Hey guys, after looking around and after endlessly bouncing things around in my head, as is ALWAYS the case, I was hoping a few of you had some experience / information on pretty much the OPPOSITE of what I see all day long with Brat's, instead of lifting them up. I'm interested in different suspension/wheel/tire setups, possibly done to make the brat ride more like a sporty car than a truck. Drop it down enough, but not cheesy/scraping/useless low. Stiffen everything up a bit.

Do Brats have decent handling characteristics naturally? Does it drive more like truck than a car, as far as the gearing and feel?
What mods/adjustments would you do if you could?

Bolstered bucket seats?

5 point harnesses?
Different suspension altogether?
RWD only conversions?

Sporty Transmission swaps?
Shoehorning in an 3.6l H6? (obscene)
Anything absolutely ridiculous I haven't thought of yet?

Thoughts? Pics?

 

As to not piss anyone off, honestly I'm just in the psychotic/genius possibilities thoughts process. Indulge me, the more pics the better.

I'm literally a "Sleeper" kind of guy anyway. Mostly. Mostly.

~Doogan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhbmfNTNyro

I've read on here that the gen2's suspension is around 1in shorter up front. I'm curious if anyone has any alternative suspension swap jobs on here as far as a mild lowering job goes.

The best part about the gen 1s is that they are super light! 

 

Not really sure if you could do a whole lot as far as handling goes. Put stiffer springs up front? Thicker torsion bars in the rear? Anyone know of anything that swaps?

 

Motor wise, look for a NA EJ18, EJ20 or EJ22. They provide all of the horsepower you will ever need for these cars. 

I recently fabricated a strut brace for mine, it made it a lot better in the corners.

I'd love to airbag it so it could be low for daily use but higher for offroading. They handle pretty well for what they are

Edited June 11, 201411 yr by cubastreet

Air bags would be incredible! I may have to do some research.

Is brat in your possession yet? I really want to see it clean.  

Wet sanded the owners ranchero today, buffing it out tomorrow. Then title, then trailer, then clean, then pics.