I've never fired a .50 cal before. But I can tell you this, the Steyer M95 literally kicks like a mule. It's an 8X56 round and the rifle is no bigger than an M44. I have only fired mine twice. Seriously, I could only stand to put 2 rounds down range with it. I fired off the first round and saw stars. After the second round I felt like my teeth were loose. So, I cleared the weapon and sat on a bench behind the firing line to clear my head. That was 15 years ago. I havent fired the weapon since. The Nagant's and the Enfield's pack a punch and I have alot of respect for the soldiers who took them into battle. They are some of my favorite rifles. They are acurate, reliable and beautiful in their own way. But, the M95 is ridiculous! If you ever have the oportunity to fire one... dont do it, it hurts.
Harley, I know what ya mean. Thats the last thing I want, the dreaded reverse stance. So we'll see how it turns out. I can get a few different types of SN95 springs, so maybe I'll play with them to find the best combo. I'm trying not to change the car too much. I didnt buy it from the original owner, but it had been in the family since new. And it was very well taken care of. So, I'm hesitant to change it too much. So far I have added dual exhaust and a K&N air filter. Just rying to take it easy on the mod's for an original car. As for the springs, I may try a few combo's to see what works.
WOW, I never knew the SVT40 was bringing anywhere near the $2000.00 dollar mark. I bought it 15 years ago for next to nothing. I dont remember what I paid for it but I'm cheap, so it couldnt have been much. Maybe I should sell it to pay for some mods on the T'Bird. I can see my Wife rolling her eyes now. As for the Nagants, I love them. Hard to argue with a 7.62X54 round. I have a few 91/30's and an M44. The M44 hurts a little when you shoot it though. But, I'm always amazed at the acuracy of these old rifles. I have some current production stuff also. However, these old WWII rifles are tough to beat. Heck, some of my stuff pre-dates WWI.
1986Elan- I wish I could tell you more about the handling characteristics. But the previous owner had just installed the KYB's before I bought the car. So I cant give any useful before and after info. I can say with them the car has a smooth ride and the handling seems fine for what we use it for. But keep in mind, I live 2 miles from work so this is a daily driver. I looked under the car just now and they are the KYB silver. I think that's the middle of the road. I think white is standard and the yellow are adjustable. Like I said, they came with the car. I hope this helps some what, just wish I had a better comparison for you.
Vinnie- The frontend was just rebuilt, so hopefully the spring swap wont be too bad. As in no rusted bolts and busted knuckles. But we'll see. Everyone knows how a minor project goes. I once tried to replace a little bit of rotted siding on our bay window. Well, after we pulled the siding away we realized there was a bit more work to be done. $2000.00 later the siding looks great. AARGH! Water damage, hopefully this goes a bit more smoothly. As for alignment issues, thanks for the heads up. I didnt even think of that. The suspension geometry will change! See, thats why ya cant put a price on experince. Have I said before that this is a great forum? Thanks again Vinnie
1986Elan, please feel free to jump in. I think everyone can learn something from the discussion here. I have KYB's on the vehicle now, not sure what model they are though. They were put on by the previous owner. The car seems to handle well enough now. I'll post here after I swap the springs to let you know if the ride or handling changes any.
Daminc, very true. Fortunately I have access to a shop and some tools... and expertise. Ya cant put a price on expertise, so hopefully I can have this done this weekend. Or maybe next weekend, we'll see. Heck, after seeing the pictures of your project and your shop.... WOW! I would love to have a space like that. Maybe in the next house, right now all we have is a driveway and borrowed shop space from a few friends. I'll post some before and after pics as soon as I can
I appreciate everyones input, lots of great info here.
Well, I dug up a set of SN95 springs already. They are from a 98 GT, best part is the price. $50.00 for the set. My Wife and I go to alot of cruise ins and we always hang out with guys in the local Mustang club. So I knew finding the springs wouldnt be a problem. Now the fun part, installing them. BTW, I just noticed the Mach1 chin spoiler on your car. It fits the car so well that I didnt see it at first. Hmmm, I know a guy that has spare one of those also. Guess whats going on the car this weekend?
Wow, that's a great looking car! I like the grey wheels with the green body color, it works well. Thanks for the info and pictures, thats exactly what I'm looking for. The car has new KYB's all the way around, the previous owner installed them. Don't mind putting air shocks on the rear if I need to. But, I'll probably see how it sits with the existing setup first. I already sent an email to a guy who knows a guy that has some springs... So, we'll see what I can turn up.
Thanks for the info. Does the car sit level with these springs or does it nose up a little? Also, did you notice any negative handling characteristics after the swap? Because I know where I can pickup a set of SN95 springs CHEAP. This may be the next project.
I know this has been beaten to death. But I have to ask. Who makes lowering springs for an '87 TBird 5.0. I've used the search feature here and found references to springs from a Bullitt and a Mach1. Also, I saw a post where someone said they are running Steeda springs. What works? I would like to lower the car about 2 inches. Currently, it looks like a 4 wheel drive.
Into guns, well ya could say that. I dont have as many as I used to own though. But I still have some pretty neat stuff . Have you ever seen a WWII Soviet Tokarev SVT40? Or, how about a Steyer M95 with puppies markings? I also have a Mosin Nagant that was captured by the Fin's and rebarrelled by Sig. Fewer that 10,000 are known to have been converted. Not sure how many still exist today. I have a few dozen more, just dont wanna bore you with the details. Guns, cars, SCUBA diving and good cigars... what more does a guy need?
Coolcats.net, I havent seen that one yet. I will check it out. Ok, I need to take some pictures to show the base line. Like I said, not planning to go crazy with the build. But... It's hard to stop when you're having fun. Besides, there is so much info here and the members cars are so cool I am feeling a bit inspired. My Wife has already rolled her eyes at me a few times. That just means I am doimg my job! Besides, it's my duty as a Husband to annoy the daylights out of her.
Hey everyone, wasn't sure where to post an introduction thread. So I figured I would start with the lounge.
Does this make me a lounge lizard?
Anyway, my Wife and I picked up an '87 T'bird sport the other night. Not a bad find, it's brick red metallic with red interior. The car has a few miles on it, but the AOD was recently rebuilt and the engine seems solid. So far we have added a K&N air filter and Flowmasters. I couldnt stand it, just love the way they sound. We have a pair of GT40 heads and GT40 intake for it. But that's it for the mods. I plan on this being my daily driver. Well, I may do underdrive pulleys... But I gotta stop there.
