the whole coil then I won't have rusty springs in a few years!

Need to invest in a pressure washer and spray under the arches properly periodically especially in the salty months.
Maybe even cover the springs in some sort of wax like people do on alloys?

 

[oldcarman]

@GazHyde
Yes please re the pics. Via Dropbox/wetransfer etc also ok.

Liking the rubber sleeves. I guess that will help in preventing the coating from cracking as the coils rest on each other?
They might as well have done the whole coil then I won't have rusty springs in a few years!

Need to invest in a pressure washer and spray under the arches properly periodically especially in the salty months.
Maybe even cover the springs in some sort of wax like people do on alloys?

Or get @Lee to spray them with plasti dip?? Sorry Lee!! JIM

 

[Dino D]

^ forgot about the dip, good idea!