Headers should be in tomorrow, GT40P heads are cleaned and ready for installation, Torker 289 is purchased, column-shift linkage is all removed, side pipes and all exhaust are removed (TL, they will go back on after headers are installed ), and I figured that since I will have to pull the headers off to get to the plugs, I better do the cutting of the shock towers while the heads are off, and I have room to work. Pictures show the first cut. I only gained about 1-1/2 inches on this side. That is a lot of room, but I am thinking I can reinstall the coil spring and measure at the bottom, and take a little more off without interrupting the spring. I would like to lose at least 2" per side. Any suggestions? Scott
From what I can make out in the first pic, looks like you have cut way to far back on the tower. When installing your cover plate, looks as though it will interfere with the spring and more importantly, the travel on the control arm. If the spring will clear, you may be able to "step" the bottom to allow some travel. Eye sight is not as good as it was and maybe the picture is decieving me though.
I was given the suggestions to cut starting 3/8 to 1/2 inch inside of the bracket that holds the top of the shock. So I drilled a hole and stuck a screwdriver in there, and had a good 1/2" clearance before I hit the spring, minus what I was going to cut. Then straight down from there. It came out to about 1-3/4" at the bottom. I haven't put the spring back in, since it took a couple of hours to cut that out (notice what kind of cutter I am using?) and I was too hot, sweaty, and tired to put it back in. But others have said they got at least 2" clearance at the bottom. I was under the impression that I didn't cut enough! I will reinstall the spring tomorrow if I get the time, and see where I am at. If I have to, I can take the plate that goes on there, cut it in half down the middle, and install it folded back on itself, making a slight angle pointing into the engine bay. It would be stronger that way anyway, as opposed to 1 straight flat piece. Anyone else think I went to far? I did one and left the other intact, so I wouldn't make any mistakes TWICE
here is what kind of clearance I have between the cut and the springs. Should I cut some more. Seems like a lot of empty space that could be on the INSIDE of the engine bay.
Thanks for the help, Dan. I was thinking I could safely go in another 1-1/2 -2". Of course, I would want to be conservative, and stick with more like 1" more. Anybody have any experience with this?
Scott,, I think you are on your own on this one. I have never seen a mavcom with the shock towers cut. Think I remember a couple of times mentioned on this board that people have done it. Hopefully they will contribute. Takes a real man to cut a car and blaze a trail. I commend you for it. Dan
here is as far as i think you would want to go you need the watch the 3rd bolt needs to have something to hold on to for the shock cap....on the one pic looks like you cut the hole for it out too
Dude, the pipes are off now. Leave well enough alone. It looks good. Get yourself a real dual exhaust system out the back. You will thank me later for this advice...
I left a good 3/8" of material for that 3rd bolt. I assume that is what you are talking about, at the top? In fact, I think I left a little more than you did. I wanted some material outside of the rim of the shock holder. Yours looks like it is cut right at the edge of the holder, MavGrab. Maybe I need to take a pic with the top bolted on. The bottom is what I am concerned with. I think I could live with another 1/2-1" cut away. I just don't want to go overboard with this. It doesnt look like I am interfering with any suspension movement.
Scott, I read this post after I replied to your PM. Looks like you did exactly what I recommended in the message. Your cuts look amost identical to mine. Now, do you know what I'm talking about on the 'rib'? I'd recommend making a "V" cut on the front and rear of 'rib' in the middle. Then, bend it outwards to contact the shock tower and run a bead along those edges. I put more info in the PM I sent to you also (regarding patterns). Looks good. (picture for "V" cuts on the center reinforcement rib) http://mmb.maverick.to/gallery/showimage.php?i=1086&original=1&c=newimages&cutoffdate=1
TL, I am seriously/half-heartedly considering a set of Flowmaster Hushpower II's along the side of the car, with the exhaust coming out just in front of the rear tires. It all depends on how difficult it is to hook up the side pipes to the long-tube headers. Kinda like in this picture.
How dare you post a pic of a Chevy here. They need to exit behind the rear wheels, not in front. Oh well, I guess if you wanna do your car like some guy's Chevy...
Sorry about the chevy, but I was referring to the pipes. I like them in front of the wheels. Better to hear them. Keep in mind, I wear hearing aides at work, so the closer the pipes are to my head, the better. Maybe, that is why I like the side pipes???
So, Rick, Should I cut more out, or leave it be? I think I get the V rib. Are you talking about what I said in reply #3? Putting in a V-shaped flat-plate going up and down? That would definitely make the upright strength much stronger. Kind of like putting in a piece of L-beam rather than a piece of flat stock.
