R8 Rover 216 GTI sohc
Discussion
BOBTEE said:
Bit late but you don't use spring compressors to remove a strut. The overall length of the strut on full droop will remain the same, whatever you do to the spring.
You use the compressor when you are removing the spring or top mount from the strut.
HTH
That does make sense thinking about it as the damper extends to full height, oh well You use the compressor when you are removing the spring or top mount from the strut.
HTH
cheers for the info bud. I won't bother next time, hoping there won't be a next time tbh! Whilst removing the struts I noticed I caught some of the under seal on the strut towers etc so I have more under seal on the way plus a few wire wheels to remove the broken stuff and re-seal. Would be a shame to let water ingress and slowly cause any rust.
New springs from GAZ 
(ignore the Eichers, they're for something else)
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
New top mounts from Rimmer Bros
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
(ignore the Eichers, they're for something else)Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrNew top mounts from Rimmer Bros
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
I'll give myself a this time around. It's so obvious now
OK start at the beginning. With the 3rd set of GAZ springs arriving earlier this week I got to fitting them today. Having spoken to GAZ in quite some depth recently it seems they were under the impression that the first set of springs they sent were 72mm ID. Working on that assumption the 2nd set they sent were bigger, don't know the measurement but too big. After the second set didn't fit the top mounts they were at a bit of a loss as to what was going on as the first set were correct in their minds. After 'whipping' a spring off the rear of the car and showing the ID of the first set of springs
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
They had a eureka moment and the correct springs were swiftly in the post and arrived the next day and all fitted fine, phew
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
and yes I do have enough clocks on that wall; thanks
So long story long I decided to finish the coilover job today, re-organizing the front top mounts in the orientation they should be and as GAZ recommend
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
so that's the front sorted. To the rears and with the correct springs going in I thought all would be sorted and the top mounts wouldn't push through. WRONG. After re-fitting the top mounts came straight through into the boot again and the car bounced around on the springs with no damping action at all.
At this point i realized that it must be something I'd done wrong as all parts were correct. What had I missed
I grabbed the old standard damper and was looking at it in mild disbelief as I really couldn't fathom what was going on but the 1% of my logical mind was crunching away and I then saw this (these)
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
f
king OBVIOUSLY. 2 metal shims/washers that sit at the bottom of the top mount to stop the stanchion pushing up through the center
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
With the step in the stanchion the washer holds it down. My own eureka moment. Quite frankly I'm disappointed in you lot for not knowing this
So all fitted and back in (again)
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
All operating as they should with no top mount shenanigans (how did I miss that the first time around). I set the ride height to roughly what I want but will all need proper adjustment when It's back on the road, sits quite nicely now and rides very well after a short drive
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Quite a bit of work for an inch drop! but all worth it.
this time around. It's so obvious now OK start at the beginning. With the 3rd set of GAZ springs arriving earlier this week I got to fitting them today. Having spoken to GAZ in quite some depth recently it seems they were under the impression that the first set of springs they sent were 72mm ID. Working on that assumption the 2nd set they sent were bigger, don't know the measurement but too big. After the second set didn't fit the top mounts they were at a bit of a loss as to what was going on as the first set were correct in their minds. After 'whipping' a spring off the rear of the car and showing the ID of the first set of springs
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrThey had a eureka moment and the correct springs were swiftly in the post and arrived the next day and all fitted fine, phew
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickrand yes I do have enough clocks on that wall; thanks
So long story long I decided to finish the coilover job today, re-organizing the front top mounts in the orientation they should be and as GAZ recommend
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickrso that's the front sorted. To the rears and with the correct springs going in I thought all would be sorted and the top mounts wouldn't push through. WRONG. After re-fitting the top mounts came straight through into the boot again and the car bounced around on the springs with no damping action at all.
At this point i realized that it must be something I'd done wrong as all parts were correct. What had I missed
I grabbed the old standard damper and was looking at it in mild disbelief as I really couldn't fathom what was going on but the 1% of my logical mind was crunching away and I then saw this (these)Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickrf
king OBVIOUSLY. 2 metal shims/washers that sit at the bottom of the top mount to stop the stanchion pushing up through the centerUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrWith the step in the stanchion the washer holds it down. My own eureka moment. Quite frankly I'm disappointed in you lot for not knowing this
So all fitted and back in (again) Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrAll operating as they should with no top mount shenanigans
(how did I miss that the first time around). I set the ride height to roughly what I want but will all need proper adjustment when It's back on the road, sits quite nicely now and rides very well after a short driveUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrQuite a bit of work for an inch drop! but all worth it.
