Upgrading my GTII to GTX suspension & bush upgrade

[Junglist]

I'm getting a GTX suspension set up to replace my standard stuff with. I'm gonna get new springs while I'm at it - the GMax ones Mark's selling probably. I'm presuming the actual struts are different on a GTX, not just the springs. I know they're 25mm lower. Can someone confirm this please? I doubt I'll be using the springs I get with the set-up so if the struts are the same I'm paying for nothing.

The GMax springs are 40mm lower which I'm concerned might drop the car too low - I've got big wheels on (16") so I was thinking maybe there's some kind of spacer I could fit - maybe 10mm? Is there? Or if not, will I get away with a 40mm drop anyway as the extra spring stiffness will compensate for the height reduction?

Or does someone want to tell me to scrap all the above plans and do something completely different? My budget's £100.

While I'm at it, I plan to fit flo-flex poly bushes to the rear all round and new rubber bushes to the front all round. I get the impression this is the best way to upgrade the bushes. Anyone wish to confirm this also?

Thanks for any forthcoming assistance everyone.

Nice one.

[eefy]

How do amte, the easiest way to check would be to put your front wheels on mine and we'll take it for a drive!!!!!! if they rub, 40mm is too much, job done lol

[Junglist]

That's helpful mate. I'll take you up on that. Thanks.

I still want someone to confirm that gtx struts are different to standard ones or if it's just the springs themselves that differ.

[filmidget]

GTX struts will be dimensionally no different to those of GT/GT2/etc.

Dampers may in theory have different rates (though I doubt it) but if the stuff is second hand it could be anything in any state.

Springs should be different but I don't know what rate/length difference would have been originally (two-blob paint code on each spring, probably long gone), but again we are talking 20-25 year old stuff - springs sag, of even be replaced with who-knows-what due to corrosion/breakage.

40mm drop with 16"ers? Sorry, pass.

40mm drop springs and secondhand dampers? Not a great idea.

[Junglist]

10mm spacers then? Reducing the drop to 30mm? Do they exist? That way they'd only be 5mm lower than gtx suspension as standard. And a little stiffer too i'd imagine, so probably a bit safer. What do you reckon? Or have i just made these spacers up in my head.

[ianaudia4]

10mm spacers, don't forget you will need new longer wheel bolts, roughly £30 mate!

[Junglist]

I'm on about spacers on the springs so they don't lower it quite as much. Not wheel spacers. Perhaps spring spacers don't exist. I'm sure i could get some fabricated though. They'd only need to be like massive washers.

[stu.gtx]

Spring spacers???? Massive washers???? How will that work?

You can get spring assisters that people use when towing caravans but they're only for the rear I think.

If you have 16" wheels they should be ok with a 40mm drop as long as the tyres are the correct aspect ratio to give the same circumference as originals eg 185/60/14 - 195/50/15 - 205/40/16. As long as they don't have a daft offset of course. You'll probably find the ride is harsh if you have low profile 16's though. I noticed quite a difference going from 50 profiles to 60's.

[Junglist]

Yeah evidence is beginning to suggest that a 40mm drop will easily be acommodated. That's that sorted.

Now, can someone tell me if gtx struts are stiffer than standard ones? Cheers.

[stu.gtx]

Euro has the shocks listed as the same part number. This would suggest the only difference is the springs.
If it was me I'd probably replace the shocks for new items. New shocks make quite a difference to handling when compared with worn ones. Gas shocks normally give a slightly harsh ride compared to oil in my experience. When you have the strut in bits you can check the shock condition. Also worth checking the top mounts and bump stops. I know it's an extra expense but you don't want to be putting knackered parts back on the car, only to have to replace them later.

[Junglist]

Bugger. That's not the news i was hoping for. I can't afford new struts on my budget unfortunately. I was planning on getting bump stops and top mounts anyway in poly if i can afford it. I can get the poly full rear kit which includes top mounts but i'd have to see if i can afford to also buy front poly top mounts and 4 poly bump stops (apparently rubber ones can be dodgy when lowered) once i've paid for the full front set of rubber bushes. Unless poly top mounts will harden the ride too much at the front. I haven't got a price on the front rubber kit yet so i don't know what money i've got left.

[Funky Diver]

Top mounts don't work out too expensive and they make a WORLD of difference with new on!

[stu.gtx]

You should just be able to change the shock insert, you don't need to replace the whole strut.
As for polybushing it gets expensive and to me it's an expense only worth doing on a track car. If your bushes are worn then replacing with new rubber items should make a good difference.
I've used rubber bump stops on my car and had no probs. Remember the bump stops should only come into play under extreme conditions (like massive pot-holes), unless your car is exessively low

[Junglist]

What's the best place to get a full rubber bush kit? I want to compare price with poly because if it's a matter of an extra £20 to bush the rear in poly, i reckon it's worth it. I'm doing the front in rubber anyway as i hear it's too harsh in poly. If it's more than £20, i'll stick with rubber on the rear too. I'll take your advice on the bump stops and go with rubber though. I just need to know the best place for quality rubber bushes. And a ball park price would be helpful info if anyone knows.

[eefy]

That's helpful mate. I'll take you up on that. Thanks.

I still want someone to confirm that gtx struts are different to standard ones or if it's just the springs themselves that differ.

no probs mate just let me know when you want to do it :)