Berlinetta Top Suspension arm

[csjcarolyn]

Hi Dane, I read you reply Regarding the BMW engine. I too have the YKC adjustable top arms but these foul the suspension cross member [where the X member projects outward at the top to locate the Damper/bump stop]. Did you experience this as well? How did you solve it if you did?

Also, if you fit a BMW engine what do you do about the old rear axle/diff.?

Roger Johnson

[Dane_Rescueman]

Re: Berlinetta Top Suspension arm

Hi Roger,

I replaced my tired old front springs with a new set from YKC. They are shorter than the originals but of a higher rate. These allowed the new wishbones to be near horizontal whilst still at a good ride height. Indeed, the car's chassis is now exactly parallel to the ground ( a new experience for me!). I managed to achieve the tiny camber angle I wanted and slightly increased the castor angle. The inner threads of the ball joints do indeed impinge on the sub frame in extremis. I machined 10mm off the threaded ends and obtained slimmer, hardened wire lockable lock nuts to fit outside the wishbone. It is all a matter of trial and error but the handling is as good as ever and the braking is very much improved having got rid of the excessive negative camber. I know of other people who have cut off the useless end of the subframe and welded a plate across the end to make it neat. Another "re-shaped" the sticking out end of the subframe by use of a huge lump hammer (not recommended!).
BEWARE. when the car is jacked up the ball joint threads will try to sit on the spring. I do not allow this and have placed a thick rubber shield on the spring to avoid scratches etc.
I am still wrestling with the dimensions for the Beamer engine's length and thus I am still pinto powered. I will keep my Atlas (Nylotron bushed)axle and a kind chap will modify my prop shaft to fit the BMW doughnut coupling at the gearbox end. It will take me most of this year to get it right I reckon!

Cheers,
Dane.

[csjcarolyn]

Re: Berlinetta Top Suspension arm

Hi Dane, i have just re-read your reply and please let me know where you bought the slim nuts? Did you check their tensile strength? Off the suspension subject, what sort of fuel consumption are you getting? I am lucky if I get 18 miles per gallon round town drive reasonably.

Roger

[paulhyder]

Re: Berlinetta Top Suspension arm

Hi Roger,
I managed to find a local chap with a lathe/milling machine to take about 1.5mm off the standard nuts. There is still over five turns of thread remaining.
As far as MPG goes, my bog standard 2.0 litre pinto with the standard weber and lumenition gives 26 mpg overall. I have not broken it down to town and cruise driving but most of my driving is along Cornish B roads and small lanes so I think it is representative. I do have a lead foot and just love the surge when the second choke opens up on the weber! I did suffer a fault that I did not notice for years. The Escort tank breather could, in some circumstances when filled to the brim, syphon fuel out to the road. This increased my fuel burn! I have replaced and rerouted the breather and do not totally brim the tank now. I do not think that I have spilt any fuel since.

Good Luck Mate,

Dane.