Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: o-meg-a on 23 May 2011, 16:30:19

Title: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 23 May 2011, 16:30:19
Just arrived in the post today.
Quick postage, and more importantly...shockingly cheap price.
So much so i was half expecting them to be the wrong ones.

but low and behold, they are the right ones for my car.

as found here: http://www.pi-suspension.co.uk/pi-spring-kit-sportpack-vauxhall-omega-estate-6-cylinder-b-1994-lowers-35mm-60168_p1253976.htm

(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/springs001.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/springs003.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/springs004.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/springs005.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/springs006.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/springs006_1.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/springs008.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/springs009.jpg)

might have a chance to fit them tomorrow.
Exhaust needs to be done first, and then rear doughnuts, and front wishbones.....then lowering springs, then WIM.

all the parts are just sitting in my house. But i now have the time to get on with it all.
wish me luck  ::)
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 23 May 2011, 16:31:41
Just to clear....I did NOT order them from that website....I wasnt prepared to pay that much for them lol
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: Stallion on 23 May 2011, 21:41:57
Very interested mate, keep us updated on how it goes and hows the ride, even better if you can put up pics of before and after to give an idea how the ride height changes!  :y :y
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: tigers_gonads on 23 May 2011, 22:56:35
Are you updating the shocks  :-/
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 24 May 2011, 01:03:14
no

I have chosen not to.

Mine are in good nick for now...As and when they decide to give up the ghost i will replace.
Whole point is that they were cheap, and these are designed to work with standard shocks,

At best, I may buy some MV6 shocks (front and back) and put them on, as they would handle the slightly lower ride height better. But they would be used...at best.

Not got any more money to throw at it  now.
that's it.
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: Gaffers on 24 May 2011, 08:16:21
[hijack]

On the subject of springs, does anybody know where you can get spring that lower 10-15mm?

I have tried google to no avail

[/hijack]
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: feeutfo on 24 May 2011, 08:23:47
Quote
[hijack]

On the subject of springs, does anybody know where you can get spring that lower 10-15mm?

I have tried google to no avail

[/hijack]
Mv6 lowered sports chassis springs from a face lift drop 15 mill. Sadly vx only though afaik, or breakers.
Or did you mean aftermarket?
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: Gaffers on 24 May 2011, 08:53:37
Quote
Quote
[hijack]

On the subject of springs, does anybody know where you can get spring that lower 10-15mm?

I have tried google to no avail

[/hijack]
Mv6 lowered sports chassis springs from a face lift drop 15 mill. Sadly vx only though afaik, or breakers.
Or did you mean aftermarket?

I meant Aftermarket but if they are not available then vx will have to do.  How much are new ones? (wince)
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: feeutfo on 24 May 2011, 09:33:58
Quote
Quote
Quote
[hijack]

On the subject of springs, does anybody know where you can get spring that lower 10-15mm?

I have tried google to no avail

[/hijack]
Mv6 lowered sports chassis springs from a face lift drop 15 mill. Sadly vx only though afaik, or breakers.
Or did you mean aftermarket?

I meant Aftermarket but if they are not available then vx will have to do.  How much are new ones? (wince)
It's a double wince without trade club, from memory... No it's gone  ;D can't access tc web site to check either. :'(

Maybe pm andyc? Must be lowered sports chassis though. Which I think they list as "sport" for rears iirc. And should have the shocks to go with them or the stock shocks may well bottom out. 
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: Gaffers on 24 May 2011, 09:37:34
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
[hijack]

On the subject of springs, does anybody know where you can get spring that lower 10-15mm?

I have tried google to no avail

[/hijack]
Mv6 lowered sports chassis springs from a face lift drop 15 mill. Sadly vx only though afaik, or breakers.
Or did you mean aftermarket?

I meant Aftermarket but if they are not available then vx will have to do.  How much are new ones? (wince)
It's a double wince without trade club, from memory... No it's gone  ;D can't access tc web site to check either. :'(

Maybe pm andyc? Must be lowered sports chassis though. Which I think they list as "sport" for rears iirc. And should have the shocks to go with them or the stock shocks may well bottom out. 

So the chassis on the Elite is not suitable?  :-/

Will bilstein B4s work with the MV6 spring?
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: feeutfo on 24 May 2011, 09:43:17
ooh most definitely yes. They are good.

Vx Lsc shocks on tc may well be cheeper though. Fronts £40 odd each ????  B4 where £220 odd a set for the car.
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: mr carl on 24 May 2011, 14:39:22
so then bud how are you getting on with it then?

as said before, any before and after pictures would be cool...

 :)
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: Gaffers on 24 May 2011, 14:57:43
Quote
ooh most definitely yes. They are good.

