Ground Control (Group Purchace List) Very close!

[cjones]

The faq at http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answe...kit/index.html says they are recommending 500f/450r and that the FE4's can only handle 500. Why are so many people going 550, do they have the FG2's?

[wildwhl]

cjones -

I believe Dreamin did a typo on those numbers. Early on they tried a 450 but things have changed since then (the info is a touch out of date). The spring rates currently being recommended are the same whether FE4 or FG2 - 500 front and 550 rear.

Also note that they are using the shorter 1000 springs. For those of you who care when you get them (assuming they don't change the kit from the beta set I'm using) I've listed some starting points below for the FG2 shocks - and feel these are the LOWEST ride height settings you should use. For whatever reason, the FG2 fronts will in fact result in a lower ride height than the FE4 with the same collar adjustment. I've never measured, but believe it is simply the location of the factory groove in the shocks which holds the lower perch in place.

On the rear, run the collars all the way up then back down 3 full turns. I believe this to be the lowest you can possibly go with the WW spacer mod on the rear shocks. I am currently intending to go one more full turn lower (which raises the ride height by approximately 1/4"), as my car sits very level and possibly a touch too low in the rear. A slight rake is my preference.

On the front, in my case, the adjusting collars are flush with the TOP of the threaded adjustment sleeve (red in pics). Also, be careful torquing the top of the shocks to tighten everything up on the top perch. I twisted one shock shaft in half about half way through the threads.

I am also trying something a little different up there. I think they'll be sending a different sized/hardness rubber o-ring for the washer above the aluminum upper perch assembly (or hope they will). The material needs to be a little thicker. I have the cupped washer inverted with no rubber spacer and sometimes hear a very minor noise. I'll be placing a 1/4" santoprene or poly spacer there when I get around to it to eliminate the noise.

Otherwise, enjoy. Really an easy install. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND going with the Hots bars, Z06 front end links, and some quality lube at the same time. Get ready to feel like you've shed a few hundred lbs from your V. Heck, while you're in there, if you need anything done with the brakes, now is the time.

WW

[rgd]

Here is a quick update on the GC kits. They are still VERY close, there is one piece they are waiting on. Unfortunately they don't make the piece needed to complete the kit. There is a possibility that some parts might come in this week but it is still unconfirmed. They will become a supporting vendor as soon as they receive the last piece needed. I suggested they join now take orders, kit each order so when the last piece comes in they can ship immediately. Unfortunately they are so damn busy due to race season they don't have time to breathe let alone get ahead of the game.

I have been pushing them to make sure no time is wasted simply because I have another track event this month and I want my suspension finished (finally). With that in mind I am putting the list as I see it so far. Then it can be cut and pasted or what ever is needed. I am in no way affiliated other than same as everybody on the list; I want my toy upgrade!!

The List:
rgd 600/650
tweeter81
caddiyesso
99m3
rp64ctsv
moldowan
Florain
Calicadi
atdeneve
1badcady
Silver Baron
Silver05V
Venomous-V
TXSilverV
ronr
thebigjimshow
KCzV
CASH (?)
SilverV
dannystang
BowenCT
1funV
alcast082
Staxxin
D-Rock
cajunairman
2003RC51
pietroraimondi

Im still but gettin fricken tired!

[Florian]

a no-brainer 15K in business and they want to go racing? (I guess I can understand) but, how can you hold off that kind of money? Open your doors, take the orders and suck it up....


F

[alcast082]

I am sure there are many more that want the kit, some for track events or better handling, others for aesthetic reasons (damn v needs a drop)
ANY HOW WE NEED THEM

[tweeter81]

RGD,

Thanks again for putting this together like this for everybody. But, still one question that was asked before and I don't believe I have seen it answered yet is: Are they going to include the pillow spacer for the rear shocks as this is a pretty integral part and the car would not be successfully lowered if this part is not included with everything else. Let us know.

[Seattle CTS-V]

I'm in too! 500/550.

On a scale of 1-10 how hard is this install for the DIYers??

I installed sport springs on my last Acura. A torque wrench, some sockets and a spring compressor were all I needed for that.

[rgd]

Originally Posted by tweeter81

RGD,

Thanks again for putting this together like this for everybody. But, still one question that was asked before and I don't believe I have seen it answered yet is: Are they going to include the pillow spacer for the rear shocks as this is a pretty integral part and the car would not be successfully lowered if this part is not included with everything else. Let us know.

I am assuming you are talking about the spacer (wldwhl's invention). I don't know, I have QA1 shocks so it is not applicable to me. However Dreamin mentioned something about GC working on some possible fix to the rear shock issue and/or there is always wilwhl. I will check with Dreamin first then GC if he is unsure. I will get an answer one way or the other. May take couple days though.

[wildwhl]

Recipe: Spacers cut by wildwhl

(note: they aren't perfect but work fine)

Ingredients:

wildwhl logs on to www.mcmaster.com and orders several sheets of plastic.

Time to bake - load sheet into laser cutter and return in ~4 hours to see if it is finished.

Quantity - as many as can fit efficiently on 12" x 24" stock.

Time to make ~500 kits - weeks at my pace, but really not that bad if the materials are on hand. Just swap sheets every few hours, providing there is no *paying* work on the lasercutter.

If you guys need them, we'll cut some more. No big deal. I really should sell a bunch to GC in return for a production coilover kit...but I'm too busy as well.

WW

[DILLIGAF]

The list-I'm close to the top,if this list reflects who gets their coilovers first,let me switch with somebody who needs this stuff for the track.Cool?

[blown black caddy]

I'm ready to order also!
500/550 please.

[cash]

rgd-Had ? by me but I am good, I will stick witht he trend and go 500/550.

Are the nivomat shocks the only ones that need the spacers? I am assuming that if I buy some QA1 shocks that this kit will work with them?

[Dreamin]

I believe Dreamin did a typo on those numbers.

The correct spring rate is 500lbs front, 550lbs rear.

a no-brainer 15K in business and they want to go racing?

Supporting racers and race teams... the GC staff is not racing.

However Dreamin mentioned something about GC working on some possible fix to the rear shock issue and/or there is always wilwhl.

rgd, you should check with GC... they are working on their own spacers... but i dont know where they are with them. The initial people may have to go with the WW solution.

Are the nivomat shocks the only ones that need the spacers? I am assuming that if I buy some QA1 shocks that this kit will work with them?

Yes, only nivomats need spacers... The kit is designed to work with stock shocks... it may or may not work with the QA1s. But rgd has QA1s so he'll be the guinea pig.


...well off to Greece for 2 weeks of vacationing... hope the kit is shipping before i get back!!

[MStoehrer]

I hope I'm not to late. If I can get in on this, count me in!

[rgd]

Originally Posted by cash

rgd-Had ? by me but I am good, I will stick witht he trend and go 500/550.

Are the nivomat shocks the only ones that need the spacers? I am assuming that if I buy some QA1 shocks that this kit will work with them?

I am sure the QA1's will work. They are the same size for the sleeve to fit over. I am actually going with 600/650 spring rate. I think the QA1 shocks will handle that rate. If not I can have them re-built or go down in spring rate. The tit will definitely work mechanically though.