[trackbird]

I got up at 2am and drug a trailer almost 700 miles today to bring home a 2002 Z28 convertible (6 speed manual). It's a virtual twin (other than a convertible instead of t tops) to my original 2002 that I bought new. I actually believe every option matches right down to the color. It came with piles of service records, a receipt for a new GM installed engine (15k miles/4 years ago) as well as new clutch (with the engine), new window regulators and all kinds of other stuff. The previous owners spent a fortune at the dealer with this car. It was a summer car at the house on lake Michigan. I don't think it's ever seen anything beyond some occasional rain. The steering column is tight and there's no major wear on the seats or steering wheel. It has a few small door dings and I think the paintless dent guys can remove those. Overall, it's a solid and clean car that should be lots of fun. It was also dead stock, not so much as a lid on it.

I'm planning to swap on some larger wheels, lower it a bit, stiffen it a bit, sway bars, exhaust and a "lid". I just want a fun driver to enjoy on nice days. I've actually never owned a convertible in my life, I've always had t tops or targa cars....this should be a new adventure.

I don't have many pics, but I'll add a few before I crawl off to bed.

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[BumpaD_Z28]

Coilovers shipped today Kevin (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/cool2.gif)

Excellent! I'm anxious to get them installed. I'll have to post up lots of pics when I open them up. From what I've seen, they are almost too pretty to put under the car.

oh man I'm jealous !

I finally got my Strano's / KONI's this year (been "needing" since 08/2011 !) ... Let me know what alignment specs you decide to go with, I'm trying to decide a "street/race" compromise (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

~DaVe

[trackbird]

Coilovers shipped today Kevin (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/cool2.gif)

Excellent! I'm anxious to get them installed. I'll have to post up lots of pics when I open them up. From what I've seen, they are almost too pretty to put under the car.

oh man I'm jealous !

I finally got my Strano's / KONI's this year (been "needing" since 08/2011 !) ... Let me know what alignment specs you decide to go with, I'm trying to decide a "street/race" compromise (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

~DaVe

That's easy. Knowing that this is more street car than "track" car, I'll stay with my typical street alignment.

-1 Camber (if it will get there, and it should)
5.2 Castor (5.2-5.5, depending what range is available)
0 toe

That is responsive enough to enjoy driving it on backroads and exit ramps and can still do the occasional autocross while not being so darty and nervous that my wife will hate driving it. For a dedicated autocross build (or more aggressive build), I use 1/32" of toe OUT (not in). It makes the car want to turn (you trade stability for response) but it's more nervous/less stable in normal street driving. I also run more negative camber (-1.5 to -1.8 for most tires) for a more focused application, but that gets you running on the inside edges of the tires in a straight line and it can lead to some instability (darting) under braking when combined with the toe out. So, I'm not doing those things on this car and we will see how it goes.

The Strano/Koni package works well on these cars. I was all set to go that way again when the new UMI package appeared and Sam tuned it (you can also order them from Sam if you decide you want a set). If it wasn't for Sam tuning them, I'd have stayed with Koni shocks. However, I know how Sam tends to set up a car and I like his approach. There were a few guys here who wanted to know more about the UMI package so I figured I'd give it a shot...in the name of science and all that. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I'm really looking forward to it and I've been very pleased with all of the UMI parts for this project. Ryan and the UMI crew are building great stuff and you won't find a nicer group to work with.