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Help with suspension

997 views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  saabtrix 
#1 ·
I haven't been able to get my mind off how much I want coilovers. I know there are others out there working on adapting aftermarket coilovers to fit the 9000, but now I'm thinking of maybe trying to build my own, so I'm trying to do as much research as possible. I was reading through this forum http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/handling-tech/307362-build-your-own-koni-coilovers-2.html (the link was previously posted on this page http://saablink.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50777) and was wondering if this idea could be adapted to the 9000. However, I'm too cheap to go with the Konis, so what I'm wondering is if there is a way to modify a strut assembly to get rid of the spring perch, and replace it with a coilover sleeve? I have almost brand new Bilstein shocks and struts, so I could save a chunk of money if I could just modify them.

Next question is about the upper mount the guy developed here http://farnorthracing.com/autocross/konis.html Would this also be adaptable to the 9k? I have heard of 9000 mounts blowing out under the strain of aftermarket suspension, and I was thinking this could potentially be the answer and worth trying out. I have a buddy who works at CADcut, so I might be able to pull something off.

Please help me out, I appreciate the insight.
 
#2 ·
my 2 cents - leave coilovers to the aftermarket companies. They actually put in time and have actual engineers developing these setups. Piecing a setup together is going to be a hassle, and will most likely make your car handle a lot worse.

sorry to be so discouraging, just telling it like it is. If you really want a coilover setup, just sell yours and buy a VW or honda.
 
#3 ·
The far north racing page coilovers look pretty decent. I would guess you would need to get the upper mount plate fabricated for the saab and some mounting bracket to connect to the wheel hub. Im pretty sure theres some complex math behind calculating which springs to put according to your weight and other stuff like that, thats were I'd get worried. Other than that the machining and everything else seems pretty doable.
 
#4 ·
Yeah I figured i'd basically use the same design he posted for the upper mount plate, except redrill it to fit the 9k. As for the hub bracket, that's why I was wondering about simply modifying an existing strut by removing the plate the spring sits on, but thereby leaving the lower bracket. I know there are calculators out there for the spring weights and such, and I figured I'd post here in case anyone had already done some research, or tested any professional coilovers. Thanks for the input!
 
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