S13 front end in RA23/28

[Norbie]

OK, so everyone knows you can get lots of aftermarket goodies for an S13 front end (both brakes and suspension), hence the popularity of this conversion with the Sprinter boys. I've been considering what options I have for upgrading the suspension in my RA23, and since it has a very similar front end to an AE86 I thought this might be a good way to go.

So has anyone tried it? Basically I want to grab everything from the strut top to the steering knuckle and bolt it into the Celica. I know the strut top bolt pattern is the same (or near enough), and the lower ball joint will probably require a bit of creative engineering but that's no big deal - but is there more to it than that?

Thoughts/comments appreciated.

[Hen]

Norbie, I'm one of the Sprinter boys looking into this and I think it should be pretty easy to fit up to an RA2*.

I think the only difference will be that you can use a standard S13 strut top and that you may need a different LCA. If you can measure the balljoint to centre of crushtube length of the RA2* LCA and take a photo of one then it should all become clear.

If you can't (or dont want to) redrill and use the S13 LCA you could probably find a Crown/Cressida/Supra LCA which uses the BJ314 balljoint and is the correct length.

Good luck
Hen

[The Witzl]

Norbie - i like the cut of your jib.

The research will be done, and i shall more than likely jump on board with this plan.

[TurboRA28]

AE86 and RA23/8 control arms are interchangable if that helps.

Oh yeah and as Hen said, S13 strut tops are an almost direct fit into RA23/8 which makes this easy.

An S13 strut brace then becomes a nice addition

[thechuckster]

lots of reading here: http://www.toymods.net/forums/showthread.php?t=11242

does this mean you'll also convert to RnP steering?

[TurboRA28]

Also ... mx83 lower arms fit an RA23/8. They where another 2cm or so longer (mmmm neg camber) , and rumor has it a S13 balljoint fits these perfect.. So that makes things simple too if rumor is correct.

S13 struts are a bit shorter too, so a nicely lowered Celica will now sport captive springs.

[The Witzl]

teh witzl does not want a wider track, else teh Simmons are put outside of the guards..... this does not go well with Mr PLont.

[EVOSTi]

from what i understand you need a longer control arm than standard just to keep the camber you have now due to a different strut/hub design. if ae86 and ra28 LCA's are interchangable and you have rack and pinion steering i think you can just apply all aspects of the ae86 swap, ie ra60 inner rack ends, bluebird tie rods etc...

[jonra23]

From measurements taken the closest balljoint i can gind to marry a RA23 LCA and a S13 spindle is a TS Magna.

Will try a mock up when i get home again in about 2 weeks and post results and pics if no-one gets it posted earleir.

regards
jon

[JustenGT8]

Dunno how much help this is Norbie but why not just go with the AE86 front end...easiest way to get the RnP sorted with the right geometry 1st go and then your S13 bits will be a cinch to fit?

This is the way i've gone with the KE10 ie AE86 crossmember, rack, hubs etc and S13 coilovers

[TurboRA28]

Yeah agreed.. I've got a KE70 xmember & rack in the RA28 which apart from engine mounts is identical to AE86 really. Much easier than stuffing around with mounting a rack and getting bump steer, ackerman correct etc.

[Norbie]

This is an interesting point you raise. After driving my MA61 exclusively for 3 years, the steering in the RA23 feels very ordinary. Raccoon peanut steering would definitely be a good thing to have, but then we're talking pretty serious modifications! On the other hand, if it's already been done I guess it's well worth looking into.

What sump configuration is required with an AE86 or KE70 crossmember?

[JustenGT8]

Well for the 13BT it's a front sump but guess it would be the same with the 18R...time for a custom sump anyways Norbie, something that can cut the lateral GEEssssss

[oldcorollas]

but then we're talking pretty serious modifications! On the other hand, if it's already been done I guess it's well worth looking into.
What sump configuration is required with an AE86 or KE70 crossmember?

KE70 (all KE) = front sump

well.. it's not that serious mods really... (unless you shorten things).
the rack is mounted to the cross-member, and as long as you have the same length LCA's and steering arms, the steering geometry will stay the same (for better or worse), unless you have the LCA's angled forwards or backwards by some stupid amount...

[Lambolica]

I'll find all he info i have on this somewhere, Mx62 seems to work, length is a little questionable however I may be using an RA60 crossmember that has a wide gaps betwwn the crush tubes on the crossmember (ie shorter LCA's)