Well it finally got warm and i installed the suspension components.
Front
-Bilstein struts re-valved (or custom ordered) by Steinmetz
-Steinmetz lowering springs (i believe might be eibach)
-Steinmetz (made by OZ) rims 18X8.5 +30mm offset
-Continental contisportcontact 235/40ZR18
Rear
-Omega V8 station wagon Shocks, unfortunately the rear Steinmetz shocks were bent. The air ride is still functional
-Steinmetz rear springs
-Steinmetz 18X10 +31mm offset
-continental contisportcontact 265/35ZR18
The suspension and rims are from the orange GM/Steinmetz Catera Prototype
The road manners: Unfortunately the sport suspension i removed was very old and worn out so i can only compare to my memory of how the car was when i got it. it seems the new suspension is only slightly stiffer then sport but it has reduced body role giving more confidence through long fast curves. Friends who have been in the car were pleasantly surprised that their teeth were not shattered.
All in all i think this suspension is perfect for the daily driver who on occasion likes to drive spiritedly.
Unfortunately Steinmetz has discontinued the suspension package however there is still hope. I believe if you get the bilstein struts/shocks and eibach springs (still available) it would probably match the Steinmetz kit very closely.
V8 conversion update:
I bought a bunch of the 'little items that add up' things like a gasket kit for the engine (cam swap essentials), corvette fuel filter/pressure regulator, oil pick up tube and some other stuff. On my next trip to the US i'll be going to jegs to pickup a few goodies and then i'll be ready to put the cam into the motor.
I also bought some 6061 aluminum and brought it to a friend of a friend who has a small machine shop, so i should have my caliper brackets soon.
If all goes well about middle of may i will be tying out some ideas for bushings and swaybars, my ideas are very cost effective and much better then stock (should also last longer and be wayyyyyyyy cheaper to rebuild if you still have the car in 20 years lol)
Anyways I’ll stop blabbering and show you some pictures
Front Struts and springs
Less coils = stiffer
Rear springs
Smaller diameter = stiffer
Both my factory coils broke on the small bottom coil, i believe it to be because the coil thickness thins out towards the bottom and can’t cope with the forces over many years. The steinmetz coil i have has the same thickness throughout, should last many years.
