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3 minute(s) of a 19 minute read
6-20-2009
It's been mostly slow and boring because I'm laying out my drive right now. I've never used our circuit board layout software, so it's slow going.
Tonight, however, I felt motivated to get something done that would look like progress, so I pulled out the rear struts and coils to start looking for replacements and so I could plan out my suspension. I think it's going to be pretty easy, actually, without too much modification. Just some reinforcement for good measure.
I posted the question in Tech, but I'm looking for new springs and shocks with a bigger spring rate. Any suggestions on where to go? I can get something out of a heavier car if necessary, but I'd rather have something that fits properly.
I doubt there's much market for high-roller VWs, but this is what it would look like if someone DID want to do it:
And here's what it will look like with the batteries in the back if I can't find some heavier springs:
Yeah, yeah. It looks kida cool, but I'd rather not be riding that low with that much weight in the back.
Other progress: I figured out my mounting plan. I'm going to shrink a keyed flange onto the motor shaft to hold the flywheel, and make a mounting plate to adapt the motor housing to the bellhousing. If all goes as planned, it should be a simple bolt-in replacement. The difficult part is going to be mounting the motor to the frame and getting it squared away so the driveshafts are back to their original location..
I'm still flaking on the batteries, but I'm leaning towards trying to work a deal with Performance Automotive or maybe this battery company I stumbled across in IL. I sent an email in to XS Power, but didn't get a response.
6-22-2009
Yeah, I plan on distributing some of the battery weight to the front and perhaps beefing up those springs as well. Unfortunately, without removing the back seat there isn't much room in front of the rear wheels, so the rest is going to go in the trunk.
If I simply raise the mounts, decreasing the compressed length, I'm nervous about bottoming out on hard bumps. I did like the Passat spring suggestion.
Anyone know what the spring rate is on the Passat Wagon? That might be an easy swap. I did hunt down a pair of new springs that fit the bill for $35 each, but a junkyard bargain would be even better, seeing that the target is currently under $1000 before batteries. I'm looking for 200-250lbs/in, 14 inches unsprung.
I figure no matter what happens, it can't possibly be slower and wobblier than the Rabbit.