Edited by squareflops on Tuesday 29th January 19:22
LanceRS said:
Small world, a friend of mine had that 214SEi when it was quite new. Had manual windows if I remember. It was an early one that originally had the amber tail lights and came without the boot spoiler. A nice little car.
Sorry, missed your response! Was a fab little machine but was one of those daft ebay listings that ended at home time on a Wednesday or similar. Ended up heading over towards Reading and just drove it home without fuss........£56.......I'll never forget it! Fitted a half cage from the MG Challenge clear out, a head gasket (of course!) and a set of harnesses. Used it on loads of events before I sold it on to another crew.£185 for a coil over set up at Avia in Bridgend and a track day in April being discussed at Llandow. It's feeling like spring already
£185 seems quite a lot but I recall discussing corner weighting and the benefits of having it done professionally. The price includes an alignment too so not all the money in the world. With classic insurance being about £140 a year I think I'll re-insure and get the Rover back on the road sooner rather than later and get it ready for a few jaunts when the weathers better.
£185 seems quite a lot but I recall discussing corner weighting and the benefits of having it done professionally. The price includes an alignment too so not all the money in the world. With classic insurance being about £140 a year I think I'll re-insure and get the Rover back on the road sooner rather than later and get it ready for a few jaunts when the weathers better.
It could also be an early 1.8vvc (or a 1.6 as they put the bulge bonnet on them as well). I've the 1.8vvc myself ('98 pearlescent Tahiti Blue with the 52mm throttle body upgrade), though she's in desperate need of a full refresh, I just hope I don't ever need a new rear anti-roll bar as you can't get them for love nor money (18mm as opposed to 20mm for the 2ltr/2ltr Turbo or 16mm for the 1.6)... amongst other bits n bobs.
squareflops said:
Does this mean I can ad 'Digital Media Influencer' to my resume
Excellent buy though bud red over tan with T-tops and a 2.0 given the bonnet bulge? Lovely!
Have you picked it up yet?
Haha, yeah I suppose you could.Excellent buy though bud
red over tan with T-tops and a 2.0 given the bonnet bulge? Lovely! Have you picked it up yet?
I’ve not picked it up yet, it should be getting delivered this week hopefully. It’s only the 1.6 but got 75k on it with decent history so I’m happy, till I see it that is
Petetfsi said:
squareflops said:
Does this mean I can ad 'Digital Media Influencer' to my resume
Excellent buy though bud red over tan with T-tops and a 2.0 given the bonnet bulge? Lovely!
Have you picked it up yet?
Haha, yeah I suppose you could.Excellent buy though bud
red over tan with T-tops and a 2.0 given the bonnet bulge? Lovely! Have you picked it up yet?
I’ve not picked it up yet, it should be getting delivered this week hopefully. It’s only the 1.6 but got 75k on it with decent history so I’m happy, till I see it that is
Been potching and I more or less have the Rover looking how I want it to now.
Apart from some interior bits needing doing, mainly a new headlining the GTI is pretty much finished. I put the roof bars on today mainly because mrs flops is sick of seeing them in the living room. I think they look quite good, not amazing by any means but OK. They're so cumbersome compared to todays aerodynamic offerings. I don't actually have anything to mount to them but as I have them..
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Apart from some interior bits needing doing, mainly a new headlining the GTI is pretty much finished. I put the roof bars on today mainly because mrs flops is sick of seeing them in the living room. I think they look quite good, not amazing by any means but OK. They're so cumbersome compared to todays aerodynamic offerings. I don't actually have anything to mount to them but as I have them..
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrThanks guys. It's the same with anything from the past I guess and I don't think there's anything inherently special about the 200's but they do seem to leave a mark on some that have experienced them previously. I do wish this car was a TC like my previous one but nevertheless I really love it.
