First report on driving with new HMS mounts
#1
First report on driving with new HMS mounts
I have driven my car 4 times so far with the HMS strut mounts in place. Twice before it was aligned just to check everything was bolted together well. Twice since it was professionally aligned.
My all new set-up consists of the following:
FRONT
HMS custom strut mounts
KYB AGX adjustable struts
Intrax springs
Energy Suspension control arm bushings
Moog ball joints
McQuay-Norris steering linkage
Baer Tracker bump steer tie-rods
Spohn wonder bar
Guldstrand 36mm poly bushings
TDS greasable brackets
Energy Suspension sway bar end links
REAR
KYB AGX adjustable shocks
Slot Car Racing adjustable, heim-joint end lca's and phb
Intrax springs
Plus front and rear swaybars, of course. Now, the struts and shocks are all set on #1, the softest setting. And the Intrax springs are progressive wound, as opposed to the Jamex I just removed.
So, the HMS mounts I got are the medium height, allowing for lowered cars to still have full strut travel and normally ride in the middle area. Well, I'm here to say the car as it is sets right now rides like a dream! Now I'm not normally going for the cush ride. My car has traditionally been pretty stiffly sprung and a fairly harsh ride. No complaints. But right now I think the combo of the soft settings on the struts, the progressive winding of the springs, and more importantly the extended struts position has made a very noticeable improvement in ride quality. I can see leaving it as is for normal around town cruising. It's quite pleasant and I'm sure my wife will even take notice. And with the new AGX struts/shocks it will be a simple matter of redialing them for a firmer ride when it's time for some mountain road action. That will be something I am going to have fun experimenting with and setting up.
So, a big thank you to Karl Hunter for making these available to us. Not only do the strut mounts look trick as ****, but they perform great and make a huge improvement in ride quality on a lowered car.
BTW, for those concerned that the HMS mounts had camber adjustment "only" I found that after removing the factory lower strut mount plate inside the fender well that the bolt holes are slotted in the fender. So this allows not only camber, but caster adjustment. And since the HMS uses singular bolts instead of a "bolt plate" the adjustment is limitless. Not only can they be moved for and aft, but also in a circle. These things are totally trick! :hail:
My all new set-up consists of the following:
FRONT
HMS custom strut mounts
KYB AGX adjustable struts
Intrax springs
Energy Suspension control arm bushings
Moog ball joints
McQuay-Norris steering linkage
Baer Tracker bump steer tie-rods
Spohn wonder bar
Guldstrand 36mm poly bushings
TDS greasable brackets
Energy Suspension sway bar end links
REAR
KYB AGX adjustable shocks
Slot Car Racing adjustable, heim-joint end lca's and phb
Intrax springs
Plus front and rear swaybars, of course. Now, the struts and shocks are all set on #1, the softest setting. And the Intrax springs are progressive wound, as opposed to the Jamex I just removed.
So, the HMS mounts I got are the medium height, allowing for lowered cars to still have full strut travel and normally ride in the middle area. Well, I'm here to say the car as it is sets right now rides like a dream! Now I'm not normally going for the cush ride. My car has traditionally been pretty stiffly sprung and a fairly harsh ride. No complaints. But right now I think the combo of the soft settings on the struts, the progressive winding of the springs, and more importantly the extended struts position has made a very noticeable improvement in ride quality. I can see leaving it as is for normal around town cruising. It's quite pleasant and I'm sure my wife will even take notice. And with the new AGX struts/shocks it will be a simple matter of redialing them for a firmer ride when it's time for some mountain road action. That will be something I am going to have fun experimenting with and setting up.
So, a big thank you to Karl Hunter for making these available to us. Not only do the strut mounts look trick as ****, but they perform great and make a huge improvement in ride quality on a lowered car.
BTW, for those concerned that the HMS mounts had camber adjustment "only" I found that after removing the factory lower strut mount plate inside the fender well that the bolt holes are slotted in the fender. So this allows not only camber, but caster adjustment. And since the HMS uses singular bolts instead of a "bolt plate" the adjustment is limitless. Not only can they be moved for and aft, but also in a circle. These things are totally trick! :hail:
#2
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Car: '87 Z
Engine: 355 in the works
Transmission: 700R4
Sweet man, wonder if they'll make another run....
