Making my AWD faster

[The Dark Side of Will]

So far I haven't done any speed mods to my '90 6000 SE (Goose) AWD, but I've done a few suspension & handling mods and have a few more in store.

-Probably the last pair of new air struts in existence (4 years ago?)
-Koni struts for rear of Fiero installed in the front of the Goose.
-Minivan front springs (110 lb/in) in front (stockers are 85 lb/in)
-16x8 front wheels from early '90's Grand Prix
-245/50-16 Yokohama Avid V4s front tires
-16x7 rear wheels from mid-90's Bonneville (indentical to front wheels except for lip)
-205/60-16 Yokohama Avid H4s rear tires
-ARP lug studs for '80's Celica in rear.

The Bonnie rear wheels required 1/4" wheel spacers to clear the toe link on the rear suspension. This in turn required longer lug studs. Since the bearing has to come out to replace the lug studs, I replaced the rear bearings (over 180K miles on them). The new bearings had a different size hole into which to press the lug nuts, so I had to use the Celica lug studs instead of the replacement GM ones.

Future suspension mods:
-custom wound 200 lb/in springs for the front from www.coilsprings.com
-electric solenoid valve between rear air struts to increase rear roll stiffness (just like a great big anti-roll bar).
-Urethane control arm bushings (for rear of '84-'87 Fiero)
-Urethane cradle bushings, front and rear (rear cradle bushings for '84-'87 Fiero)
-Possibly find high performance strut cartridges for air struts
-Rod end rear sway-bar links and spherical washer front sway bar end links.

The rear air struts are fed from a common air line from the compressor. When the car rolls into a corner, air flows from the outside strut to the inboard strut, allowing the car to roll. If I put a valve between the struts, I will prevent this air flow and increase the stiffness of the outboard strut, increasing the roll stiffness of the car.
Using high performance strut cartridges in the air struts isn't so difficult by itself. The difficult part is installing new airbags on the modified struts.

For the brakes, I currently have a stock system with reman ABS unit and reman calipers.
Near term mods:
-Porterfield R4S brake pads (currently have, just not installed)
-Braided stainless brake hoses (currently have all the parts, just need to assemble and install)

Longer term mods:
-12" brakes all around
-12" Corvette kit for the rear of an '88 Fiero on the rear of the AWD (AWD's and '88 Fieros use the same rear calipers... and are the ONLY cars that use those calipers)
-12" W/F-body front brakes... method of adaptation TBD.


Planned drivetrain mods
-install 38/32 chain in stock drivetrain, change governor spring to suit and note effect on gas mileage

Future drivetrain mods
-Install 3100 with built AWD transmission, also using 38/32 chain ratio
-install LS6 valvesprings & spin to 6500 RPM
-turbocharge (Goal: 350 AWHP)


Miscellaneous mods:
-Customize exhaust routing to allow spare tire well to be enlarged to actually carry a spare tire
-Enlarge spare tire well to actually carry spare tire
-Add air tank and air horns to air suspension
-Build 2x8 or 2x10 sub box to take up the useless front section of the trunk
-Die all interior carpet black or install new black carpet... retain grey vinyl for 2 tone interior
-Corvette seats.

[The Dark Side of Will]

I also recently obtained (thanks, Mitch) the aluminum hood from a diesel 6000. I haven't weighed yet, but it feels like it'll drop 20# off the front of the car. It's not a lot, but every little bit helps.

[LordDurock]

i wish my diesel buick had a aluminum hood.... *goes a crys*

[Pontiac6ksteawd]

See if you can find a TGP motor, swap that in. That would make that GOOSE or GOOOSTE fast.. thats been a wet dream of mine for 2 years now..

[The Dark Side of Will]

The thought had crossed my mind... and I even HAVE a TGP engine in the shed... but I've marked that engine for a Fiero that I have.

The TGP engines, though tough stock, as older tech (Gen II top end, flat tappet cam). The 3100 has roller cam, better heads/intake, cast aluminum oil pan w/cross bolted mains, etc. The Gen III engines REALLY respond well to boost; 60% power increase for 40% manifold pressure increase is not unheard-of.

[Pontiac6ksteawd]

Well, if you have a TGP engine, complete I assume, then using the X-over pipe to mock up another one from the bone yard. Find a Gen 2 or 3 engine, using the x-over, change the flange over to a T3/T4, and call it a day.

[The Dark Side of Will]

I won't be using the TGP crossover/Y-pipe with the Fiero because that car will keep it's 5 speed.

However, I've never heard anything good about the factory Y-pipes in the TGP. I'll just fab the system from scratch. It'll fit better that way anyway and be closer to what I really want.

I'll be limited in power by the TH125, so I don't need the potential of the TGP engine anyway.

Feh... Need to get the LF strut out so I can send it off to have the spring measured and used for my set of 200's.

[The Dark Side of Will]

I recently realized that if I ever get fed up with the ABS, going to vacuum brakes would drop about 20# off the nose of the car. Hmm...