Hello fellow 2002 enthusiasts!
It has been a few busy years since I've posted here but I've been dabbling on the 2002 here and there as time has allowed.
Some facts and goals to help with suggestions/corrections. I envision the car to be a weekend/autocross/track day car. Maybe with occasional long weekend trips.
Current Suspension:
- Bilstein Sports all 4 corners
- Korman clubsport suspension (stronger springs that lower the car 1.5 inches, 22 mm front and 19 mm adjustable rear sway bars with poly bushings)
-Old or original rubber everywhere else
-Rota RBs 15x7 et25 with 195/50R15 BFGoodrich G-Force Sports
Current Plan:
-Remove both front (if I can suspend the engine) and rear sub-frames, arms etc
-disassemble, clean, and powder-coat
-replace all but rear sub-frame, diff, and engine bushings with polyurethane
Questions I have:
1. What hardware, if any should be replaced regardless of condition? I've seen the half shaft bolts mentioned in one thread.
2. Bushing recommendations/cautions on poly/not poly in places
3. Any modifications recommended for more adjustment for the rear? Or is this only really important for full on race work?
4. Any reinforcement recommendations (engine mount already reinforced by PO)?
5. The big one, looking for suggestions/thoughts on the front suspension. See pictures below.
How the car looks currently on the ground.
The noticeable difference in caster between the two sides once lifted up.
It equals about an inch of difference in rough wheel base measurements and means the passenger side foot well gets lots of tire rubbing.
I suspect it could be at least in part due to a previous owner not being consistent in washer placement on the tension arms (BTW, which way is correct?).
I'm guessing some is also worn bushings. Would like at least as much caster as the driver's side, if not just a wee bit more.
I also will need more negative camber. I didn't think to measure it before lifting it but I have very little, if any as far as I can recall/see in the pictures. What I've read often suggests camber plates but, you also then need smaller diameter springs/perch to get more than -0.5 ° or so degrees. I have read that Bavaria control arms will help both caster and camber but it is not clear if it does it to the point of making things unbearable on the street.
Hoping for some tips and feedback as I continue to research, disassemble, and figure out the best places to purchase needed components (open to recommendations there too!).
Thank you!