When are you gonna have some pics of your car as it sits now? I'd really like to see the stance of that setup...
When are you gonna have some pics of your car as it sits now? I'd really like to see the stance of that setup...
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yeah, the list seems to be long with no word as to when a production will start. it's ashame because i'd like to have a set but once i get something it will be final......so i'll keep searching until i find something as nice or he decides to build some more.
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: Juiced 5.0 TBI - 300rwhp
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton Posi, 10 Bolt
Originally posted by Ukraine Train
what purpose do these mounts serve? and how much were they?
what purpose do these mounts serve? and how much were they?
they cost $300 + (i think it was close to 360 by the time i got them)
if karl does them again, i would assume the pricing will be similar.
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Car: '88 Iroc, '91 RS, and a '70 RS
Engine: 5.7 TPI; 5.0 TBI; ZZ4/T56 on the ag
Transmission: A4, A4, slated to be a T56
It did take a long time fo get enough guys committed to purchasing them though. I wonder how long it will take to get another 20+ guys to cough up the $300+ and convince Karl to make another run.
Playing devil's advocate here...
Ed
Playing devil's advocate here...
Ed
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#8
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: Juiced 5.0 TBI - 300rwhp
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton Posi, 10 Bolt
LOL, part of me kinda hopes that they don't make more. cause then i won't be so special :-(
#9
Originally posted by ebmiller88
It did take a long time fo get enough guys committed to purchasing them though. I wonder how long it will take to get another 20+ guys to cough up the $300+ and convince Karl to make another run.
Playing devil's advocate here...
Ed
It did take a long time fo get enough guys committed to purchasing them though. I wonder how long it will take to get another 20+ guys to cough up the $300+ and convince Karl to make another run.
Playing devil's advocate here...
Ed
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awww..............poor baby.
i just want a nice piece since replacing the stock part costs almost as much. looks like i'll have to make my own or hope finding one in a week here.
i just want a nice piece since replacing the stock part costs almost as much. looks like i'll have to make my own or hope finding one in a week here.
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Car: 2004 GTO
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T-56
I think it was just getting 20 people to part with $300 for a small run of an unknown quality part.
Now that we have some testimonials, I'm sure the next run will sell out fast.
I want a set in aluminum or black. Put me down!!
Now that we have some testimonials, I'm sure the next run will sell out fast.
I want a set in aluminum or black. Put me down!!
#13
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Car: Camaro Z28 1LE R7U
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: G-Force Dog-Ring T5
Once again, to all those interested in these strut mounts, I must beg for, and thank you all for your PAITENCE.
If all goes well this week I will be finalizing pricing for the next production run. I don't expect it to change much, if at all.
Anodizing will no longer be offered. All mounts will be polished aluminum. This makes the process alot simpler - and the end result is a better quality finnish that is more consistent - and if YOU decide to have them anodized when you get them they will look spectacular. Anodizing an already polished finnish produces the best results.
In the last production run we only sold one set of standard height mounts, so for this run I plan to make them ALL "medium" height. This works for virtually everyone. Chances are if you are buying these mounts - your car is not stock height anyway - but the medium height version works just fine on stock height cars for those of you that may be concerned. Again - this helps to smooth out the production process - and anything that makes our job easier also keeps the cost down.
I have already received sevreal e-mails from those of you who are interested. I try to answer them all. If I have missed you - please accept my appology.
For those of you who ARE interested in a set of these please send e-mail to: HunterMotorsports@Hotmail.com with the subject: HMS STRUT MOUNT - and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Once again - please be paitent - you will be rewarded.
If all goes well this week I will be finalizing pricing for the next production run. I don't expect it to change much, if at all.
Anodizing will no longer be offered. All mounts will be polished aluminum. This makes the process alot simpler - and the end result is a better quality finnish that is more consistent - and if YOU decide to have them anodized when you get them they will look spectacular. Anodizing an already polished finnish produces the best results.
