This is a step-by-step guide on fitting a suspension kit to a Vauxhall Nova GTE. The kit in question (GMax) also lowered the car -30mm all round and came complete with matching springs. The change over is easier than I thought, if I done it again, it would take me no longer than an hour, as this was my first attempt, it took me 3 hours. Please note that this modification WILL effect your insurance, in fact some insurance companies will not accept your car because it has been lowered. Don't take this as a total deterrent, the handling will be improved, with this kit, the ride quality wasn't affected too much either.

This guide will show you how to do both the front and rear shock absorbers. Plus what torque settings you need (very important) and the size spanners or sockets you will use. The size, or rather the width or your tyre will be an important factor in this modification. In that once lowered, the tyres may rub with the spring or the arches (because it has been lowered). This modification was carried out on 15" x 5.5" wheels (not shown) with 195/45/15 tyres on. There is no rubbing on the arches, even with the car fully loaded.

Separate lowing springs can also be purchased afterwards if you really want to go any lower, but by personal experience, -30mm is low enough. Anything lower and you will start to have problems with speed bumps, you need to go real slow, otherwise you really do feel it once you've 'bounced' over it.

The rear shocks are the easiest to change because the spring and shock absorber are separate. The rear springs are only held in place with the rear axle, once the car is down off it's stands. Otherwise they can fall out. The front shocks aren't that difficult, you just have a few more nuts and bolts to contend with. When using the spring compression tool, please make sure you have the hooks on a secure spot on the spring, you don't want it to slip and spring off (possible towards your face !!).

Before...

...and after.

Before...

...and after.

• The spring compression kit can be obtained from a local Halfords store.
• A torque wrench can be brought from any local DIY or car accessory store. Note: there are different size and ranges available. Try and get one that would suit your car (i.e. one that has a big range).

General Notes:

Just before you start, make sure you note the following:

• If you don't have one, buy a Haynes manual for your car and have this is front of you. You'll need it on how to remove the front and rear shock absorbers plus the torque settings etc.
• When fitting bolts or nuts, or when metal components are touching other surfaces, use a bit of copper grease on there. This will stop the nuts and bolts from rusting together, and make it easier for removal in the future.
• When using the spring compression tool, make sure the hooks are on a secure spot on the springs. You don't want this slipping and bouncing off somewhere and coursing injury.
• When the springs have been fitted, and the car lowered, remember it takes a few weeks for the springs to settle into place and for the weight of the car to take effect. In otherwords, the car will be a little lower then in the near future.

OK, got all the above? Then follow the steps below (remember to click on the pics for a bigger view):

Size & Torque settings:-

• Upper mounting retaining nut (2 off - 13mm) = 30 Nm or 22 lbf ft.
• Piston rod retaining nut (1 off - 19mm) = 55 Nm or 41 lbf ft.
• Piston rod top, use 10mm socket.
• Strut-to-steering knuckle retaining bolt (2 off - 19mm) = 110 Nm or 81 lbf ft.
• Road wheel bolts (4 off) = 90 Nm or 66 lbf ft.

Please note:

• Your suspension kit usually supplies new nylon inserted nuts. This is because it is considered unsafe to use the old nuts because they have been used.
• Take note of the small identification hole in the top spring plate (the round circular discs on the front shock absorber). When fitting the new springs, the hole should be pointing the opposite direction of that of the lower strut mountings (i.e. pointing towards the engine bay).
• Take care when removing the upper mounting assembly components to transfer then to the new shock absorber, take note of the order of the parts, as they can fall apart easily.
• Take note of the orientation of the strut-to-steering nut and bolts. When they are put back, bolt head is pointing towards the rear of the car.
• The suspension kit should come with fitting instructions, it should also mention the orientation of the springs, as this is important and will affect the ride quality if the springs are inserted upside down.
• Do NOT undo the piston retaining nut while the shock absorber is still on the car. This will make it very difficult, if not impossible, to remove the shock absorber. This is becasue the spring is released and wedges itself inside the turret.

Size & Torque settings:-

• Shock absorber upper mounting nut (1 off) = so there is a gap of 9mm (0.35 in) from the flat of the nut and the top of the shaft.
• Shock absorber lower mounting bolt (1 off) = 60 Nm or 44 lbf ft.
• Road wheel bolts (4 off) = 90 Nm or 66 lbf ft.

Please note:

• Your suspension kit usually supplies new nylon inserted nuts. This is because it is considered unsafe to use the old nuts because they have been used.
• When jacking up the rear of the car, do NOT put any stands on the rear axle, as you need to operate the rear axle to get the rear springs out.
• Use a pair of pliers or similar on the shaft of the piston, when undoing the nut from inside the boot. Otherwise the shaft rotates and the nut will not become loose.
• Use a long metal bar or pole to pries the rear axle down to remove the rear springs.
• The suspension kit should come with fitting instructions, it should also mention the orientation of the springs, as this is important and will affect the ride quality if the springs are inserted upside down.