Strut top-hat question

[CorAce]

Can any one tell me what the difference in strut mounting height is between the factory 510 top hat and an aftermarket camber plate (say T3)? I think I’m running my illuminas to close the bottom of the stroke. I have them set to the softest setting and it still seams a bit rough.

[Laecaon]

Really?

 

I put in ZX top hats, (1/2" drop to 510). I have Illuminas. I have stock 510 springs. I find I like 2 or 3 on the settings.

[CorAce]

What is the stock spring rate? I'm running 175lb coil-overs, which I brought down from a 250lb. Maybe I should consider something lighter yet. 

[Laecaon]

Only number I could find, from the510realm, was 87.5. hmm.

[72dyme]

Hate to bring up a old thread. So if you put a 280zx top hat onto a stock 510 strut. You will get a 1/2 drop just by switching them out?

[KlassicMotion]

I've never heard that before.  I'd like to know the answer too.

[72dyme]

Anybody?

[The Dat-side]

I've heard a 610 or 710 top hat will lower it some. :confused:

[CorAce]

Leacaon is running the ZX top hats in his goon and it will give you another .5 to .75 of an inch more travel but its bigger around than the 510 one and has to be cut down to fit.

[DISLEXICDIME]

210 top hats will lower you about an inch if i remember right

[KlassicMotion]

hmm...Ok.

[edin]

From a 280zx strut swap thread located here.

 

 

New information/affirmation of information!!!

ZX Top hats vs the 510 Top hats.

Rumor: ZX top hats are skinnier than 510 top hats.

I have heard this from a few people but always in passing. I set out to find out today.

Here are the 2, 510 on the right:


For some quick measurements:

510:


ZX:




That would look like 1/2" difference to me! Well maybe not huge, it is something.

Now you will need to trim the top hat to fit:

 

[KlassicMotion]

^^Thanks for finding that.

 

It is shorter, but I would question it's strength when your finished trimming off the metal lip that makes them structually sound.

[CorAce]

^^Thanks for finding that.

 

It is shorter, but I would question it's strength when your finished trimming off the metal lip that makes them structurally sound.

 

If your looking for "structurally sound" you shouldn't be driving a Datsun. ;)

[KlassicMotion]

If your looking for "structurally sound" you shouldn't be driving a Datsun. ;)

 

I'm guessing your just joking...  I have no complaints about the build quality from the factory.  They were built inexpensively, but they are durable.

[CorAce]

Of course I'm joking, but lets be honest we're not driving dump trucks here. removing some material from a part that was meant for a much heavier and more powerful car to put on a 510 is a pretty safe bet. I've seen this mod done a lot with no ill affects.

[KlassicMotion]

Well the fact that you've seen it done with no ill effects is one thing.

 

But from a theory point of veiw, my 510 top hats are 1/8" steel, while my 280zx top hats are smaller 14 gauge.  That tells me they are relying more on the stamped lip for structure on the 280zx top hats.

 

I'm not arguing that it won't work.  I'm just saying use caution.