In the last production run we only sold one set of standard height mounts, so for this run I plan to make them ALL "medium" height. This works for virtually everyone. Chances are if you are buying these mounts - your car is not stock height anyway - but the medium height version works just fine on stock height cars for those of you that may be concerned. Again - this helps to smooth out the production process - and anything that makes our job easier also keeps the cost down.
I have already received sevreal e-mails from those of you who are interested. I try to answer them all. If I have missed you - please accept my appology.
For those of you who ARE interested in a set of these please send e-mail to: HunterMotorsports@Hotmail.com with the subject: HMS STRUT MOUNT - and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Once again - please be paitent - you will be rewarded.
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They are exactly the same as the stock ones. I traced around my old ones before I took them off so I could make sure and get the new ones in approx. the same spot.
#17
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Car: 2004 GTO
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T-56
Sweeeet.....thanks Karl for making a better product, not a better buck.
Sounds like a good plan. If the medium height will work for stock height cars and keep the cost down, then please do it!!
Thanks!
Sounds like a good plan. If the medium height will work for stock height cars and keep the cost down, then please do it!!
Thanks!
#20
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: Juiced 5.0 TBI - 300rwhp
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton Posi, 10 Bolt
Originally posted by soulbounder
Yes, the footprint is the same as the originals. I have a set waiting to be polished in my bedroom.
Yes, the footprint is the same as the originals. I have a set waiting to be polished in my bedroom.
Note mine are sitting , still in the box, waiting to be pollished, and re-anodized blue, then installed.
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Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 406 Stealth Ram
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by Dewey316
isn't that funny of the 20 that were made, only 1 person has them on after all these months.
Note mine are sitting , still in the box, waiting to be pollished, and re-anodized blue, then installed.
isn't that funny of the 20 that were made, only 1 person has them on after all these months.
Note mine are sitting , still in the box, waiting to be pollished, and re-anodized blue, then installed.
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Car: 91 Firebird Formula
Engine: For me to know.....
Transmission: and you to find out....
Has there been any word on another production run for Karl?? I know Karl stated that he's working on it but has anyone heard anything else???
Dan
Dan
#24
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Car: '88 Iroc, '91 RS, and a '70 RS
Engine: 5.7 TPI; 5.0 TBI; ZZ4/T56 on the ag
Transmission: A4, A4, slated to be a T56
Mine are still in the box, too. I'm waiting to upgrade from my new KYBs to Bilsteins before I put them in. I may take one out and put it on the coffee table just for conversation.
Ed
Ed
#25
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: Juiced 5.0 TBI - 300rwhp
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton Posi, 10 Bolt
Originally posted by ebmiller88
I may take one out and put it on the coffee table just for conversation.
I may take one out and put it on the coffee table just for conversation.
i will have to install them one of these days.
and to the post above yours, karl was talking about doing more, and the post mysteriously disapeared
#26
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Car: '88 Iroc, '91 RS, and a '70 RS
Engine: 5.7 TPI; 5.0 TBI; ZZ4/T56 on the ag
Transmission: A4, A4, slated to be a T56
and to the post above yours, karl was talking about doing more, and the post mysteriously disapeared
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Car: 1987 Chevy Camaro Z28
Engine: 305, 4bbl, A/C, T-Tops
Transmission: 700R4 4speed Automatic
AAARRRGGHHHH!!! you lucky bastards! I went nuts looking for these mounts or something like it and some of all of you that bought the first production run haven't even installed them....
#28
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Car: 93 240SX
Engine: LQ9
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.54 R200 IRS
Originally posted by Tibey
AAARRRGGHHHH!!! you lucky bastards! I went nuts looking for these mounts or something like it and some of all of you that bought the first production run haven't even installed them....
AAARRRGGHHHH!!! you lucky bastards! I went nuts looking for these mounts or something like it and some of all of you that bought the first production run haven't even installed them....
