K-Member / Rack & Pinion Steering Suggestions
I was looking for additional info regarding why you chose to not build another AlterK equipped car, but I guess the answer is you don't want to do the chassis reinforcement for a "traditional" build?
Glad you're showing interest in what I am doing with the Valiant. I'll get you up to speed on it. Front to back; reinforced radiator core, j-bars from front of inner fenders to firewall, gusset from j-bar to shock mounting point, US Cartool under fender brace, subframe connector, 4 torque boxes, 1.24" torsion bars (I consider the torsion bars as structural as well as suspension), 6 point roll bar, and a fuel cell cage that ties the rear frames together.
As stated before, I am following the same vein as the Green and Red Bricks. I just wanted to build a torsion bar car.
The Valiant isn't completed yet but I have no doubt that it will be a beast and with so much research and reading posts from you and others I believe that I will have maximized the torsion bar system with the weight, drivetrain, and wheel and tire combo. I do honestly believe that it could not be improved upon by using any other suspension on the market, QA1, Alter-k-tion, HDK....
What I'm not going to do is say that, at least, the Alter-k-tion is inferior. I can't speak to the others but the Riley Motorsports piece has done everything I've wanted it to do. It handles like it's on freaking rails, it provides vast real estate for 1-7/8" header primaries and 3-1/2" collectors. It's tremendously easier to adjust ride height. The ability to adjust spring rate is much easier too. It's lighter. The welds are strong and beautiful unlike the criminal OEM k-frame.
It has it's value and I could care less that it is "based" on a MII. Nothing on the Alter-k-tion has
any MII parts on it. The spindles aren't MII, they have Mopar ball joints, different steering points, harder steel. Someone questioned the lower control arm? They're better than MII and stronger than, at least, non-stiffened OEM LCA's.
Does anyone need a coilover suspension? No. But who needs 17" wheels? Who needs a sway bar? Who needs Fox shocks? I mean, the alternatives are cheaper? ****, who needs a hotrod?
What is a hotrodder is a better question. Isn't a hotrodder someone who wants to try new things and do stuff different? Everyone has their own idea on what they want to do. Why try so hard to stop someone from doing different stuff? Love the passion from you but it is a little, EXTRA.
I've never paid anyone to work on my Mopars outside of engine machining, so I guess I just don't even consider that.
You need to. You need to if you are going to the extent of proselytizing the virtues of torsion bars when it comes to the cost aspect. Not everyone is a Billie Badass like you. Some people don't have the time, space, tools, or knowledge. Some people have one or a few and the one they don't keeps them from attaining all. Sometimes people just have the money. Who are we to say they can't play? My welding skills are minimal and I will not trust my life to my welds with my 120v equipment. I don't have the location for bodywork. I have knowledge and tools but I don't always have the time so my work goes really slow and sometimes it is worth it, to me, to pay someone to do some work.
You're so awesome, but please, don't hold everyone else to your standard. This is what you should be saying,
I've never paid anyone to work on my Mopars outside of engine machining, so I guess I SHOULD consider that.