MX6 I have very much enjoyed your thread on the Mazda, I owned an MX6 myself for some time and have very fond memories of that too, the v6 sounded great and I remember it having great torque everywhere; especially at lower rpms. The turning circle was also something to behold but I do remember the back end going light at about 70mph on a wet motorway once! I realised soon after it was on winter tyres and changed them. Great memories and seeing yours brings even more back
MX6 I have very much enjoyed your thread on the Mazda, I owned an MX6 myself for some time and have very fond memories of that too, the v6 sounded great and I remember it having great torque everywhere; especially at lower rpms. The turning circle was also something to behold but I do remember the back end going light at about 70mph on a wet motorway once! I realised soon after it was on winter tyres and changed them. Great memories and seeing yours brings even more back
Well, update overdue so here we are. A few things have happened/changed since the last time here. The coil overs have gone. As much as I liked the ride height they allowed I just couldn't get on with them on normal roads so off they went. I've gone back to the standard dampers with the 'lowered' (
) springs. 4X4 stance achievement once again unlocked but I'm hoping beyond hope that they settle over the next few months and give something approaching the 35mm drop they promised on the side of the box.
In the mean time I started the little job of improving the sounds as I had done in my old GTI. I deliberated quite a bit over which route to go down i.e. EQs? Twin 12" subs? Upgraded head unit? Big 4ch amp with 6X9's in the rear parcel shelf etc etc. In the end I did none of those things and elected to try Alpines 8" (
) powered sub. Minimal fuss and wiring and I've actually had some experience of this little sub as my pal had one in his e30 325i and I was very impressed. The below pictures really speak for themselves but a half decent install attempted with RCA and power cabling run separately. The speakers and sub are all now Alpine with a pretty cheap Sony HU. I'm really really pleased with the results. This little Alpine is an absolute belter and even coming from the world of multiple 12" subs I'm impressed with the performance of it. It doesn't hit as hard obviously but for what it is it's a cracker, 10/10 would bang.
Not sure why this uploaded sideways but shows the wired remote, really handy with filter, gain and phase adjustment.
So the install was installed and I went for a very local point a to point a drive. Driving spiritedly in the manner I normally do in the Rover I pulled out of a junction at some revs and then bang! no drive... Great. This is actually the 3rd time this has happened in 3 separate 216GTIs, a snapped CV on the driveshaft, this time inner drivers side.
Queue a bit of ringing around and a socially distanced relay to a local garage and in went a new CV. All sorted now and driving again.
Overall I'm really pleased with the car now and can't see me selling it. It needs a wash and I've just managed to acquire a new Snap-On seat cover for it, might show that off tomorrow after it's had its clean.
) springs. 4X4 stance achievement once again unlocked but I'm hoping beyond hope that they settle over the next few months and give something approaching the 35mm drop they promised on the side of the box. In the mean time I started the little job of improving the sounds as I had done in my old GTI. I deliberated quite a bit over which route to go down i.e. EQs? Twin 12" subs? Upgraded head unit? Big 4ch amp with 6X9's in the rear parcel shelf etc etc. In the end I did none of those things and elected to try Alpines 8" (
) powered sub. Minimal fuss and wiring and I've actually had some experience of this little sub as my pal had one in his e30 325i and I was very impressed. The below pictures really speak for themselves but a half decent install attempted with RCA and power cabling run separately. The speakers and sub are all now Alpine with a pretty cheap Sony HU. I'm really really pleased with the results. This little Alpine is an absolute belter and even coming from the world of multiple 12" subs I'm impressed with the performance of it. It doesn't hit as hard obviously but for what it is it's a cracker, 10/10 would bang. Not sure why this uploaded sideways but shows the wired remote, really handy with filter, gain and phase adjustment.
So the install was installed and I went for a very local point a to point a drive. Driving spiritedly in the manner I normally do in the Rover I pulled out of a junction at some revs and then bang! no drive... Great. This is actually the 3rd time this has happened in 3 separate 216GTIs, a snapped CV on the driveshaft, this time inner drivers side.
Queue a bit of ringing around and a socially distanced relay to a local garage and in went a new CV. All sorted now and driving again.
Overall I'm really pleased with the car now and can't see me selling it. It needs a wash and I've just managed to acquire a new Snap-On seat cover for it, might show that off tomorrow after it's had its clean.
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