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Brand New 1994 Geo Metro!
Topic Started: Jan 25 2011, 05:29 PM (5,031 Views)
mcmancuso
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I'd recommend sway bars from a 95+ metro, it will improve handling, also the bigger disc and drum setup from a 95+ sedan will help slow you down fast with 4 people in the car. With this setup you can also upgrade to 13" rims as these have the larger lugs, tires will be easier to find, and the slightly larger size will also give you an improvement in MPG on the highway (make sure to grab the speedo gear from the top of the transmission where you get the brakes so your speedo is accurate)
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geojames
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rice

Quote:
 
[/I know it sounds like a lot to put into an older vehicle, but I do plan on handing her down to my oldest when she is ready to drive, then I am going to work on another project car for my youngest - 3 years difference! quote] :hmm not at all i think most people here have done at least that much most of us have done more its a geo it pays you back for all the care you give it by running forever and not taking all your money at the pump :rocker
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MattHamby
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Thanks for the info - I will add those to my list! - now to find a 95 metro with what I need! are the brake set-ups that much different between sedans and hatches? You suggested getting the set-up from a sedan - just wondering how important that is.
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mcmancuso
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The difference between the '95+ sedan and hatchback brakes are the slightly larger drums in the back of the sedan. Its made for more rear weight bias since it has 4 doors (more likely to have rear passengers) like yours does, instead of the mostly cargo only back of the 2 door hatch. Front discs are the same between '95+ hatch or 4-door, larger vented rotors and calipers, with bolt on rotors instead of the hub integrated type found in the earlier models(if you need to change warped rotors its much easier)

I believe since you're putting these on the earlier body style you may also need camber bolts for the front since the later model had 1" longer control arms, its not going to be a major drive-ability issue or anything, so you can do the swap, then get the bolts later if necessary.
Edited by mcmancuso, Feb 23 2011, 11:19 AM.
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MattHamby
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What about wear of the tires - misalignment etc...
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mcmancuso
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When you swap the knuckles, you'll have to get an alignment (or do one yourself) since you will be disconnecting the ball joints and rear control rod things from the knuckles. The camber difference is not big enough to cause bad tire wear, at least not very fast. The alignment shop will probably recommend the camber bolts, since camber is not adjustable from the factory. You can get them on amazon much cheaper than from the alignment place usually. They go on into one of the two bolt holes which hold the strut to the knuckle. A member here has done the swap successfully but I don't know where the thread is ATM. Cutting a loop out of the front springs is probably about enough drop to correct for the angle change without using the camber bolts. But I would install the new knuckles with everything else factory and see what it looks like. A little(<3°) positive(I think its positive) camber, where the top of the tires slant in toward the car, is actually good for handling and cornering, and does not wear tires unevenly. My convertible has been slightly positive for almost 2 years now, and it has not worn the inside of the tire more than the outside.
Edited by mcmancuso, Feb 23 2011, 06:35 PM.
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MR Bill
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Brake Upgrade on MkII Hatchback (89-94)
undder how to guide may 2, 2009
Edited by MR Bill, Feb 23 2011, 09:47 PM.
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JellyBeanDriver


It might be the blower switch. They tend to come apart and need a large zip tie to keep them together so they'll work again.
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MattHamby
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I don't believe it to be the switch due to the smell - like that of, well, an electric motor. I could try that and see just to be on the safe side. You have any pics?

BTW - this last trip I had to the coast I got almost 47mpg!

The severe problem I have to address really soon is the oil burn-off issue! I have put in 4qrts since my last oil change, it is due for 1 this afternoon. I am keeping my eye on it so I dont ruin my engine alltogether, but it is anoying to have to put oil in every 700 to 800 miles. I see no smoke and it seams to run fine between times I have to add a quart. She starts sounding like a sewing machine - I check oil level and add a quart - runs fine for about 700 to 800 miles, etc...

I drained out the Tranny fluid and filled her up with pensoil syncromesh - man what a difference in the shifting. Still having trouble shifting into 1st when moving more than 5mph, but that is more livable than not being able to at all!

I have not heard from the guy about those other Metros, I will give him until this weekend then try to get in touch with him.
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Woodie
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MattHamby
Mar 7 2011, 01:18 PM

The severe problem I have to address really soon is the oil burn-off issue! I have put in 4qrts since my last oil change, it is due for 1 this afternoon. I am keeping my eye on it so I dont ruin my engine alltogether, but it is anoying to have to put oil in every 700 to 800 miles. I see no smoke and it seams to run fine between times I have to add a quart. She starts sounding like a sewing machine - I check oil level and add a quart - runs fine for about 700 to 800 miles, etc...

That's a lot of oil burning! Could be you don't see it because the cat is burning it off, but if that's the case, the cat won't be working much longer.

Quote:
 
I drained out the Tranny fluid and filled her up with pensoil syncromesh - man what a difference in the shifting. Still having trouble shifting into 1st when moving more than 5mph, but that is more livable than not being able to at all!


That's fixed! You should not be trying for first gear above 5 mph. If the car is moving AT ALL, second will do.

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MattHamby
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according to my automotive tech friend, he said that the oil burn off is border line replacement time, he said that the manufacturers wont replace an engine under warranty unless it is burning more than a quart per 700 miles

It's funny, how different/ finicky shifting is between the different manufacturers and different models from each manufacturer.

I have not had time to contact the guy with all of the metros, I hope (as I did last weekend) to contact him this weekend.
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resko1
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I just picked up a 94- 4 door model with the 3 cylinder yesterday. Black and and has 118k miles. 175 bucks!
Brakes are completely shot. I had to e-brake it to get it back home. Body has some fairly bad rust spots but the engine started after one crank! Even after sitting for 4 years!
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chubart
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Welcome to the GMF :thumb
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BigRobRN
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FELB! Love it!
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econoboxer
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I am the one on the left.

Welcome to the forums, and good luck on your metro. Hope you figure out your heater issue soon. If not, well, summer is coming on- therefore you have a while.
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