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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 05-03-2006, 07:27 PM
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Default Lowering An ERA FIA

Hello,

As I had mentioned during a phone conversation with Peter earlier this week, I recently purchased ERA FIA #2022.

I am wondering if someone could possibly give me advice on lowering the front of the car. I am assuming that the coil overs can be adjusted to drop the ride height, however does this mean that we will need to shim the upper A arm to reset the camber? If so, is there any way to avoid having to use an excessive number of the individual shims?

Thank You!

Last edited by Lindy; 05-03-2006 at 08:43 PM..
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Old 05-03-2006, 09:27 PM
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Use the multiple shims initially to set it where you want and to get the alignment right, then have all the shims heliarcd around the perimiter or machine some blocks of metal or short pieces of round stock with holes in them for the bolts to pass through to achieve the desired thickness.
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Last edited by Rick Parker; 05-03-2006 at 09:42 PM..
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Old 05-03-2006, 09:44 PM
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Are you trying to custom lower it or just drop it down a bit?
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Old 05-04-2006, 04:28 AM
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Camber will change about 3/4 degree for each inch lowered. That's about .15" of shims.
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Old 05-04-2006, 08:33 AM
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Thank you for the responses.

- Hyde, I am trying to lower the front, as it sits too high and there is a great deal of gap between the top of the tire and the lip of the wheel arch. The rear is close to where I want it.
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Old 05-04-2006, 09:11 AM
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As Bob has mentioned to me previously, the fia cars had that high stance. I want taller tires in the rear next time around to fill more of that gap but my fronts seem to fit pretty well(to my eye anyway ) Tire sizes seem to make a big difference in appearance before & after ajustments. Here are some vintage & modern examples




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Old 05-04-2006, 09:14 AM
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TP-
Great pic of your car- it looks very nice!
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Old 05-04-2006, 09:18 AM
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Thanks, Getting the top fitted monday. Hoping to get it out for some "good" pics at somepoint after that.
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Old 05-04-2006, 09:37 AM
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TP,

Thank you for the pictures and the advice regarding tire size.

BTW - very mean looking car! I have been fortunate enough to have ridden in one of the original FIA's, and yours really captures that early look nicely.

Lindy
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Old 05-10-2006, 11:56 AM
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Default Tires

I have done a number of searches on this board and see that this subject has been covered, however is there an optimum tire brand/size for use specifically with an ERA/FIA that is primarily a street car?

I am converting from PSE's to Trigo FIA wheels (on their way), and was planning on 275/60 for the rears and 235/60's for the fronts.

Sorry for all of the questions, however I am trying to do this right the first time.

Thanks!
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Old 05-10-2006, 12:48 PM
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The manual states
Front Max Dia 26.5" Min Dia 24.5" Width max 275mm

Rear Max Dia 26.4" Min Dia 25.2" Width Max 315mm

I found this a little tough to research without a lot of converting & some of the dimentions are tough to meet in certain tires.
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Old 05-10-2006, 12:59 PM
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235/60x15 fronts and 295/50x15 rears
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Old 05-11-2006, 06:00 AM
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Thank you.
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Old 05-14-2006, 09:12 AM
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- Sorry for all of the questions, however I am attempting to get the car set up correctly and am completely new to this suspension.

I have lowered the front, however it seems that there is very limitted adjustment in the rear (ERA Jaguar). Is there a way to lower the rear without adding excessive negative camber?

Thank You!
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Old 05-14-2006, 09:18 AM
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I'm not sure about how much travel you have before -camber but my coil overs are adjusted about as low as they will go. I was told that a shorter pring length will give me some more adjustment. I'm choosing to say where I am for now. I'm thinking I'll go with a little taller tire next time around.
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Old 05-14-2006, 09:35 AM
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Hyde,

So you are adjusting the rear with the coil overs only?

I read in the ERA manual that there was a place to shim the rear behind the inboard calipers, however the car is up on the lift in my garage and it doesn't look like that would work.
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Old 05-14-2006, 10:13 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lindy
- ...
I have lowered the front, however it seems that there is very limitted adjustment in the rear (ERA Jaguar). Is there a way to lower the rear without adding excessive negative camber?
Thank You!
The camber is adjustable with shims between the inner axle flange and the rotor. (Number 22 here.)

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Old 05-14-2006, 03:31 PM
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My tires are pretty short & the car sits pretty low. I didn't see any reasone to go to an more drastic measures when taller tires will be in my future.
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Old 05-14-2006, 05:33 PM
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off topic- why have you re-registered and changed your handle??? just curious!
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Old 05-14-2006, 06:36 PM
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I was having some weird log in issues since the big crash on my home computer only & only for this forum. All seems better now, guess I get a fresh start
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