2002 modifications-channeling

[Guest Anonymous]

Has anyone in this country "channeled" a 2002, that is, lower the body over the front and rear subframes?

I am interested in this because, when I worked for the state department in Madrid, about a lilometer from Atocha train station, I knew an Italian man who had a small carozzeria in which he would do this to lower a car like American hotrodders would. He appeared to be of independent means as he was usually chain smoking Gitanes and working on his own vehicles. He loved Hillman Imps and ALfa Giulias. He did have an early 1600-2 in there he was working on. This was the early 1970's.

It would seem like a good way to lower the center of mass.

I would be interested in photos if they exist.

Kindest Regards,

George P.

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

Would they clear the hood? I am certain a 2002tii fuel injection plenum would contact the underside of the hood.

Would this provide a weight distribution advantage? Since moving to the states, I have not seen this done and I think it may have some advantages.

Kindest Regards,

George P.

[Guest Anonymous]

for not a lot of gain. There are much easier and cheaper ways to make a 2002 handle well. The only way I could see doing this is for looks, while maintaining suspension travel.

[Guest Anonymous]

Maybe you are correct, you make some educated points, but its worth some investigation perhaps. I do plan to do all of the "usual" things to get my 02 to handle and brake well and would imagine that to get the maximum performance maybe this, coupled with placing the engine closer to the subframe would "compact" the whole setup.

Cost is no problem with this, I think I found a shop in the Northeast near my home that can do the work to the standard I require.

I should probably investigate titanium skidplates too!

Kindest Regards,

George P.

[Guest Anonymous]

Off the top of my head, here's some major issues with your idea:

• Will have fabricate a taller transmission/driveshaft tunnel, and move the transmission and driveshaft mounts up on the car.

This will probably result in having to have custom carpeting, and will render normal front and rear seat mounts unusable

Distributor is highest point on engine, deal with this in some way

Must raise the shock towers the correct amount

Front frame rails must be modified in such a way that the subframe can be raised.

Use shorter struts, so they don't hit the hood.

Move rear subframe mounts and differential mounts up in the car.

I'm sure there's many things I am leaving out, as well.

What would you be using this car for? That's a crazy amount of modification for the street, and any racing class that would allow this would also allow a tube frame with a better designed suspension to be used.

[Guest Anonymous]

I am impressed by the thought you've put in! You seem very knowledgeable and brought up several points I did not consider. I will bring them up with the shop.

Moving the rear suspension up the same amount would mean clearance issues with the floorpan area above the rear suspension arm mounts, this would have to be addressed I imagine.

Would the shorter Volkswagen Rabbit struts work? Or would it make sense to move the spring perch downward to allow for use of a stock spring?

Kindest Regards,

George P.

[Guest Anonymous]

URL: http://www.terrysaytherauto.com/Frankenbimmer.htm

See link.

[Guest Anonymous]

While you're redoing the entire floor pan you 'might as well!' (Those three words have gotten many into lots of trouble.)

[Guest Anonymous]

You can get a 2002 very low without this major surgery, look at Steve K's car for instance. I'm sure he can't lower it anymore, or the body will hit the ground on minor bumps. Consider what you are proposing - you will likely end up with the body at the same height as on Steve's car (or similar). If the body is at the same height, but the subframes, engine, and other heavy mechanical bits are moved upwards, your center of gravity will be HIGHER than if the car is lowered in a more conventional manner.

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

is it possible to just lower the engine a few inches and modify the oil pan/pump set up to allow for this?

[Guest Anonymous]

...pushed three inches or so toward the rear of the car (Volvos, not BMWs). Motor mounts are relocated, the drive shaft gets shortened and I suspect that the firewall/transmission tunnel has a few mods as well.

This changes the front/rear weight distribution and could have some handling advantages. Might just as good or even better than "channeling."

Delia