Hey all,

So I own a 2002 430 - 160k miles. I love the thing, but its gotten to the point recently where the ride has become horrible and the acceleration / power is lacking. Took it in and had an inspection, the rear struts are shot and leaking and the outer tie ride on the right side has play. At this point I was like alright, Its time to upgrade. After a week of searching I have now ordered a MeisteR ZetaCRD Coilover system, Front suspension kit (Front Lower Ball Joints, Front Upper Control Arms with Ball Joints, Front Lower Control Arms, Front Outer Tie Rods, Front Sway Bar Links), New rotors and pads, Timing belt kit (Fan pulley bracket, Serpentine Belt, Thermostat, Thermostat Gasket, Pulleys, Tensioners, Seals, Gasket, Timing Belt, Water Pump), Valve covers (Current ones are leaking), and an oil and fuel pump filter. That being said, I have a very large project coming up but I want to hit all of my marks. I would like some suggestions on rear suspension parts to replace - I cannot seem to find anything other than OEM parts for the rear. I also need suggestions / opinions on what else I should tackle while I have everything apart and jacked up.

Aside from all of that I plan on doing a fuel injection cleaning, flush of the transmission fluid, powersteering, brakes, and cleaning the throttle body. Possibly replacing the spark plugs, MAF and Throttle position sensor along with the PCV valve. Thoughts on Seafoam? Where can I get a coil of lines to replace all of my 20 year old cracking brittle rubber lines all under the hood?

A lot to unpack but I really would like extra opinions on this project and I want to make this car feel like new again and perform well on the street. I'm almost halfway there.
Thanks!

After these upgrades I must fix the cars speakers as a whole, back two left and right panel speakers are shot, right side door speakers are now acting up and need a serious upgrade. I also plan on upgrading the mufflers to magnaflow or borla with a resonator delete for a good low v8 rumble, maybe an injen intake as well - Sounds awesome!

WOW giving the ole gal the full spa treatment....hope this goes easy!

Gold luck on your project.

It’s going to be a nicer performing car once you’re done. It’ll be worth the effort and time.

You can buy bulk hoses from Rockauto & depending on how extensively you want to go, you'll probably need 2 or 3 sizes. Also consider replacing the hoses under the power steering reservoir. More than likely they are leaking which will wind up taking out your alternator if allowed to continue.

Check out Figs Engineering for suspension components. (Check out Seattle SCone's post on his suspension rework.) Also consider an IS rear sway bar (do a search on this forum regarding the sway bar).

I’m guessing since you’re ordering the parts you’re doing the work yourself? I wish I had that ability.

in additional to that,
1. ECU remapping - this will fix your "the acceleration / power is lacking"
2. replace the rear diff fluid
3. grease the rear control arms if you dont replace them, oem cost is like $800 each
4. replace the rear knuckle bushing if it has play.
5. replace the steering rack bushing.


Old rear knuckle bushing

rear knuckle bushing, out.

grease rear control arm.

replace steering bushing

@160k miles, you might need to do the engine & Transmission mount as well.

Engine mount

@digitatc what did you use to press the rear knuckle bearing out and in?
Thanks,
Barry

I got this pulley puller (not sure the right name for the tool?) in one of my tool drawers and use a 30mm/32mm sockets. Pushing the old one out was easy, putting new thing back was a PITA because we need to make sure the whole thing align straight.
You'll need a lots of patience and swear on this one.

75% of the parts are here. Just need the Coilovers, PCV valve, Oil, Transmission fluid, Hoses, Brake pads, Replacement weatherstrips for both passenger and driver side windows, and, Sealant (I think). Im going to lift the rear of the car when the weather clears up and see what else needs replacing (Hoping its not another 1k in parts). I could use some more advice for order of operations of these repairs. Im not sure what to tackle first or last and if anyone has some tips / suggestions i'm all ears.



Front Suspension Kit, Timing Belt Kit, Pulley Bracket, MAF Cleaner, Throttle Body Cleaner, Seafoam, Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Gasket, and, Seals


Front and Rear Rotors, Spark Plugs, Car Soap and Chrome Cleaner, and, New Brushes

@digitatc thank you for all the help, this will come in handy! I'll be checking the rear parts here soon and see what I need to have done

Ha, I would go broke paying someone to do all of this! Luckily, I have my Dad and my Grandfather to kind of guide me along the way but I think if I take it slow and follow the very well written instruction scattered across the forum I can do it. I just have the vision of how good this car will feel after all of the upgrades are done so I'm keeping my eyes on the prize.

Thank you, quick question. I poked around after looking at your SC430 on Facebook. Have anymore pictures of the F sport badge? I haven't been sold on it yet but I think it looks pretty nice from what I can see on yours. Also, what did you do to your paint to make it look so clean? - I saw a picture of what i'm assuming was when you bought the car and the paint looked pretty scratched and rough. Kind of having a similar issue right now.