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| - | Coilover springs can be fitted to front of the Datsun 1200. Or to the rear of sedans (but not coupes). | + | Coilover springs can be fitted to the Datsun 1200, replacing the front coils springs. In the rear they can supplement the leaf springs. One advantage of coilovers is that many spring rates are available for customizing. |
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| + | [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=10666 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/10666.jpg] | ||
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| + | = Front = | ||
| + | An advantage of coilovers on the front is that they are small-diameter. This mean you can move the strut top further to gain addition negative camber. | ||
| + | * Stock springs: 110mm (4.33 in) | ||
| + | * Coilovers: 2 in | ||
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| + | The Datsun 1200 strut housing is [[Strut Specification|45 mm diameter]] (many other Datsun are 50.8 mm). | ||
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| + | Stock strut inserts have a 17mm stroke. | ||
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| + | The better coilovers actually have the thread for the top cap on the inside of the threaded sleeves. This way you just have to cut the strut to the length you want and then weld the threaded sleeves on and the cap screws into the top of the sleeve. They also have a turned step on the inside of them where the threaded sleeve rests on the top of the strut body. This way no load is supported simply by a weld. | ||
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| + | Remember that the stock spring rate is 91 pounds/inch, so 250 pound springs will result in a very stiff ride, suitable for track racing with a lowered car. Not recommended for bumpy surfaces such as public streets or off-pavement racing. For street use, consider 175 pounds the upper limit. | ||
| [[Parts Sources|Ground Control]] has fully adjustable coilover struts, for $199 USD a pair. See [http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=20569&forum=1 stiffer suspension] | [[Parts Sources|Ground Control]] has fully adjustable coilover struts, for $199 USD a pair. See [http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=20569&forum=1 stiffer suspension] | ||
| + | * [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=9194 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/9194.jpg] Coilover kit from Ground Control | ||
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| + | [http://www.paradiseracing.com/SCcoiloverkits.htm Paradise Racing] has front coilovers for Datsun 1200: Part Number DATF $175. Their softest spring rate (250 pounds) is suitable for racing. | ||
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| + | = Rear = | ||
| + | Coilovers can be easily fitted to the rear of sedans, and less easily to coupes). Some modifications to the shock tower are needed. | ||
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| + | One idea is to remove all the leaf springs except the main leaf. The main leaf is left to control placement of the axle housing. The coilovers handle most of the weight of the rear suspension. | ||
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| + | [http://www.paradiseracing.com/SCcoiloverkits.htm Paradise Racing] has rear coilovers for Datsun 1200: Part Number DATNAR $349 for non-adjustable, and DATR $499 for 12-position (soft to firm) units. Their softest spring rate (250 pounds) is suitable for racing. | ||
| - | [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=9194 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/9194.jpg] Coilover kit from Ground Control | ||
Revision as of 19:37, 17 May 2008
Coilover springs can be fitted to the Datsun 1200, replacing the front coils springs. In the rear they can supplement the leaf springs. One advantage of coilovers is that many spring rates are available for customizing.
Front
An advantage of coilovers on the front is that they are small-diameter. This mean you can move the strut top further to gain addition negative camber.
- Stock springs: 110mm (4.33 in)
- Coilovers: 2 in
The Datsun 1200 strut housing is 45 mm diameter (many other Datsun are 50.8 mm).
Stock strut inserts have a 17mm stroke.
The better coilovers actually have the thread for the top cap on the inside of the threaded sleeves. This way you just have to cut the strut to the length you want and then weld the threaded sleeves on and the cap screws into the top of the sleeve. They also have a turned step on the inside of them where the threaded sleeve rests on the top of the strut body. This way no load is supported simply by a weld.
Remember that the stock spring rate is 91 pounds/inch, so 250 pound springs will result in a very stiff ride, suitable for track racing with a lowered car. Not recommended for bumpy surfaces such as public streets or off-pavement racing. For street use, consider 175 pounds the upper limit.
Ground Control has fully adjustable coilover struts, for $199 USD a pair. See stiffer suspension
-
Coilover kit from Ground Control
Paradise Racing has front coilovers for Datsun 1200: Part Number DATF $175. Their softest spring rate (250 pounds) is suitable for racing.
Rear
Coilovers can be easily fitted to the rear of sedans, and less easily to coupes). Some modifications to the shock tower are needed.
One idea is to remove all the leaf springs except the main leaf. The main leaf is left to control placement of the axle housing. The coilovers handle most of the weight of the rear suspension.
Paradise Racing has rear coilovers for Datsun 1200: Part Number DATNAR $349 for non-adjustable, and DATR $499 for 12-position (soft to firm) units. Their softest spring rate (250 pounds) is suitable for racing.
Budget Springs
Instead of buying new, 2" diameter expensive springs, re-use your existing ones by using BMW removable spring seats:
reference: removable spring seat