Vx Lsc shocks on tc may well be cheeper though. Fronts £40 odd each ????  B4 where £220 odd a set for the car.

Cheaper maybe, but are they as good as B4s?  If not I would rather get the bilsteins.
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: feeutfo on 24 May 2011, 16:05:18
Quote
Quote
ooh most definitely yes. They are good.

Vx Lsc shocks on tc may well be cheeper though. Fronts £40 odd each ????  B4 where £220 odd a set for the car.

Cheaper maybe, but are they as good as B4s?  If not I would rather get the bilsteins.
I guess its a question of taste  ?

 I suspect b4's give a firmer ride over mv6 shocks regardless of springs.

With irmscher springs on mine it's difficult give an exact comparison to the spec you mention, some broken surfaces can be harsh not helped by 18's, however the lack of roll, quality of damping, and feel and feedback is marked.

If your looking to firm up Elite but not compromise on comfort at all then mv6 lsc is fine.


From soft down to hard, that I have tried.        ignoring stock spec for a mo ( cdx, cd, gls etc)


Elite shocks and springs.   Soft wallowy, giving rounded tyre wear profile, handling degraded quickly, very comfy if driven steady.

Mv6 lsc springs with elite shocks include sl.    Improved role less see sickness. Comfort still good

added front lsc shocks      . Firmer ride but still supple but needed rears shocks as well. Still some sway at the back. Comfort still good but improvement not quit enough so didn't bother with mv6 lsc rear shocks and went straight on to...

New Irmscher springs with b4 all round.     Marked Improvement in roll, bump steer, damping independence per corner partly due to binning sl shocks ESP at the back. Car tracks better in a straightline, holds aline better in corners, better corner speed and confidence. Far far better high speed stability. :-X Some harshness on poor surfaces approaching mildly "Crashy" ride on broken Tarmac but ok, good on good surfaces. Some "wumps" transmit to passengers a bit worse.

 18's fitted, corner speed up 10mph from 60 to 70 possibly more to come. Poor suffices harsher still. Need to be more careful breaking on potholes etc. Slight loss of acceleration. 


The firmest omega I have experienced is way softer than Audi A3 or BMW m sport ime. Crashy ride!

Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 24 May 2011, 17:31:05
Fitted Rear subframe bushes today, as they need to be done. And that has made one hell of a difference already. Will get some pics of them up on different thread.

Will be doing springs from 9am tomorrow morning.
So will let you know tomorrow afternoon what they are like.

Tempted as i am to do shocks as well, i just cant afford it.
So any compromise on comfort will have to be lived with for now.

Been offered 2 new mv6 facelift rear shocks for £50 delivered. So maybe i'll get those......eventually
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 24 May 2011, 17:31:55
oh and fitted new middle and back box too.
Thats all i can do today.
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: Gaffers on 24 May 2011, 17:41:21
Just been quoted £460 + VAT for MV6 (Sport) front and rear springs (No TC it seems?)  :o
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 24 May 2011, 17:43:35
Quote
Just been quoted £460 + VAT for MV6 (Sport) front and rear springs (No TC it seems?)  :o

Thats a bit rich lol...
Seen an mv6 breaking on ebay?? lol

£20 for rear, £30 for front shock and spring.....

damn sight cheaper but might not last as long is all.
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: Gaffers on 24 May 2011, 17:44:39
Quote
Quote
Just been quoted £460 + VAT for MV6 (Sport) front and rear springs (No TC it seems?)  :o

Thats a bit rich lol...
Seen an mv6 breaking on ebay?? lol

£20 for rear, £30 for front shock and spring.....

damn sight cheaper but might not last as long is all.

I have seen them and I must admit I am tempted with 2nd hand but I would rather new  :y
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: mr carl on 24 May 2011, 18:09:35
i was just out under the car (in my work uniform  ;D ) it looks fairly simple, let me know if i have got this right

rear -
take off road wheel
disconnect bottom of shocker
undo track arm and anti roll bar
brake pipes have a flexi hose so looks like this doesnt need messing with.

and the whole lot should drop down?...also it seems my car has two springs on each side of the rear..a spring inside the spring, what is this about?

now this is where i get a little confused, on the front if you detatch the shocker from the hub will it need re-adjusting (due to camber) when bolting it back up? if so would it be easier to just disconnect the shock and hub off the lower wishbone.....

by doing it this way it looks like it would be the long way around, having to take off the brake caliper, steering arm and the anti roll bar etc etc... but thn should get around the need to get it set back up.
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 24 May 2011, 18:52:29
little bit more so than that...
You do of course have to drop the rear of the subframe down from behind the diff in order to get access, as well as the shocks and arb mounts.

