G8 Suspension and Handling Upgrades (Pedders, Pfadt, Nitto)

[Knoxville]

Yeah I've definitely thought about doing the Holden stuff. The only reason I haven't swapped the badges is because the front Pontiac emblem leaves 2 small holes in the front bumper that I would want filled in nicely.

The exterior body modifications look great, but they are quite expensive imo. Here is one of the most common website that sells the Holden body kits:
http://www.jhpss.com/Pontiac-G8/Bodykit.htm

The only other exterior modifications that interest me is the GXP diffuser.

[LingLing]

The base VE kit seems somewhat reasonable, but both HSV kits are absurd.
I prefer the look of the base VE over the HSV front anyway. HSV's look so extra chunky it looks misplaced.

Was a manual transmission available with the V8? I don't ever recall seeing one.

[Knoxville]

The GXP model is the only G8 that comes with a manual. But it was also like 42K starting price. They weren't even out when I purchased my GT at the time.

[scheides]

Its cool that you put that fram oil filter in there just for a gag, I laughed

[Murlo26]

Originally Posted by scheides

Its cool that you put that fram oil filter in there just for a gag, I laughed

No I think he uses them

[Knoxville]

I was bored.

2nd gear pull from earlier this year before the shitty weather came in:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0HhYNYuO-s&hd=1

[LingLing]

80 mph at the top of 2nd?!
You have gear for days!

[Knoxville]

I'm still waiting on Pedders to get their act together and send me the remaining parts for the XA Street Package. It doesn't sound like the remaining parts will be shipped until the 25th-26th so my plans of having this all installed before the drag strip is shot. Kinda blows considering I placed my order 2+ months ago.

Anyways, that didn't deter me from installing some parts on the car. I was able to wrench on the car last night with @Murlo to get the strut tower brace installed.

Here are some pictures of the process and results:


Test Fitting



Bolts trimmed and tightened




Finished Product

[Knoxville]

I'm putting together a wrenchy wrenchy session. All are welcome to stop by to help or just hang out.

I have a comfortable heated garage environment with a garage fridge typically full of beer. Let me know if you're interested in hanging out this week.

I am planning on installing the remaining suspension / bushing parts now that the cruise is completed. I have the following items to install still:

• Front / Rear XA Coilovers
• Front Radius Rod Bushing
• Sub Frame Bushings
• Diff Bushings
• Alignment Kit

[bramagedained]

Do you still want one of the mini batteries I have?

I need to get the keg-of-awesome cooler sometime too.

[Knoxville]

Originally Posted by bramagedained

Do you still want one of the mini batteries I have?

I need to get the keg-of-awesome cooler sometime too.

Yeah I'm still interested in the battery and lets meet up sometime soon to swap the keg-of-awesomesss

[Kracka]

You would be a fool for swapping that cooler for a battery!!!

[Knoxville]

With the nice weather we are having in Minnesota, I decided to work on the car tonight.



Removing scrape pad to get at front lower control arm bolts



Control arm removed, will be replacing these bushings with Pedders


Removing Strut to install coilover


Out with the old, in with the new





Engine bay view

[C3L1CA]

Looks good!

Maybe I missed it but how low are you going to go with it?

[Knoxville]

Originally Posted by C3L1CA

Looks good!

Maybe I missed it but how low are you going to go with it?

If I setup the front coilovers properly I estimate a drop in the front of 28.5mm and I will probably drop the rears around 38.5mm. So overall the car should sit a little over 1 inch lower on all 4s when it's finished up.

[Knoxville]

I'm going to be dropping off the front control arms with DB Performance today to have the bushings pushed out, and the new Pedders front radius bushings pushed in.

I bet I could rig up some contraption to get the job done, but I'd rather just pay someone to have this piece done and over with.

[C3L1CA]

Nice, should look good and handle like it's on rails when youre all done

[Knoxville]

I just picked up the front control arms from DB with the newly pushed bushings!

I'm excited to bolt these back onto the car because that will complete all of the suspension work on the front half.

The old OEM rubber bushings were absolutely destroyed when they were pushed from the control arms. I should have taken a picture of the metal sleeves because they looked like a pop can sent through a garbage disposal.

These polyurethane bushings are so much firmer than the stock rubber bushings and gets me excited to see how the car will handle soon.

Pictures of the new Pedders front radios rod bushings:

[Jason@DB]

Looks good! I'm glad we could get it done for you!

[evotuner]

Damn I'd like one of these cars, looking good man!!