[DML] Re: Original Suspension

[William T Wilson <fluffy@xxxx>]

On Fri, 3 Dec 1999, Matthew Lach wrote:

> A few years back, I heard a rumor that JZD had to change the shocks ofh
> the US version of the D, to conform to fender requirements.

Close. The springs were changed to raise the car for bumper and headlight
requirements.

> Is it legal to change back to the original, stiffer, config?

Yes. The original configuration isn't stiffer as much as it is lower.
Your DeLorean specialist of choice should have or know where to get
springs which conform to the original specification.

> Would this have enough positive effects on handling to warrant the work?

It has a very positive effect on the appearance of the car and also
improves visibility. The improvement on handling is there, whether it's
enough of a difference to warrant the effort probably depends on how you
drive the car.

> Are there any nasty side effects I should know about, before
> attempting it?

There are a variety of ways to perform the modification. You can lower
the car by cutting the springs for example. This is bad. You must also
take care when working on the suspension, the parts are under a lot of
stress and you can injure yourself or damage things if you are careless.
But such a modification is not, in and of itself, harmful.