Brake lines are fliexi,but need to be unclipped first.

then you need to have a jack under the diff when you lower it down slowly, till you have enough room to get springs out.

Not sure if you have to undo track arms or not tbh, I'm thinking no. I've forgotten what i've read.

Then reverse. It is in essence fairly simple.

as for the fronts,

I'll be replacing wishbones too tomorrow, so i'll be taking it all off anyway as that alone screws the geometry. But i'll take some rough measurements beforehand so it's at least driveable till i can get to WIM.

The bottom nuts will have to be undone on the shock yes, and this will release the camber adjustment BUT, for you, the socket method, as shown in the maintainence guides would be useful. As this would allow you to roughly, if not quite accurately replicate the camber settings you had before.
With the fitting of the lowering springs though, the old camber settings may be completely out anyway.

You will need to get the car up to WIM or another trusted centre to do a full geometry after fitting wishbones and springs, or in your case just springs.

For the sake of ease, just take the shock off when you do it. 

Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: mr carl on 24 May 2011, 19:29:13
so the diff has to be lowered also, damn i am starting to think it may be easier to get a garage to do this lol

whats "WIM"?

i know the front will be out with the new springs on, but at least both sides will be equal?

could i not just paint some tipex around the bolt heads on the front and then make sure the bolts end up in back in the same place, mind you i guess it will just be easier to just take messurements...?
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 24 May 2011, 19:52:51
Erm, well its done according to this guide http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1170939305

Its not the diff itself, but the subframe that hold it all. dead simple, just 4 bolts, You let it down till you have enough room to get springs out, sounds more complicated than it is.
(ps, you also have to disconnect the ABS sensors from the diff too, just unplug em)

WIM is "wheels in motion", its a workshop in Chesham, which has extensive expertise in Omega Suspension setup and adjustment afterwards. they have their own figures and settings which work best for the omega, which are not on the computer which most places use.
OOF discount price was/is £60 but you have to go there. It's normally £119...so good price.
They will check Camber, castor, and toe, and adjust all 3 if needed.

you could just use tipex...but my point is that all that will do is replicate the camber settings of the original springs.So they will still be off.
But yes, do it so that it is at least drivable.

The "socket" method is best though.
find the correct size socket which fits between the shock and your wheel rim edge before you mess with anything. Make sure its the most snug one. this can then be used as a reference when adjusting it at refit. Works well.

You will need to get a full geometry done though....it's just the way it is with Omegas. they are fussy
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: feeutfo on 24 May 2011, 21:58:46
Quote
Just been quoted £460 + VAT for MV6 (Sport) front and rear springs (No TC it seems?)  :o
Sure they are on Tc. Unless they have been removed.

If only TC web access was restored.... :(

Who's that quote from?
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: feeutfo on 24 May 2011, 22:11:21
Quote
so the diff has to be lowered also, damn i am starting to think it may be easier to get a garage to do this lol

whats "WIM"?

i know the front will be out with the new springs on, but at least both sides will be equal?

could i not just paint some tipex around the bolt heads on the front and then make sure the bolts end up in back in the same place, mind you i guess it will just be easier to just take messurements...?
Have a look through the guides and FAQ secretions.( ;D bloody predictive text, obviously I mean "sections"  ;D ) it's all there step by step. The indexs make finding stuff a lot easier.

Granted lowering the dif does sound drastic but it really isn't. It's essentially 4 bolts and undo the bottom shock mounts. All the rest is just making sure nothing gets stretched or damaged in the process. Easy, just follow the guide step by step.  :y

May need to lever the springs out at the end though.
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: Gaffers on 24 May 2011, 22:19:57
Quote
Quote
Just been quoted £460 + VAT for MV6 (Sport) front and rear springs (No TC it seems?)  :o
Sure they are on Tc. Unless they have been removed.

If only TC web access was restored.... :(

Who's that quote from?

This is from Drive 'What is TC' Aldershot  ::)

I am sure Andy could do a better price :y
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: mr carl on 24 May 2011, 22:45:54
Quote
Quote
so the diff has to be lowered also, damn i am starting to think it may be easier to get a garage to do this lol

whats "WIM"?

i know the front will be out with the new springs on, but at least both sides will be equal?

could i not just paint some tipex around the bolt heads on the front and then make sure the bolts end up in back in the same place, mind you i guess it will just be easier to just take messurements...?
Have a look through the guides and FAQ secretions.( ;D bloody predictive text, obviously I mean "sections"  ;D ) it's all there step by step. The indexs make finding stuff a lot easier.

