Torsion bar/shock options

robertodonnell said
Hey chaps, getting back into the hobby after a few years hiatus, and I am trying to catch up on the new trends, so please bear with me!

I have an Aus '65 Valiant, 318, power steer, air etc. I am considering setting it up for some track work. What is the current trend for torsion bars? I am reading a lot of people are using 1.03" bars, is this correct?

I am hoping to bias this car more to the track than the street, but it does need to be usable on the street and not be a total pig if I drive it to work. If I go the 1.03" bars will it be too much? I already have an extra leaf in the rear, and I can feel the front is a lot softer.

I also am considering Koni shocks with adjustable rebound. I know they are dear but I have a set on a BMW and they are hands down the best shock I have on any car. I would appreciate suggestions there too though!

Cheers,

Rob.

When you say track, do you mean saloon racing? or drag strip (1/4 mile in US)?
For road course type setup, you'll want at least 1.03". How much larger than that depends on
1. Front /rear weight bias and rear spring being used (rear roll rates)
2. Tires. Using some sticky Avon, Toyo or other Racing compound tyre is going to demand more spring.

SPAX shocks are probably you're best bang for buck. Should be easy for you to get. If its a fully North American car, you'll have to use the bushings with the very slightly larger inner diameter. G480 and G481
67 Barracuda Autocross Tech.

If you're talking drag strip, then that's another ball of wax. With drag racing tyre on the rear, stay soft on the front torsion bars and a shock biased to help weight trasfer back. Make sure the leaf front halfs is stiff as can be, and the anti-squat angle is good.