Static+ Air Lift Pics and a Vid…
Well, after a 60’s fancy dress party last night I actually woke up this morning feeling breezy so thought I would crack on with some bits, mainly to get the car ready for Friday’s wheel refurbishment.
I removed the front wheels from the car and took them to Kwik Fit to have the new tyres fitted. Got them home and realised that they’d fitted chrome valves
… I’ll have them changed for the usual black ones on Friday.
Next on the list was to get the front Air Lift system working. The down side is that the compressor simply isn’t strong enough to pump past 20 PSI = No lift… So looks like I’m going to have to buy a new one. Probably will go for a Viair 480cc compressor, but that’ll have to be on next month’s shopping list.
But as I haven’t yet seen the system working, I attached a Schrader Valve, having disconnected the compressor, and used an electric tyre pump I have. Bingo. It’s a little slow lifting (about 15 seconds) but that will become quicker with a better compressor. It’s all air tight and works as it should
With the wheels back on, I took a few comparison photos. The car is filthy as it hasn’t had a wash before I went away…
1). Before…
After…
2). Before…
After…
The next two photos give a complete side view comparison.
Before…
After…
As she sits when low… Mmmm…
Here’s a short video…
http://s667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/J26-Parkin/?action=view¤t=P1030263.mp4
Thoughts…
As you will have heard in the video, it is presently making a creaking noise when in the lowering motion. This is normal immediately after installation apparently. It should settle with a little grease between the coilover spring and plate of the Air Lift Unit.
I think the coilovers could go a little lower but I’ll see how they settle, having just come off the jacks. The system gives me 50 mm of lift at 80 PSI. When driving with the car lifted, you’d never know. With the new bushes and KW coilovers, it’s retained the smoothness and comfort. I don’t have to worry about uneven road surfaces and bumps, as clearance at raised height is as original ride height.
When lowered, it drives just as well (and looks sexual). When on even road surfaces/ motorways it should in theory sit without any issues, but for those that have LCRs, the Under Tray can be an issue on country/bumpy roads when lowered. This was the whole appeal with this kit.
Plans...
A new compressor will be purchased next month. The wheels get done on Friday (can’t wait). Afterwards, the car will get a full detail if the weather holds up…
Once the rear ECS wheel centering plates have arrived, I’ll fit those and mm adjust the height of all four corners so that I can have it sitting evenly and as I want (quite low but functional). Then it'll have its alignment done.
Thanks for reading