Just bought a 99 metro hatch (4 cylinder) for commuting and such.
I'd like to make it at least a little more fun. Step one is going to involve removing the (non-futional) AC and pulling as much of the rear interior out as I can without damaging it
It needs tires, may do wheels as well while I'm at it depending on what I can find.
What are my remaining relatively cheap options? I'm not looking for a speed demon here, so mainly looking in the suspension department. That said, I'm not against speeding it up some too, it's just not my main goal.
Good choice.
I really like those cars.
http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=48005
I wrote that, so let me know if you have any questions.
http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=26246&start=0
H&R's are very nice, and pretty reasonable from Tire rack. Same with KYB GR2's. The 99 car doesn't come up in a spring search, but 95+ are all the same
In reply to keethrax:
If you're lucky enough to be nearby, Geopalooza is today. It may give you ideas.
mmosbey wrote:
If you're lucky enough to be nearby, Geopalooza is today. It may give you ideas.
1500 miles isn't close enough. Otherwise I'd love to.
keethrax wrote:
mmosbey wrote:
If you're lucky enough to be nearby, Geopalooza is today. It may give you ideas.
1500 miles isn't close enough. Otherwise I'd love to.
C'mon, that's like thirty dollars in gas for a Metro, right?
I have a Swift GT engine with a thrown rod, if you're up for some DOHC action...
Vigo
Dork
4/16/11 9:23 p.m.
It needs tires, may do wheels as well while I'm at it depending on what I can find.
If you do wheels/tires make sure they are on the very light side.
Vigo wrote:
It needs tires, may do wheels as well while I'm at it depending on what I can find.
If you do wheels/tires make sure they are on the very light side.
Yep. I haven't looked yet, but unless I can find some decently light ones for cheap(ish) it'll just be tires.
Vigo wrote:
It needs tires, may do wheels as well while I'm at it depending on what I can find.
If you do wheels/tires make sure they are on the very light side.
Good advice.
The Swift GT factory aluminum rims are very light. I don't know about MN, but you can get them around here for about $100/set now. Factory steelies aren't bad, and the upgrade to 14" helps with the handling. 185 55 is best, but 185 60 14 will do. If it's a 5 speed, the stock final drive is 3.79. That motor makes OK torque, so it's livable. We put a 4.10 in my sons 01, and it helped a lot. The rev limiter is very low at 6500, so the 4.39 gear isn't a great idea. Pull as much weight out as you can. The rear seat, spare and jack are good for about 150 lbs, and is very noticeable. Swift GT seats bolt in, are very nice, and will bring your butt off the floor a bit.
Zomby woof wrote:
Vigo wrote:
It needs tires, may do wheels as well while I'm at it depending on what I can find.
If you do wheels/tires make sure they are on the very light side.
Good advice.
The Swift GT factory aluminum rims are very light. I don't know about MN, but you can get them around here for about $100/set now. Factory steelies aren't bad, and the upgrade to 14" helps with the handling. 185 55 is best, but 185 60 14 will do.
I was pretty much figuring if I do wheels too that it'll be the lightest relatively cheap 14s I could find. I am assuming (but have not yet looked) that this should increase my tire options as well.
If it's a 5 speed, the stock final drive is 3.79. That motor makes OK torque, so it's livable. We put a 4.10 in my sons 01, and it helped a lot. The rev limiter is very low at 6500, so the 4.39 gear isn't a great idea. Pull as much weight out as you can. The rear seat, spare and jack are good for about 150 lbs, and is very noticeable. Swift GT seats bolt in, are very nice, and will bring your butt off the floor a bit.
It is a 5-speed. I can't even imagine a car like this without one.
That's a relatively rare car in the states. Most 4 cyl. Metros are auto.
Lot's of good, cheap 185 60 14's. The 185 55 is almost gone. Either one will work, but the smaller one will give you about 3% more gear. The exhaust is really quiet on these motors. You can replace that stock muffler with a straight pipe, and the stock resonator with a glass pack, and it will sound good.
This is my son's first autocross in my 98 car. It has all the mods posted, except the cam (I know, the manufacturers car doesn't even have one ). GT rims, 185 60's, and I think the springs are cut 1 coil each.
It has 1 glass pack only, and side exit exh. It sounds AWESOME at speed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Np6fwDMH_0
This is my younger son's car
http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=47082&start=0
Zomby woof wrote:
The exhaust is really quiet on these motors.
It sure is. I'm wondering how many times I'm going to try to start it when it's already running.
