Coilover tweaking and spacer plates

So this morning I got under the car to try and find the clunk I have had since the coilovers went in. I started with what I suspected, sway bar end links, but they were good. I then started pulling wheels off and began checking all the bolts etc. I found that the springs seemed a little loose so I measured for pre-load again. I'm not sure if the springs settled a little bit or what but they needed to be tightened a bit. I had trouble getting a good measurement with them on the car but I think that they are good now. Once I was done checking all four corners I took the car for a quick spin. I was still getting the noise over the sharper bumps so I then pulled the rear seat and checked the top nuts and top hat plate nuts to make sure everything was tight. I am beginning to think that maybe it is just the noise that coilovers sometimes make (especially on the bad bumps).

While I was at it I decided, since my DD tires are only 225's, that the front could look more aggressive/better with some spacers!

Before:


After:


*Edit*: I wonder if I will be able to run my V710's with these spacers without any rubbing...

"Winterizing"

The heavy dusting of snow last night was enough motivation to get the car ready for winter and get the Star Specs off. Usually I wait a little longer but we are supposed to get several more inches tomorrow night! I dug out my snows from the basement and got to switching them over. I took the opportunity to pull my brake pads and grease the ever living crap out of them. They have been screaming lately and were unbearable! After a quck ride I was happy to hear that they are back to the "normal" squeaks from the HP+'s. I also "cleaned" my calipers and remembered that they are in fact gold.  I am also sad to see/remember what the car looks like without any added offset (my snows are on the stock wheels).

In the process of changing wheels I saw this:





This is the left rear strut and it is clearly leaking a bit. I wonder how long it has been in this condition for? This was also probably one of the reasons the car was so squirrelly at the last couple autocrosses. Good thing I have new suspension coming in a few weeks! I can't wait to see what the car feels like with not only properly functioning suspension, but also greatly improved/stiffened bits as well.