UMI Performance Suspension Over Haul - 1999 SS - Lots of pics!
06-09-2015, 08:40 AM
#181
Improved racing makes a cooler kit using top quality BMRS lines and a mocal cooler. I can't comment on that product because I have a Ron Davis radiator with an integrated oil cooler.
I vote for anything but konis. There needs to be an option for more serious guys, like Penske/JRI/Ridetch. There are wayyyyyy better choices out there than Koni, unless you are talking about their racing products, and not the stock replacement style parts.
I vote for anything but konis. There needs to be an option for more serious guys, like Penske/JRI/Ridetch. There are wayyyyyy better choices out there than Koni, unless you are talking about their racing products, and not the stock replacement style parts.
06-09-2015, 11:14 AM
#182
Well I suggested the Strano/Koni (or something similar) setup because as an advertisement car, it will appeal to the majority of guys autocrossing/RRing a Fbody. And there are not a lot of "serious" fbody racing guys on here that will pony up the money for Penske/JRI. Yes there are a few that I see are on FRRAX. I would see those guys (like yourself) a little more serious than the average joe (like myself getting into racing).
I guess it depends on the goals of the car from a UMI business case as well as the car's personal owner to figure it out.
I guess it depends on the goals of the car from a UMI business case as well as the car's personal owner to figure it out.
06-09-2015, 11:36 AM
#183
Improved racing makes a cooler kit using top quality BMRS lines and a mocal cooler. I can't comment on that product because I have a Ron Davis radiator with an integrated oil cooler.
I vote for anything but konis. There needs to be an option for more serious guys, like Penske/JRI/Ridetch. There are wayyyyyy better choices out there than Koni, unless you are talking about their racing products, and not the stock replacement style parts.
I vote for anything but konis. There needs to be an option for more serious guys, like Penske/JRI/Ridetch. There are wayyyyyy better choices out there than Koni, unless you are talking about their racing products, and not the stock replacement style parts.
06-09-2015, 11:43 AM
#184
Exactly, there needs to be more options. The Koni/strano setup doesn't work for everyone. Also, if you compared buying a set of konis, and all the associated hardware to turn them into coil-overs, you are potentially getting into the territory of a much better quality shock.
Just to give an example of why there needs to be more options. My car is Koni DA with 650/275 springs. A friends car has Penske shocks with 1000/450 springs. Even with springs that stiff, his car is more compliant over bumps, and because of that ultimately handles better because of the proper dampers.
If UMI were to properly implement something like a 30series shock from Koni, there would be great benefits for those whom push the cars a little harder.
Just to give an example of why there needs to be more options. My car is Koni DA with 650/275 springs. A friends car has Penske shocks with 1000/450 springs. Even with springs that stiff, his car is more compliant over bumps, and because of that ultimately handles better because of the proper dampers.
If UMI were to properly implement something like a 30series shock from Koni, there would be great benefits for those whom push the cars a little harder.
06-09-2015, 11:51 AM
#185
I don't want to stir the pot (ok, maybe I do). Our current shock offerings are not always going to be our only shock offerings. Something special may be in the works. We are doing a lot of auto-x and road racing and learning a ton...
06-09-2015, 12:18 PM
#186
There are a few guys out there with the setup. We just need to get more on the track to show what they're really capable of. The 4th gens that are running our coilover setup can really stick to the track and put down some good times!
+1, there are different setups for different situations. Different spring rates, valve codes, multiple adjustments, etc. will make a world of difference for different driving styles. Suspension can get very expensive, even if you're trying to go a little cheaper of a route, and working your way up. It's one thing that you only want to do once, no doubt 
.
Exactly, there needs to be more options. The Koni/strano setup doesn't work for everyone. Also, if you compared buying a set of konis, and all the associated hardware to turn them into coil-overs, you are potentially getting into the territory of a much better quality shock.
.
06-09-2015, 12:19 PM
#187
If you need another test subject, let me know as I am looking to move away from Koni, and my car is only used for HPDE and autocross.
06-09-2015, 12:39 PM
#188
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Ft. Wayne, IN
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm up for a guinea pig for ridetech shocks. My options - koni+strano+all new mounts = $725. For the front anyways. Ridetech single adjustable - $800 and cones with a custom spring rate spring and gets rid of buying new mounts. Hmmmmmm my scenario is interesting and I plan on doing my front shocks in a couple months...
06-09-2015, 01:03 PM
#189
There are a few guys out there with the setup. We just need to get more on the track to show what they're really capable of. The 4th gens that are running our coilover setup can really stick to the track and put down some good times!
+1, there are different setups for different situations. Different spring rates, valve codes, multiple adjustments, etc. will make a world of difference for different driving styles. Suspension can get very expensive, even if you're trying to go a little cheaper of a route, and working your way up. It's one thing that you only want to do once, no doubt.
+1, there are different setups for different situations. Different spring rates, valve codes, multiple adjustments, etc. will make a world of difference for different driving styles. Suspension can get very expensive, even if you're trying to go a little cheaper of a route, and working your way up. It's one thing that you only want to do once, no doubt
.
06-10-2015, 05:11 PM
#192
12 Second Club
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Bucks County, Pa.
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
But my guess is that most of the f bodies on this site (and anywhere for that matter) are only worth (Blue Book) TOTAL about half of the cost of one of those (above mentioned) set ups at best, even the low mileage ones in PERFECT condition.
06-15-2015, 08:44 AM
#193
Okay I have some engine updates. We are pushing to have this car running by the end of this week.
We got with Beau at Texas Speed to source a 383 stroker kit. We ended up with a forged TSP crank, Compstar rods and Wiseco pistons. Conklin Racing Engines is clearancing the block for the stroker kit and test fitting all the components. We'll finish assembly here at UMI and install the AFR215's and Comp XER281HR cam. For improved oil control we'll be using a TSP ported high pressure pump and Improved Racing's road race pan baffle.
We got with Beau at Texas Speed to source a 383 stroker kit. We ended up with a forged TSP crank, Compstar rods and Wiseco pistons. Conklin Racing Engines is clearancing the block for the stroker kit and test fitting all the components. We'll finish assembly here at UMI and install the AFR215's and Comp XER281HR cam. For improved oil control we'll be using a TSP ported high pressure pump and Improved Racing's road race pan baffle.
06-17-2015, 01:24 PM
#197
Great. Thank You, I was seeing 220+ in my 95 LT1...come to find out the whole radiator was plugged up with god knows what.
Aluminum radiator and EWP on their way. Looking forward to beating on it and not worry about water temps.
Aluminum radiator and EWP on their way. Looking forward to beating on it and not worry about water temps.
06-17-2015, 04:00 PM
#198
12 Second Club
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Bucks County, Pa.
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I spoke to Lee Grimes (at Koni), AND a tech at TrueChoice (Koni race and street shock rebuilders/revalvers), they claimed that the front double adjustable yellow sports for the 4th gens are only good for a MAX of about a 650# spring, and they said that was maybe marginal depending on the rest of the set up/weight/etc.
They also said it was more the sport's rebound max setting that could not handle the higher spring rates than the compression max setting.
06-18-2015, 08:17 AM
#199
06-18-2015, 08:19 AM
#200
Engine is coming together nicely, we hope to fire it later today or tomorrow. The Improved Racing baffle that 79 T/A recommended is in and looks good... this will help a lot with oil starvation. A cooler will be in the near future before we hit any more big tracks. We will also be running Brad Penn 20w50 to prevent the oil from breaking down as it gets hot. This may sacrifice a few horsepower but will be worth it.
