Galah Sessions

[fpv_gtho]

Is that a VP spec FE2? Obviously a VZ spec FE2 would be way too harsh as VZ's would have a fair weight gain over a VP...

Where abouts did you measure the groundclearance to also?

[SlickHolden]

I got that clearance off line. I'm not really sure at all about FE2's in earlier model Holden's.
Do you measure it from the top of the front wheel arch like the pic?
I got a second quote today supply and fit 4 kings springs 35mm low $300,, I like it.
Do you think it's a good idea to lower it first and then do the exhaust after that?.

[fpv_gtho]

Yeah, that way you know exactly how much room youve got to work around the rear axle, and how low you can have the mufflers.

Ground clearance should be between the ground and the lowest point of the car, which could either be part of the exhaust or part of the floor. The drivetrain SHOULD be fairly neatly tucked in. Easiest way to know i suppose would be to crack out the tape measure and see what lines up with 143mm under the car.

Do you know if those springs are any stiffer as well? If you go same stiffness, the car will sit flatter due to the lower centre of gravity and it should ride similar, just a bit worse over larger speed humps and potholes

[SlickHolden]

I don't think anything under the car would come close to 143mm. I think the lowest part is the exhaust pipe from the cat to the middle muffler as the guys that did it are bodgey and they wont see me again.

I'll ask them if they are stiffer then standard, At the moment with 5 in the car i can almost bottom out if i hit a real deep bump in the road, But it never scraps thank god.

I rang up a tyre centre and this guy told me a guy just came in and got 17" rims and wheels on his BMW, His old tyres are Michelin 225/60/R15. About 80% tread and he tells me he will give them to me for $50, I should have asked him what model the BMW was.

[fpv_gtho]

Well 143mm is probably less than the span of your hand, pinky to thumb. But either way, you said a while ago you replaced the springs to stock as the guy you bought it off had cut the springs, so as long as you dont get anything more than 43mm shorter it should be legal

[SlickHolden]

Even thought it's dark i grabbed the torch went out stuck my fat head under the car and got 155mm. the exhaust looks lower but i think it's twisted over a touch and really isn't the lowest part under it, Since it can be set better.
So holden is off Unless the VN-VP came with 14"?? Maybe they did maybe thats how they got 143mm.

[nota]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

So holden is off Unless the VN-VP came with 14"?? Maybe they did maybe thats how they got 143mm.

VN-VP Executives were indeed 14" although Calais has 15" iirc. Btw I like the look of your chaser wheels Slick, imho they look just as mean as mags

I rang up a tyre centre and this guy told me a guy just came in and got 17" rims and wheels on his BMW, His old tyres are Michelin 225/60/R15. About 80% tread and he tells me he will give them to me for $50, I should have asked him what model the BMW was.

$50 per tyre, or for all four? Or do you mean for the wheels as well?!?! Four good 17" Michelins for $50 isn't bad at all - last week I bought 4 new 215 Michelins for $360 and thought I was doing well! Btw I think BMW stud pattern fits Falcon (or used to) but not Holden

[fpv_gtho]

Used to, as in pre EL stud pattern/offset?

[nota]

Originally Posted by fpv_gtho

Used to, as in pre EL stud pattern/offset?

Well there you go, as I didn't even know Ford has changed their stud pattern! Although the ugly offset change to AU is pretty obvious. But yes (although don't take it as gospel) I think the older model Fords share their stud pattern with (older?) BMW, and Valiant, P76, Toyota. Dunno about offsets but I vaguely remember seeing mid-1980s BMW 5-series steels on Ford XD & Toyo HiAce

[fpv_gtho]

Well i'll be careful in saying this, but the stud pattern itself isnt different, but the EF has a narrower offset to the EL, AU and BA...so yeah, just a small difference. You can imagine the best combo then would be EF or previous wheels on an EL onwards, so you get the wider track

It is common though for stud patterns to be shared, so its highly likely that Ford and BMW share, or once shared stud patters. I can tell you for certain they dont work on E36 M3's on account for them not actually having studs, but rather almost bolts instead of wheel nuts....Weird, i know. Especially when trying to change tyres with the car 1m high on a hoist...

[nota]

Originally Posted by fpv_gtho

.. bolts instead of wheel nuts....Weird, i know. Especially when trying to change tyres with the car 1m high on a hoist...

My 1955 VW had bolts holding on those 135x15 on 3" rims . There's probably a very good engineering reason for bolts over studs, but what a pain in the proverbial! Lift the base of the wheel with one arm while you stabilise the top with your forehead, while searching for the thread with your other hand

Those AU steels are pretty ugly, a pity after the previous traditional style chaser with the attractively inset centre. I'll never tire of the deep-dish look - those modern mags with the flush face all look the same after a while

Btw, Ford studs fit Valiants, but the hubs are smaller iirc

[SlickHolden]

Originally Posted by nota

VN-VP Executives were indeed 14" although Calais has 15" iirc. Btw I like the look of your chaser wheels Slick, imho they look just as mean as mags

$50 per tyre, or for all four? Or do you mean for the wheels as well?!?! Four good 17" Michelins for $50 isn't bad at all - last week I bought 4 new 215 Michelins for $360 and thought I was doing well! Btw I think BMW stud pattern fits Falcon (or used to) but not Holden

14" 185? No wonder they got snappy
Yeah thanks. them fronts my brother bought from holden tyre and all $100 each. My backs are old now. So I'm going to grab 2 interceptors from holden $27.50 each and have the BMW's Michelin's tyres fitted maybe. I think he said $50 for back unless he meant $50 each then i might be better off getting something else??. But no rim just tyres 2.
The interceptors are a poor mans mag wheels. But they do look the part.
Like this pic professional lowered by Slick
And it it sits like that i will be very happy with 35mm lowered springs.

[nota]

Stock Execs were (teflon coated>) 195x14" on the 6" rim iirc. I think that car of yours looks good Slick

[SlickHolden]

Thank you
It's got a little Two face to it, that is the good side the other side for some reason isn't as clean. I'm hoping if i grab a new bonnet it's faded rear bumper it's been hit by a trailer (Previous owner Lazy guy) Then it won't be bad at all all over. It's funny i don't like anything red at all, This colour won me, It's when it's sunny it's dark when it's overcast it's bright i love that in the night it's real dark. I'm just glad the body is still straight i got min 12 months to play with it, Or more.

[2ndclasscitizen]

Holy crap, has anyone looked at the Walkinshaw Performance website? They've got blower kits for LS1 AND 2, extractors for both, wheels, suspension, brakes, f'ing everything