I'm an East Bay Dude!
But I'm currently doing time down in the desert near Palm Springs.
My father is ill and needs the help so here we are on the surface of the sun!
Hopefully we'll be back up north soon. I sure do miss the Bay Area!

 

Mixed bag... as it's cool that you are a Bay Area guy, but sad to hear that your pop is not doing well. We experienced some family health matters last year, so I can relate...

At least Palm Springs is not hot... YET! Best to you.

 

Key word: "Yet".
Thanks Tony, very much appreciated. It's one day at a time down here. He's my biggest 'project'.

 

 

You don't play around! Get up early, as you'll have a full day of work with front and rear arms. If you ever considered doing the front sway bar, that would be the time...

Given your enthusiasm, and SCCA participation, I would venture to guess that you are cotemplating the 05/06 gearbox as well.

 

Well I'm running with the Quaif and so far I don't have issues yet with the limited amount of racing/testing I've done so far. The current set-up is working well on road courses and not-so-hot for auto-X courses. That's ok since I much prefer the big tracks over parking lots. By summer I hope to have added a bunch more power so that will force me back to the parts bin once again for suspension/brake upgrades. The never ending stuggle continues...

 

...that it continues is a good thing.

 

Partial install and everything is fine so far.

One point to notice: the wheel speed sensor are of a much larger diameter on the R56...

We still have to install the shocks. Further update to come later.

 

Alain, no photos? Seriosuly, would love to see one or two, when time permits...

EDIT - I see you just added a photo! Thanks.

So, with regard to the larger speed sensor (on the R56), are there any complications because of this?

I'm chomping at the bit to place an order for a pair of these arms, but want to make sure all is good, and the swap is not highly difficult for one person...

If you get the shocks on tomorrow, how soon before you get some track time? After the alignment though...

 

---> Our first race is the first week-end of May. We'll try to test before but that may prove difficult. Especially if we have to leave it at the body shop beforehand....

 

You have about 1 month of prep before the next race, but have other things going on as well... Really appreciate you paving the way here for us!

Hey, I see where you can shed a few more pounds here! It looks like you have H-Sport control arms... and if so, you can lose about 1 to 2 pounds per arm by going with lighter ones (there are a few choices). It looks like you have Alta end links, and their control arms are quite light. Maybe for some reason you don't want Heim joints though...

 

Their name is still on the side of the car Is Jeff reading?

Lightweight roundy round arms also bolt on.

 

I never really see Jeff (Perrin) in this area, but I'm sure he's watching! Looking forward to your next update on these trailing arms... and your next race!

 

OK, where were we?

Wheel speed sensor: different length and diameter. The GP uses the same one as any R50/52/53 so I guess we just found out one of the main difference between a GP and an R56 trailing arm, apart from the price....

We could probably machine an insert that could fille the void, but we're starting to run out of time. So we'll order a set of R56. Hope they use the same type of signal.... Anyone with an R56 that feels like opening the connector to check the number of wires?

 

Note the lower bolt's length. We used to have a spacer between the arm and the shock, for clearance of the spring perch at the bottom. We no longer need it. So I guess there's a bit more clearance on the other side.

 

Alain, might want to go in the R56 portion of NAM, suspension, and ask there to get the visibility you'll want.... I'm putting linear springs on the fronts of my PSS9's as I type!

 

Notice the funky locator nut for the lower control arm.

Make sure you have all the right hardware!

 

You must have more fingers than I do.....

 

Upper control arm hardware...

 

Hey J Propane,

I noticed you replaced your caliper bushings...

Where did you buy your kit?

Your bronze bushings seem to fit better than the onces I bought from Tuner Motorsports. Mine are about .25" too long so bushings move in the caliper.

 

Try Coopersport.ca/Coopersport.com !

 

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ODUCT_ID=CBMW1

http://tyrolsport.com/mini.htm

Many of the NAM vendors can get them for you. I recomend Way Motor Works (www.waymotorworks.com). Waylen's a good guy and always very helpful. Just give him a call.

 

Finally started the project Saturday.

Project:
R&R rear control arms w/R56 alloy arms.
R&R front control arms w/Madness lightweight arms.
Install Alta PSRS.
Net weight loss should be approx. 20lbs + a much tighter ship!

Car will be down all week but hope to have it back on all 4s by next week.
Thanks to JP paving the way, hopefully we don't run into too many snags.
I'll try to post some pics along the way.

 

Mini Fireman,

Please don't suggest the bushings from Tuner Motorsports- I have those & they really don't fit our calipers (too long). I'd like people to learn from my experience with that product ; )

 

Everythings done!
The Madness front A-Arms installed with out any fuss and they are gorgeous!
I can't wait to throw her into a cornor sideways and feel the 'madness'

The rear trailing arms are on and I'm waiting for 4 stupid bolts from the dealer. Should have them in my hands on tues. and then she'll be rolling on all 4s again. Sorry no pix as I've been up to my eyeballs in grease
Oh so very close. Stay tuned!