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OEM swap questions: 2002 Eldorado ESC suspension build for autocross

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Old 11-12-2013, 12:22 PM
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Default OEM swap questions: 2002 Eldorado ESC suspension build for autocross

I have recently acquired an all stock 2002 Eldorado with the base FE1 suspension, non-computer controlled, strut front, and coil spring w/air shocks rear suspension.
I have measured the Touring coupe sway bars and springs; and while this may be adequate when assisted by the computer controlled suspension, it comes up way short for my autocross and fast driving habits. My sway bar is 19MM and the touring coupe’* bigger bar is 21MM. The bar mounts to the strut.

I would like to start by finding the biggest front bar that I can get to bolt up. I do not have a late model Grand Prix or Lacrosse close by to look at. What are the biggest bars that may fit with some modifications? My suspension is approximately the same width as the W body cars.

I would also like to find stiffer front struts and better coild springs.
Car weight: 3850 lbs.
275 HP.
FWD
4 wheel disc brakes.

Thanks
Old 11-12-2013, 03:45 PM
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my guess would be to find bonneville gxp(northstar) struts, springs, and bar. not sure what the interchange is. you could also get front struts and rear air struts for a bonneville gxp from kyb they are a bit stiffer, again assuming you can put them on a eldo. the fronts are 335037 for a 04 nstar bonnie and the rear air shocks are sr1002. but they dont have springs or bars so might have to find some in the junk yard or one of the gm parts houses

kyb has adjustable agx struts for wbodies too but they are expensive
Old 11-13-2013, 02:36 PM
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Thanks for the info. I will look into it. also, I have noticed that the latest Camaros have front sway bar ends that look like they could be connected to a strut. Has anyone measured them for a W body? There are some very thick after market options with this bar.
Old 11-13-2013, 02:41 PM
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Justin, he practically has the largest/heaviest FWD car in GM'* fleet. Is he really going to find something bigger than what he already has?
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Old 11-13-2013, 02:57 PM
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if you go on rock auto look at a part and click the blue pn it comes up with everything that part fits, if you look up camaro it uses the same for like 30 yrs, and a bunch of others. not sure why though not the later caddies, its just a grade 8 bolt with some bushings
Old 11-13-2013, 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike1995
Justin, he practically has the largest/heaviest FWD car in GM'* fleet. Is he really going to find something bigger than what he already has?
he said it was FE1,i dont know what its like but its likely small bars, weak springs, and cushy struts compared to a gxp bonnie. or v8 gp or monte.
Old 11-13-2013, 03:29 PM
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looking at the oem links its completely different, so you might get a kit like this if you can fab stuff, it doesnt look to difficult. you might want to measure yours that kit is a 33 and listed for the eldo bushings is 19, 22 or 31mm, if its 31 you woulnt notice any difference.
Old 11-15-2013, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike1995
Justin, he practically has the largest/heaviest FWD car in GM'* fleet. Is he really going to find something bigger than what he already has?
LOL! You are thinking about the 70'* Eldorados. Other than being a little longer, mine is about the size of the Camaro and is the same weight as a 91 Vette.

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Old 11-15-2013, 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by jwfirebird
looking at the oem links its completely different, so you might get a kit like this if you can fab stuff, it doesnt look to difficult. you might want to measure yours that kit is a 33 and listed for the eldo bushings is 19, 22 or 31mm, if its 31 you woulnt notice any difference.
Yes, I have the 19mm bar and soft ride springs. The 22mm is the optional bar for strut mounted and the 31mm size attaches to the A-arm (loss of 40% rate efficiency). I may try to make adapters for strut attachment.
Old 11-16-2013, 03:07 PM
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this is 33mm and looks like it would be fairly simple to modify to fit, it comes with all the brackets, bushings, and end links

Grand Prix Venture Regal Front Stabilizer Sway Bar Kit w Bushings Solid Design | eBay


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