[Jazzbass]

Just picked my car up from Dulles after getting the obligitory "I just ripped my entire suspension out and spent way too much money replacing all of the worn parts" 4 wheel alignment. After way too damn long in the garage, I'm driving again!

For those not familiar with me and my OCD personally, what started as getting new tires for my car (seriously) in April turned into:

- New ES100s - 225/45 front and 245/45 rear
- New Bilstien HDs all around
- 21mm/28mm Torsion bars
- Lowering to 24.75 rear/24.75 front (lower profile tires in the front)
- Elephant bushing front/rear
- New front wheel bearings
- New Euro H4s with all new wiring and OEM style relays
- New windshield
- New headliner (black)
- New dashboard (also black)
- Rust repair on windshield and front fender/body seams
- Complete removal and blocking of A/C components
- Stylianos shift coupler bushings
- Sheet metal to deflect air through oil cooler when right fog light is removed a la Tony Kelly.
- Moved horn to left fender well
- Removed 8 liter windsheild washer bottle.

While its on the road, it still looks like complete crap. I have a laundry list of things to do to complete the renovation, including:

- Install the new RS carpeting
- Install new door panels and other new black interior components
- Reinstall windsheild and rear window correctly (don't ask)
- Install new 1 liter windsheld washer bottle.
- Paint and install headlight trim rings.
- Paint and install Carrera tail and decklid
- Paint and install rear bumper with new Euro bumper pads

Fortunately all of this stuff can be done without taking the car out of commision for more than a day or so. While I hated missing this summer's driving season to do all this, it was fun doing the work and spending time with my son in the process.

[cmartin]

Good work Chris. I know the feeling of that first drive after an overhaul. Way to represent MD.

[Jazzbass]

BTW, here is the car back in June at the height of disassembly:

[Steelspine]

Overlooking the disassebled part, I can't wait for my car to "look like crap" as long as the definition equals your picture.

[}{arlequin]

Nice job Chris. Luckily, all you've got left is the cosmetic stuff. Requires nothing but patience LOL

[William Miller]

Well.... How's it ride?

[Jazzbass]

The ride is good, for as much as I've driven it. I was out of town all weekend and have been dealing with a bad alternator that has kept me off the road this week. On the few drives I've gone on, the biggest issue right now is a little rubbing on both front wheels (the left wheel is the worst). I can see where its rubbing, and now need to either get the fenders rolled or trim the inside lip a little to eliminate the rubbing. I'm leaning toward the latter, to reduce the risk of paint damage.

[Jim Richards]

Dulles has "issues" with more than the factory spec on neg. camber to make things fit, even for a car used on the track. I made the mistake of taking Dino to them for an alignment and they took out most of the camber I intentionally put in as part of my home-alignment. I was on the track the next day and ended up ruining a pair of rear tires. They'll never see my car again.

[Mackpipes]

Chris,
I have rubbing issues as well on my front left under extreme load. If you trim the lip (what I did) make sure you treat the exposed edge. Por-15 or even rustolium (sp). Are you still running the 951 8's up front? If so you my wan't to look into some 7's. I'm running 7's with 205/55's and still have rubbing, but it's because I'm too damn low.

[APKhaos]

You should be able to run 225s on 7x16s in front with no problems, with fairly low ride height and staying within the limits of stock camber adjustment. Definitely requires fender rolling or shaving, anr it WILL rub on the inside of the fender at full lock. This situation never happens on track, and really only happens during U turn on the road, so always low speed and not a major issue.