[QUOTE=Steve;2631625]Yeah Still got the 'wreck' it looks 2 faced - passenger side is fine, drivers side isnt - but its still running and registered Daily might actually be the bike (ZX12R) What colour is it's interior? If grey and you gonna strip it let us know? Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Thought I'd do a bit of suspension work on the old girl this week... Was already lowered on King Super Low springs, with an adjustable panhard rod, but all the rubber bushes in the front end were shot, strut bearing plates looked like they were about to pop through and the shocks weren't doing too much work. Had a chat to Arie from Bentley Autopro who was able to provide me with most parts I needed, and I visited WA Suspensions for some of the trickier bits so they could press the new bushes in for me. I replaced all the shocks with KYB's (front 365007, rear 343047) and new front bump stop kits also from KYB (BSK001) Front end has had every bush replaced with new Superpro polyurethane bushes.. Heavy duty Sway bar link kit - SPF0968K Sway bar chassis mount bushes - SPF1453-24K (For original FE2 24mm sway bar) Top Spring Insulator bush - SPF2498K Radius rod to chassis bush - SPF0240K Lower Control arm to chassis bush - SPF0251K Control arm to radius rod bush - SPF0756K Also new tie rod ends and new ball joints fitted. Lastly, an adjustable Nolethane top bearing plate went in, so I can have the camber and castor adjusted to suit the Calais. The rear end hasn't had anything else done yet, it shouldn't bother me for a while, but I'll probably put Superpro bushes on the sway bar aswell. Went for a drive and it feels great. Now just have to wait until my booking at the suspension shop to get a proper wheel alignment done to see how much better the old girl handles!!

Like a brand new car now ay? Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

A new old car

Nice plug That was the better handling VL's I'd ever been in or driven. Would be interesting how an IRS Director rides like though. Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Had to put in a new powersteering rack, as the old one was ****ed and made heaps of noise. Took it in for a wheel alignment to re-adjust the toe, and they told me the drivers side strut is bent, camber is crazy. I did notice it looked like it was on too much of an angle, but annoying that the suspension shop that did the previous alignment didnt pick that up..... Still drives ok, just going to chew out the RHF tyre until I change it!!

Hey steve I'm about to do the same process I've got a full front nolathane bush kit just need the strut top rubbers how much did u get ur top strut rubbers for ?? And how do u find the struts thinging of going the same are these lowered struts ??

Ahh I dont remember what the tops cost me, they're the adjustable ones, I bought them a couple of years ago for my gunmetal calais, but I'm going to put a set of K-macs in there instead, give Arie a call anyways, but you should look for some K-macs as they've got better adjustablility and reputation... The KYB shocks are sweet, nice and smooth, way better than any monroe or Ultima. The fronts are std size which are fine for superlows and rears are shortened.

Sounds good so doesn't roll Like a boat if u throw it in to a corner ??

Best handling VL I've owned for sure Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Quote: Originally Posted by Steve [View Post] Best handling VL I've owned for sure Agreed! Thats even before you did all these replacement parts. PS:- Got a credit for you when you ready Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

I pulled the motor and gearbox out today - to do some maintenance and sort out a few things before I take it to get engineered. When the motor and box go back in it will have: New Xtreme HD clutch Gates timing belt new water pump front and rear main seals replaced cam seals replaced replace dented sump all new exhaust manifold studs new exhaust manifold gasket all turbo banjo bolt copper washers replaced new cam tunnel half moons new rocker cover seals new gates heater hoses new gates radiator hoses all vac hoses replaced with silicon a charcoal canister hooked up swap R33 gearbox to engine block brackets with VL ones Tidy up some wiring Probably a few other things I've forgotten about, its been keeping me busy thats for sure!

was going to say, i think i saw you in south perth on canning highway yesterday but considering the motor and box are out i doubt it was you. either way, how awesome is it having a drivetrain with all new fresh seals/gaskets etc. no leaks, no grime, no mess in the engine bay.

Too true mate. Just wish I had replaced all that **** when the motor first went in last November

Engine out, oil pissing from everywhere! And back in again. No leaks yet Even repainted my rocker covers again because I scratched them a fair bit the first time I dropped the 25 in. But I'm having dramas with the new clutch, pedal goes right to the floor before I can feel any pressure, and its got nothing to do with the master or slave. I did put everything together correctly so I've got no idea what is happening Means the box has to come out again Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

that was quick! are u putting the coil cover on it?

yeah will do, but having dramas with one of my yellowjacket coil packs at about 5000rpm, need to swap them back in one by one to see which one is missing

You don't mess around do you Steve! Looking good Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

Looks beautiful Steve! It must be cruise time soon!