Granted lowering the dif does sound drastic but it really isn't. It's essentially 4 bolts and undo the bottom shock mounts. All the rest is just making sure nothing gets stretched or damaged in the process. Easy, just follow the guide step by step.  :y

May need to lever the springs out at the end though.


so , why does my car have a spring inside the spring...do you know?

so do these diff bolts just need to be slackened off, or do you need to take them out fully. as i was reading the mount has to be put back in exactly the same place or i will mess sh!t up  ;D
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: feeutfo on 24 May 2011, 23:04:37
Quote
Quote
Quote
so the diff has to be lowered also, damn i am starting to think it may be easier to get a garage to do this lol

whats "WIM"?

i know the front will be out with the new springs on, but at least both sides will be equal?

could i not just paint some tipex around the bolt heads on the front and then make sure the bolts end up in back in the same place, mind you i guess it will just be easier to just take messurements...?
Have a look through the guides and FAQ secretions.( ;D bloody predictive text, obviously I mean "sections"  ;D ) it's all there step by step. The indexs make finding stuff a lot easier.

Granted lowering the dif does sound drastic but it really isn't. It's essentially 4 bolts and undo the bottom shock mounts. All the rest is just making sure nothing gets stretched or damaged in the process. Easy, just follow the guide step by step.  :y

May need to lever the springs out at the end though.


so , why does my car have a spring inside the spring...do you know?

so do these diff bolts just need to be slackened off, or do you need to take them out fully. as i was reading the mount has to be put back in exactly the same place or i will mess sh!t up  ;D
Just follow the guide, you'll be fine.

Spring assisters for carrying extra load. Just lever the buggers out with a bar, " AV' IT " style. Also helps to have someone stand on the hub whole you pull them out. If really stubborn unhook the exhaust if not too rusty.
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: mr carl on 24 May 2011, 23:16:52
brilliant, thankyou.  :y
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 28 May 2011, 18:26:00
Right then,

finally got all the work I've been meaning to do to the Omega done in a day and a half.
I went to this place http://www.draigbusiness.co.uk/bookara/
I ended up using the ramp for 4 hours the first day to do the rear subframe bushes and fit a new exhaust.
And then 8 hours the next day to do front wishbones, and fit new lowering springs on all four corners.

ended up getting charged for only 11 hours, and had help the whole time AND at only £10 an hour AND, £2 of that per hour is going to Macmillan Cancer Charity....
So I dont feel bad at all.

It took me soooo damn long because everything (nuts and bolts etc) was rusted to hell and needed cracking with a breaker bar. As well as then being undone with said bar.

everything ended up being a 2 man job (thankfully the people helped me out pretty much the whole day for FREE! lol)

But it's all done now.

Essentially, all jobs were fairly easy with access to the correct equipment.
for instance, to do the rear springs, I had the car up on the 2 post jack, wheels off, all bolts undone, and used a tall gearbox jack to lower the subframe gently.
All went reasonably swimmingly.

Only pita on the back end suspension was getting them damn subframe bushes out, and for fitting the springs, disconnecting the shock bottoms turned out to need amazing amounts of brute force. A very big lump hammer and some big swings.

car looks good, handles just fine, not harsh or crashy at all and even the camber is better than it was before. It is just set to as far out as it would come, what with the lowering, and that seems ok for now.
I do have pictures, but they are not the best, was i a rush to get to work once i'd finished.

Before:
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings001.jpg)
The place
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings007.jpg)
duff rear bush on wishbone:
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings008.jpg)
Duff front ones (big tear both sides)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings009.jpg)
The free help
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings010.jpg)
Spring swap over
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings012.jpg)
New wishbone and spring fitted (excuse the state of the shock)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings014.jpg)
The result
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings015.jpg)
Closer view
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings016.jpg)
35mm reduced arch gap exactly
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings018.jpg)
and from the rear
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s59/blinkinink/loweringsprings021.jpg)
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: jonnycool on 28 May 2011, 18:35:00
You're a quick learner about these cars mate!

Car looks good  :y
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: mr carl on 28 May 2011, 21:21:26
they need a week to settle in dont they....

looks cool man  :)
Title: Re: My new PI lowering springs
Post by: o-meg-a on 28 May 2011, 21:57:26
Quote
You're a quick learner about these cars mate!

Car looks good  :y

Thanks mate,
I seem to absorb info pretty quickly on the whole.
Think I've managed to cover the main bases with the omega now.

As for springs settling yes, I imagine they will but I measured the drop before and after and its measured at exactly 35mm on the front and about 30mm on the rear.
Once I got my gear in the boot tho it sits lower. And that will help bed them in.