Unsolicited Endorsement of Spider Chassis Stiffener

[C2slayman@domain.elided]

Hi Gang,
       After reading Len Leeb's article on installing the Ereminas chassis 
stiffener in the 105/115 Spider, I was  motivated to do  mine (sorry, I 
forgot the website).  Len's description was straightforward and accurate.  
For those of you not familiar with the device, it is basically four bars of 
steel - two longitudinal bars tie the steering box (or idler assembly on the 
passenger side) to the front bolt of the rear axle trailing arm.  Two 
transverse bars tie the steering box to the idler  and the two trailing arm 
bolts on each side.
       The whole assembly weighs about 60lbs.  But the additional weight is 
well worth the added stiffness it gives the chassis.  If you have heavy duty 
springs, sway bars or shocks on your Spider, this addition is a must.  I have 
been driving the car for about three weeks now and I wish I installed this 
device when I bought the car!  It amazes me how much chassis flexing and cowl 
shake gives a mental impression of poor quality ride.  With the chassis 
stiffener, I can tolerate driving over those annoying sagging manhole covers 
now.
       So here's my list of top 6 Spider upgrades:
       1)  Viton o-ring and brass pin kit for head gasket (~$25) - I haven't 
suffered any head gasket failure since installing this kit.
       2)  Urethane rear trunion bushing (~$20) - what a driving difference!  
I can drive over railroad tracks with full throttle now and the rear doesn't 
dance around like the front row at a Grateful Dead concert!
       3)  Gusset-welded clutch pivot shaft arm (~$35) - no performance 
improvement.  But all you have to do is replace a failed unit (and YOU WILL 
if you own a high mileage Spider) to realize how STUPID the factory design 
was for 25 YEARS!!!!
       4)  Lightened gears - courtesy of Tom Sahines.  I can't manhandle the 
gearbox like the Muncie rock crusher in my '69 Firebird, but once the Spirax 
80W/90 is warmed up, it's as smooth as silk.
       5)  AP Racing Disc - the feel on this disc is great.  Contrary to the 
name, this disc is great for the street.  It has progressive grip and is easy 
to engage.  I NEVER stall the car with this disc and I drive it in daily stop 
and go commute traffic.  I'm using an aluminum heavy duty Sachs pressure 
plate from Spruell that is great too.  But Louis Le has driven the car and he 
thinks it's a little heavy.
       6)  Chassis Stiffener - 'nuff said.

Cheers,
Charlie S
'89 Spider

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