Yes but we also forked out our cash to get them, which quite a bit of the others didnt want to do, thus we have cool mounts
#29
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: Juiced 5.0 TBI - 300rwhp
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton Posi, 10 Bolt
yeah we put cash down, site unseen for these, in fact i ponied up the money while i was unemployed, because i figured chances of getting a second chance to get a set would be next to none.
we also waited well more than a year from the the time he started collecting names for a run of them. seeing as how karl can't really post here anymore you would have to orginize a purchase somewhere other than TGO, get 20+ people, then contact Karl.
we also waited well more than a year from the the time he started collecting names for a run of them. seeing as how karl can't really post here anymore you would have to orginize a purchase somewhere other than TGO, get 20+ people, then contact Karl.
#30
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Car: '88 Iroc, '91 RS, and a '70 RS
Engine: 5.7 TPI; 5.0 TBI; ZZ4/T56 on the ag
Transmission: A4, A4, slated to be a T56
Yeah, he was pretty firm about getting a set number of people to commit. You know what always happens...guys say, "Sure, I'm in." and when the time comes to collect the cash, 3 people actually buy the part you worked so hard to get made. I'm sure he'd make them if he got 20 people comitted to buy, and that means a cash deposit.
I'm waiting on the repaint to install mine along with new Bilsteins.
Ed
I'm waiting on the repaint to install mine along with new Bilsteins.
Ed
#31
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: Juiced 5.0 TBI - 300rwhp
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton Posi, 10 Bolt
mine should be going in very soon!!!!
just ordered shocks/struts today. so i will actualy after a full year put them on
just ordered shocks/struts today. so i will actualy after a full year put them on
#32
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Car: 1987 Chevy Camaro Z28
Engine: 305, 4bbl, A/C, T-Tops
Transmission: 700R4 4speed Automatic
Z28r1cer Dewey316 ebmiller88 You still are lucky guys...
Yes but we also forked out our cash to get them, which quite a bit of the others didnt want to do, thus we have cool mounts
yeah we put cash down, sight unseen for these, in fact i ponied up the money while i was unemployed, because i figured chances of getting a second chance to get a set would be next to none. we also waited well more than a year from the the time he started collecting names for a run of them. seeing as how karl can't really post here anymore you would have to orginize a purchase somewhere other than TGO, get 20+ people, then contact Karl.
Yeah, he was pretty firm about getting a set number of people to commit. You know what always happens...guys say, "Sure, I'm in." and when the time comes to collect the cash, 3 people actually buy the part you worked so hard to get made. I'm sure he'd make them if he got 20 people comitted to buy, and that means a cash deposit.
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Car: 1987 Chevy Camaro Z28
Engine: 305, 4bbl, A/C, T-Tops
Transmission: 700R4 4speed Automatic
Well, I'm making the commitement right here and now on this board for 4 sets for myself... if more people want to join me to get 16 more sets, please e-mail or private message me here through this board and let's get organized to present a proposal to :hail: Karl Hunter of at least 20 FIRM orders
#34
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Car: 1987 Chevy Camaro Z28
Engine: 305, 4bbl, A/C, T-Tops
Transmission: 700R4 4speed Automatic
Is it my imagination or these 2 pics show different lengths on the HMS mounts? and
#35
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: Juiced 5.0 TBI - 300rwhp
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton Posi, 10 Bolt
he actualy made them in three diffrent lenght, stock, medium 2" taller than stock, and tall 3" (iirc) taller than stock.
but i think all but 1 or 2 of the 20 are medium height.
but i think all but 1 or 2 of the 20 are medium height.
#36
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Car: '88 Iroc, '91 RS, and a '70 RS
Engine: 5.7 TPI; 5.0 TBI; ZZ4/T56 on the ag
Transmission: A4, A4, slated to be a T56
Yep, there are 3 different sizes he made. Here's a link to the original post. Read it and you'll be infinitely familiar with them:
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...er+motorsports
Ed
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...er+motorsports
Ed
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Car: 1987 Chevy Camaro Z28
Engine: 305, 4bbl, A/C, T-Tops
Transmission: 700R4 4speed Automatic
Cool! 3 days and another commitement for a grand total of 7 orders... keep'em coming people!
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