Trigger

cheers for the pics man, Good to see Starion struts dont give "too" much negative camber after all So just to double check, your using: - 1600cc engine x-member - Sigma/Starion lower arms - Starion struts - Ex top hats - Starion strut kncukles (x2 bolt) - Sigma/Starion ball joints (x4 bolt in) - Stock 1200cc steering componnets (except for) - Sigma/Starion (RIGHT) inner tie rod (longer) - Sigma/Starion (LEFT) "spacer tube" turnknuckle (longer) Hopefully you can just say "YES" and not write it all out again

Hey man, might wanta double check you "caption" for your last post (project build up) "heres a pic to give people an idea of the negative cmaber u get when putting ex struts in a lancer" ? other wise looks good! so good "seeing" the camber on an Ex (with Starion struts) must be hanging out to get it going!

sweet cheers for getting back to me man, everything you say seems to make sence, but, you cant put a Sigma pitman arm on an Ex (different splines and diamaiter steering box) but every Ex with Sigma x-member that I've read about seems to change the Ex idler arm (hits x-member) to the Sigma one but doesnt (or dont say) about changing the pitman arm? Wouldnt have thought you could run one of each, eg: Sigma idler, Ex pitman (when using Sigma x-member) Like I said the Ex idler only "just" nicks the Sigma x-member, so cant "shape" x-member and run Ex ilder or go with Sigma one? End of the day people have done "it" before (Sigma x-member in Ex) and they have "worked" (been able to drive them) I'm not too worried, I'll get it all in there and see what works best (found slight difference with the Sigma draglink compared to the Ex also) Yeah typing this much is a cunt! Ha Ha! (thanks for the help)

SO MANY ?'s ha ha! (I'll try answer them all) yeah, IF I use the Sigma pitman, I'll have to use the Sigma idler and same for Ex bits (gota use matching arms) But wont have to use "everything" Sigma... Have to use the Starion knuckles (for the Starion struts) Sigma and Starion are the "same" lower arms (the model Sigma I'm using anyway) Few things I dont quite understand tho... Why cant you use the Sigma sway bar? Esp. if you are using the Sigma/Starion lower arms? The mounting points for the sway bar links are in the same place on the lower arms and the factory mounting bolt holes are in every 1200cc/1600cc/Sigma (ALL same) (Not saying your wrong) But, where did you hear that using the Sigma X-member mounts everything 15mm further back? Have found a lot of things are just "I've heard this and that" so if someone hasnt "done it" themselves before, I try and do it myself to see (to be totally sure) I think GSR-Sigma have different bolt joint knuckles to Starion 1st thing I need to do is get the x-member and Starion struts "in" and see where everything is, (thats why I'd be REAL KEEN to see some of your pics ALREADY done) Then work out, see the camber, been told anywhere from 3 deg to 9 deg negative? Suss the steering parts out, dummy it all up and get an alignment back?

Ke36: Yeah, you wont need to worry about the pitman/idler arms, since your running the 1600cc x-member Been told that the Ex pitman arm (LEFT hand side) hits on the Sigma x-member, so I dummied up the x-member and pitman arm in my Ex and found it only "just" nicks the edge of the x-member (be very easy to grind a "small" grove into the x-member to run it) I havent decide on what pitman/idler arms I'm going to run at this stage Replacement parts for GSR-Sigma struts? Would you just re-fit a new insert and buy or, get some lowered coils made? Pretty sure the brakes are the same vented rotors as the Starion (and can get new rotors for them) Do you still have the GSR-Ex struts from "rear drive" KEEN for pics of your setup, with the Starion struts Lowlancer: Yeah I'd be keen to see if he still has them? Do you know the difference between GSR-Ex, and GSR-Sigma struts? I "thought" all GSR and Starion (turbo spec miztys) had the same "bigger" size shafts and brakes, it was just the mounting points (x2/x3 bolt knuckles, and top hats) that were different GSR-Ex would be ideal, but I'm sure GSR-Sigma could work too The Starion struts "seem" to have way too much neg camber for road use?

