Finally got all the front end bits together. Not much to see here, because SW20 parts will fit into SW20 parts without any problems 😀
Tag: sw20
Some more fiddling with the suspension
There is still a little bit to do with the Tein. For the rear, I dont have any kind of camber adjustment, but that can be fixed with SW20 camber adjusting bolts. For the front, I’ve been thinking something similar.
Ive got the measures for the front camber adjustment cam somewhere and based on those, it is possible to use SW20 camber adjustment bolts in front hubs too, but only in the upper bolt hole. Some of the parts need to be done in lathe, but that shouldnt be a problem.
Also, that 2mm shim plate is not as elegant as it could be. I might revisit it later.
Making new spacers
2mm thick stainless steel
The body is kinda stiff
Test fitting the spacer. Even without the green paint it seems to disappear into the clevis.
Its there. Bit too shiny, it might show up in the inspection.
Painting the spacers. painted only the visible bits.
Paint has dried, going in.
After painting, the spacer looks like factory made.
From below.
Back to the Tein SW20 to AW11 swap
Ok, it seems that I need to address the front strut/knuckle bolts and shim-spacer-whatever again. I had a bit thicker spacer that really was needed and still the upper bolt had moved a bit. This time im pretty sure that the AW11 front knuckle bit that attaches to strut bottom is 26mm thick and SW20 has a 28mm thick bit. I had a 2.2mm thick shim and, well… it needs a redesign 🙂
The Tein fits – front end
It seems that I used the brand new Tein sway bar links for the front. The adapter I made for the front knuckle is almost impossible to see. I even bought Tein green paint to keep things looking like they should be 🙂
I could lower the car even further! 🙂
Tein arrives
I made a decision to order a SW20 coilover from Tein. A slight risk considering the possibility of not fitting into AW11. Tein UK delivered quickly.
  
Shiny bits!
Differences between AW11 and SW20 suspensions
| Front end | AW11 (mk1b) | SW20 (early) | notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top mount nuts | 4x 14mm, 8mm thread (90179-08097) | 4x 14mm, 8mm thread (90179-08097) | same, bolt pattern different |
| Top nut | 21mm, 14mm thread (94182-11400) | 21mm, 14mm thread (94182-11400) | same |
| Bottom bolts | 2x 17mm, 12mm thread (90105-12042) | 2x 19mm, 15mm thread (90105-15001)* | *) late models have 90105-15005 |
| Bottom nuts | 2x 17mm (90179-12025) | 2x 19mm (90179-15001)* | *) late models have different nuts |
| Bottom bracket width | 26mm | ??mm | different between AW11 and SW20. A stack of shims is needed |
| Upper bolt hole | 12mm x 14,5mm | 15mm | Diameter difference |
| Lower bolt hole | 12mm | 15mm | Diameter difference |
| Bolt hole c-to-c | 59mm | 59mm | |
| Trailing arms | 48660-17010 | 48660-17030 | difference? thread and thickness is same. |
| Tie rod end | 45046-29135 | 45047-19075 | length, shape. sw20 points upwards |
| Rear end | AW11 (mk1b) | SW20 | notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top mount nuts | 3x 12mm, 8mm thread (90179-08122) | 3x 14mm, 10mm thread (90179-10103) | bolt pattern same thread is bigger |
| Top nut | 21mm, 14mm thread (90179-14015) | 21mm, 14mm thread (90179-14015) | same |
| Bottom bolts | 2x 19mm, 15mm thread (90105-15001) | 2x 19mm, 15mm thread (90105-15001)* | same *) late models have 90105-15005 |
| Bottom nuts | 2x 19mm (90179-15001) | 2x 19mm (90179-15001) | same *) late models have different nuts |
| Bottom bracket width | 28mm | ?? | almost same |
| Upper bolt hole | 15mm x 17mm | 15mm | The camber adjustment method is different |
| Lower bolt hole | 15mm | 15mm | should be same |
| Bolt hole c-to-c | 59mm | 59mm | should be same |
| Trailing arms | 48780-17020 | 48780-17030 | difference? |
| Tie rod | very different |
Other stuff:
- Tie rod ends share the same castle nut. Most likely the tie rod ends are nearly identical and SW20 ones should fit AW11. Length might be an issue and the thread to the tie rod as well
- Aftermarket SW20Â rear trailing arms should fit into AW11
- Aftermarket SW20 front trailing arms up to -91 should fit to AW11, after that I’m not sure. At least the front bracket where the far end of the trailing arm attaches should be swapped.
- 90105-15001 (aw11 rear) bolt measures:
- total length 67mm
- without head length 55mm
- head height 12mm
- threaded part 29mm
- M15(?) thread
- 19mm tool needed
- flange diameter ??mm
- nut height ??mm
- 90105-12042 (aw11 front) bolt measures
- total length 64mm
- without head length 53mm
- threaded part 33mm
- M12(?) thread
- 17mm tool needed
- flange diamter ??mm
- nut height ??mm