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Cortina vs. Sierra uprights
thesecondprize - 29/4/12 at 04:23 PM

Probably a dumbass question, but if I have front wishbones designed for Sierra uprights, but have a pair of Cortina uprights to hand, is it possible to use them by reaming them to accept the Maxi lower balljoint?

Apologies if this appears to be a stupid question.

Thanks,

Pete

[Edited on 29/4/12 by thesecondprize]

[Edited on 29/4/12 by thesecondprize]

jossey - 29/4/12 at 04:39 PM

this will start some different answers i think but my thoughts.

Steering rack is going to be wrong length if you chamge it.

Given the geometry differences with the two uprights the wishbones wont just change over.

The sierra calipers are lighter

The sierra geometry is better on a kit than the cortina angles.

vented discs are cheaper for the sierra.

How are you planning on adjusting the differences in geometry?

I thought the maxi balljoint had been modified to a better angle than the standard maxi joint to work with cortina upright.

One good thing is the overall weight is better on cortina and MNR use them alot but swap the standard ones out to their race kit.

If you have wishbones and sierra uprights working ok. why the change? why not get better discs or willwood calipers and stick with what is working?


DJ

Marcus - 29/4/12 at 04:49 PM

The Maxi ball joints will fit out of the box, no reaming. I always thought the geometry was also better with the Cortina bits. The Sierra stuff was always a bodge IMO.....

phelpsa - 29/4/12 at 04:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Marcus
The Maxi ball joints will fit out of the box, no reaming. I always thought the geometry was also better with the Cortina bits. The Sierra stuff was always a bodge IMO.....


Because of the strut adaptors used you can get better KPI and therefore a more favourable scrub radius with a sierra upright. The bearing-in-upright arrangement is much nicer too.

thesecondprize - 29/4/12 at 05:21 PM

So, in basic terms:

1. I have a chassis and wishbones designed for Sierra uprights

2. I have a set of Cortina uprights

Can I sensibly use the Cortina uprights - yes or no?

jossey - 29/4/12 at 05:28 PM

yes change the wishbones and wishbone brackets (maybe) and your on your way.

OR stick with sierra bits which (I) think are better easier cheaper and lighter.

thesecondprize - 29/4/12 at 05:57 PM

So, in short, the answer is "no, not without changing your wishbones at the minimum"?

If somebody could please confirm this either way, that'd be great.

(I *think* this is what Jossey is getting at, but I'm not 100% certain.)

big-vee-twin - 29/4/12 at 07:17 PM

If you want to use Cortina uprights you need to use the Cortina wishbones

jossey - 29/4/12 at 07:32 PM

Plus your wishbone brackets may need to he moved.......

thesecondprize - 29/4/12 at 07:38 PM

Excellent, thanks for your help.

(I'm reading that as Locost wishbones designed for Cortina uprights, opposed to ACTUAL Cortina wishbones though !!!)

jossey - 29/4/12 at 07:46 PM

Check the wishbone measurements with the Haynes book or the ton champion book to see what the difference is.... Also the angle of the end of the wishbone is different I think. I have some sierra uprights with calipers and new discs which I'll swap for same in cortina as I have a set of each.