Thanks for the advice Rxtoy, Was actually at the suspension place today, talking with the guy about the Starion struts, I'm not going to pretend I know much about suspension setups, but this guy does If we do decide to bring the lower arms in (10-20mm) I've basicly got x2 steering setups to choose from, (x1 LONG, x1 SHORT) I've talked about this with a few people already, including people on here (Ke36, isnowi, etc) and have found that the Sigma and Ex have exactly the same commponnets in the steering the only difference is the Sigma has x2 parts that are slightly "longer" which is the RIGHT INNER tie rod, and the LEFT 'turnbuckle' (thread adjusting tube) there is a 20-30mm xtra (in length) with both parts, giving a 40-60mm xtra in total length to the Sigma steering rack, over the Ex (note, pitman and idler arms are EACH, BOTH 15mm "shorter" for the Sigma than the Ex) So with the lower arms in the factory postion, I need to use the Sigma steering setup, and the Ex setup "if" we bring the lower arms in End of the day, its hard to know whats "right" (or going to work) until you get it in there and see for yourself, if anyone has fitted Starion struts to an Ex before I'd like to hear what was used/done Ke36: glad to hear yours is going together man, so you using the longer (Sigma) steering bits then? yeah, be real keen to hear how the wheel alignment goes, I've heard about "rear drive" how much were the GSR struts? L200 extension housing easy as swap over on the sigy box man (havent cut a hole yet?) Again the booster is easy as, just uses more pressure

Gearbox: I did some reading about Sigma gearbox's, and it seemed like when fitted to an Ex Lancer you had to cut the hole in the floor (for the shifter) about 2inches further "back" But I also found out, that if you swap the rear extention housing with a L200 box, it brings the shifter "forward" about 2inches, so I tracked one down and fitted it to my Sigma box Also replaced most gaskets, seals etc and then got bored so ended up giving it a quick spray too...

Yeah, have looked into bring the lower arms in, by re-drilling the main holes in the engine x-member (for the lower arm, through bolts) even camber plates etc, The only difference with the Starion setup seems to be the x2 bolt ball joint knukle Would love to get some GSR Ex front struts (make it a whole lot easier) I'll get it all in, and dummied up and see what and where to change things, dont think it'll be too much of a major (fingers X'd)

Cheers "Rxtoy" Yea have heard about the dramas with Starion front struts in Ex's Tried finding some Ex GSR struts but yea pretty thin on the ground? I've taken the "complete" Ex AND Sigma: engine x-members, lower arms, steering, and struts around to the workshop whos making all the suspension etc and told him about the negative camber possiblity etc We are going to dummy everything up 1st and see what need to be changed/ modified, he reckons shouldnt be a problem (has LOTS of experenice) And I've talked to a lot of people on here, that are running Starion struts but everyone has done it differently? Guess I will too, let you know how it works out... Might keep an eye out of a 1600cc Ex radiator then I'm pretty sure the booster WILL fit, I've dummied it up already and fits perfectly, all x4 mounting holes the same, doesnt block or cover clutch cable hole, master cylinder doesnt hit the anything (strut tower etc) I'm sure I read your post on the Lancer Register (UK) about you fitting a Starion booster, (like I've said I've done a lot of research about Ex Lancers) got some more pics to help show... This is the Sigma booster "IN" the Ex: Back of both boosters, Sigma: (LEFT) Ex: (RIGHT) bolt patterns are the same cheers for all the advice man, keen to hear any other ideas that might help

