Club 80-90 Forums

Hi
Just starting a RJES conversion on an '85. I got a 2lt sport engine from Grade A subaru and will be shipping the loom off for conversion by Richard straight away.
At the same time as dropping the engine in I am doing a full respray and all seals etc. I would also like to replace the brakes and suspension. Could anyone advise me on possible replacements that will offer better performance than standard, but would be good for day to day use.
The aim of the conversion is that the vehicle is our daily driver for my family and holiday transport (i head to portugal surfing most summers). So whilst updating the engine to the last decade it would be good to do the same to the brakes and springs.
Thanks for any help, its been the inspiration that helped me take the plunge.
Jon

any ideas?

You might want to try on the Brick-yard, chaps there seem more into suspension tweaks and so on.

Personally I'd be careful about doing anything too drastic, a lot of compromises are involved and if you go too far to improve something you can end up ruining something else. I think VW mostly got it right and if everythings working properly you shouldn't have to worry. So long as you accept its a van not a sports car and drive accordingly.

A good start would be to replace all the front end bushes and ball joints if they need it. This can tighten up handling a lot and get rid of nasty noises. Checking and overhauling all the brakes could be worthwhile too.

I was hoping for some re-assurance that standard was the way to go. I have run splits and bays for the last 20 years and this is the first time I have strayed into more modern, liquid cooled VW ownership. I have always kept my other buses standard, as am keen to do the same here other than the engine.

Standard brakes are fine if kept in tip top condition. Just get some braided lines from Brickwerks. Suspension dont go to low and watch wheel size 18's too choppy with 60mm drop. If you want any conversion parts give me a shout as i have a few bits for sale. Look in the for sale.

Yea, I didn't want to go to low, I have looked at some images and a 40mm drop looks OK. Some of the carparks we end up in a pretty rough and I will be investing in a RJES sump when their ready.
With a 40mm drop, could I run standard wheels and tyres? If not what size would you recommend?

If you are running a scooby lump you could consider wider tyres, it's quite easy to get the back end out on a standard 2.1.....

if i was to drop 40mm on the ride height, what diameter and width wheels would be a gentle step up from standard that wouldn't foul the arches? i thought i could probably drop the standard diameter with the increase in power, to give a better cruising speed at low revs.

Those sumps are a rip off for what they are i kept the standard sump and just dont lower it! I've never hit the sump yet and i've been on some ruff ass roads/carparks/campsites!

Richard has developed a cast sump with more capacity than the standard subaru item. But I will wait until its slotted in to see what clearance I have.
Still not sure on whether to run standard height, standard wheels etc. I do like the way it looks. Or do a mild upgrade.

Yeah you see the price of them too!!!!! I'll happily stick standard plus if anything goes wrong i know i can get one cheap!

If you need help with uprated brakes give us a call.