Since I've got lots of "bits" (Ex, Sigma, Starion) lying around now, thought I'd show some of the comparisons etc... Radiators: going from the 1200cc Ex motor, to the 2litre Sigma motor, so had better swap the radiators aswell (will be getting the Sigma radiator re-cored etc and electric fan at some stage) Sigma: (LEFT) Ex: (RIGHT) "furry" helpers... Brake booster: I'm going to run the Sigma booster and master cylinder, bolts straight into the Ex as you can see there is a bit of size difference, and thought if I'm running the Starion front brakes (bigger calipers, and vented rotors) might help changing to the bigger booster/cylinder setup Sigma: (LEFT) Ex: (RIGHT) Brake pads: The brake pad sizes arent much different? Between the Ex and Starion, but the piston (inside the caliper) is bigger on the Starion Ex: (TOP) Starion: (BOTTOM) Spent a bit of time, "modding" the Sigma rocker cover Cut off the factory air cleaner mounts x2, filled in the small "front" breather (PCV) Going to open up the rear breather hole and weld a threaded fitting onto it (sometime soon) But have had it sand blasted, ready to get the rear fitting welded on, then will be painted

Things have slown down a bit now, waiting on the suspension to be made, the x-member/ arms and steering parts to be powder coated, and for some parts to turn up for the engine, so I can finish assembling it. So this is what I'm left with at the mo... In the mean time, I've got a few things for the interior sorted, Didnt want to change it too much, since its mint anyway, but did the... Drivers seat: still on factory runners (so can go back and forth) Fitted my old momo, (bit easier to hold on to, than that "skinny" factory one) Scored a 1600cc dash cluster too, (rev counter, oil press.) found this at work, so thought I'd put it on the "Starmax" while its parked up

Thanks Yeah its been looked after, and hardly used heres a pic for you "Ke36"

I better explain the name, (Starmax) Since I'm using the Starion struts, Sigma, engine and x-members etc in a Ex I thought... STARion sigMA eX So its a Mitzy STARMAX! I started stripping the Sigma engine down 1st, It was a runner and had done about 180km, but got it down to a bear block and checked everything out, Was all mint, but still decided to do a few mods to it while it was apart... Nothing major: Hone, rings and bearings, lightened flywheel, removed balance shafts, got all balanced, tidy up of the ports, re-cut valves, surfaced the head, "mild" cam from snow (Kiwi Cams) dipped the block and re-painted LEFT: machined flywheel, RIGHT: standard Sigma flywheel I've started slowly putting the engine back together, using ALL "new" gaskets seals, even BOLTS! Also fitted an evo metal head gasket and now getting a few bits 'n' pieces powder coated (slowly but surely) Since I'm going be using the Starion front struts now, I have to change the suspension, AGAIN So I pulled ALL the suspension out and sold it to my younger cousin (who has a 1600cc Ex/silver) and I picked up some mags too, (Alloy even!) so sold my Sigma rims to him also Now starting again fresh, and getting custom springs and shocks made from TSV in Palmy This is my younger cousin's Ex with my old, suspension setup and powder coated Sigma rims, I got these rims off Trade Me, 16x7 and 16x8 have removed the centres (x2 piece) to get re-powder coated black and the bands polished up

I quickly stripped all the parts I needed from the two Sigma's (esp. to keep the missus happy!) Kept: Engine gearbox x-members all suspension steering and lower arms wheels rear diff and was left with... she wasnt too happy having the body out the front of the house tho! Then heard Starion front struts were the go, so I suss out a pair, inc hubs, vented brakes, calipers, x2 bolt knukles

Just some pics of the interior, has been well looked after... Still had the problem with a stock 1200cc "power house" Have been deciding on what to do about the engine, a VR4 motor would be great! But I wanted to keep the "oldschool" theme, and since its a tidy example decided on the simple convertion to a 4G63 (SOHC, carby) from a Sigma, to make it a 2litre 5speed So ended up buying a complete Sigma for ALL the parts I was going to need, and then brought another one... ?

Wanted to get the suspension sorted out ASAP! So looked through pages, and pages of topics on here about lowering Ex's etc Found the rear King spring listing a lot of people seemed to use on their Lancers wasnt avalible anymore? So long (LONG) story short, I got off the shelf 30mm lower Kings for the rear (which hardly dropped it at all?) then cut 1.5 coils off them, while using new KYB, EX.CEL-G rear shocks The front was custom made by "Stocks" in Auckland, where they shorten and re-welded the front struts, fitted new inserts (Corolla?) and Kings springs for a MK2 cortina Also at the same time I got some Sigma rims, and got them powder coated (silver) with new 185/60/14s (A lot better than the stock suspension and 155/80/13s!) So then at least it "looked" a bit better...

Thought it was about time I got off my ass and put some pics up of my Ex Lancer... It's a: 1982, 1200cc, 4 speed, 1 owner minta, done a genuine 58kms Few pics of when I 1st got it about 18months ago, pretty mint, but SO HIGH! I've found out a bit, about the history of it, I work at a Mizty dealer (mechanic) it was sold new from one of our 4 braches back in '82 and yeah, the silver stripe was put on when "new" and sold from the showroom like that

I might have another Sigma spacer, but... are you gona change to the longer Sigma inner tie rod, and spacer straight away? your not gona try adjusting the standard rack 1st? might be alright without changing anything?

All good man Thought I was going crazy there? Sounds like you've suss it now, if you get stuck for parts give us a yell, good luck

I think your getting your LEFT and RIGHT's mixed up? Thats why it would be much easier to jack your car up and SEE for yourself then you could SEE that the RIGHT hand side "inner tie rod" is LONGER than the LEFT hand side "inner tie rod" (you dont need a Sigma or Starion to look at?) Why are you wanting a LEFT inner tie rod? If you look under YOUR car I'm sure it'll make total sence, what tie rod goes where, (left/right, long/short) and which one your wanting

cant you look under YOUR car, for some reason? you must have had it "jacked up" to fit the struts if you have a look under your car you'll see how everything works etc Ex AND Sigma have the SAME... - outter tie rod ends (both) - left inner tie rod (passengers side) only the RIGHT hand side (DRIVERS) the LONGER inner tie rod end is different between Ex/Sigma the Sigma one is LONGER than the Ex one by about 30mm the other difference is the "spacer rod" on the LEFT hand side (passengers) where the Sigma one is about 20mm LONGER than the Ex So you could gain about 50mm of "xtra" addjustment by using this x2 Sigma parts instaed of the standard Ex bits (otherwise rest is the SAME) I wud try adjusting tie rods aswell?

Hey man, Not sure if some Starion steering bits will fit? Think the "centre steering rod" (biggest one) is totally different to Ex and Sigma ones but tie rods etc are same as Sigma anyway All the convertions (putting Satrion struts into Ex) i've read about never really seem to talk about changing any of the steering components? (unless you use the Sigam x-member) and your using the 1600 Ex But yeah like I said you can get some "Xtra" length from possibly using the Sigma tie rod "spacer" (20mm longer than Ex) and using the Sigma "inner" tie rod end (longer one) which is 30mm longer than Ex So 50mm "more" (+ adjustment) might be enough to work?

whos treggo bro? Ha ha, all gud had a chance to do any adjusting or measuring yet?

Hey man, This doesnt sound good? I'm about to fit Starion struts/ball joints/lower arms into my Ex too, What engine x-member are you using? 1600 Ex or Sigma? (I'm using Sigma) I might measure the lower arm mounting point (centre bolt hole) to the outter tie rod mounting hole (on the Ex) and then compare with the Starion setup I'm pretty sure the lower arms are the same length, but the mounting point of the outter tie rod ends may be different? Be interested to hear how this works out man good luck

Hey man, glad you got some springs sussed 4inches / 100mm is pretty low think if you use a spring shorter than about 300mm it wont be captive and you'll need shorter shocks LOTS of info on here about brands and part numbers etc Trigger