K-Member / Rack & Pinion Steering Suggestions

AAndrews said
WoW!

First of all, before I say anything else, thanks very much for the side by side comparison. Not many people on here take the time to explain their setup as detailed as you and its really appreciated. I will be the first to say that there's a lot I didn't know about modifying Ma Mopar's stock setup. Your car and the Brick's have certainly taken the stock setup to the next level. Never knew about a Nascar swaybar setup!

I wasn't trying to be a dick when I said you were oversimplifying about how the brick could stay with a Vette. I was saying that in my opinion , it takes a lot more than just modifying suspension to beat it. As was stated, the driver is also a big part of the equasion but for the moment we are discussing cars.

I do have an alterior motive for being engaged in this discussion so I am watching/reading intently. My next project is a 69 Barracuda Convertible. I want to build a 69 Formula S Clone but , with a highly modified Aluminum block (If I can find one) Slant 6 with a 6- speed transmission , 3:91 489 Suregrip. This will be a street car with the best handling I can put in it. I have most of the factory Formula S parts from cars I have scrapped including K Member, sway bar (Car was 383-s), torsion bars. I will use US Cartools lower Rad support, torque boxes and frame rail connectors. Considering gussetting K member , boxing lower control arms, possibly Borgeson box if I can't find a solution to install a rack and pinion . (any thoughts on this would be apreciated! ) Also, because its a Convertible, I need to address ridgidity . I've read of using an X-Frame behind the rear seat to tie the car together. It will need something for sure as body flex is bad.. From my searches, no one has done this yet so it will be a unique project. Good power/fuel economy, great visuals and excellent handling. Yes I know I can go with a V-8 but thats not the direction I want to go.

Thanks! Sorry, I sometimes take some of this stuff a bit too personally off the cuff and then I end up sounding like a dick.

There’s a lot that can be done with the torsion bar set up, especially now with some of the aftermarket parts out there. The driver is always a big deal, but that’s so individual. That’s why I like the TireRack video I posted on the first page, same driver, same track, talking about the Hotchkis Taxi putting down better lap times than a 3 series Beemer. And that’s the car that driver usually drives on that track! Obviously that’s a skilled professional driver, and the track itself makes a difference too. But the torsion bar suspension is very capable. Obviously it’s a different “feel” or experience to drive one of these old girls vs a newer car. Performance wise you can compare numbers but it’s a lot more work to put down the times in an older car. And less skilled drivers will seem more competent in the newer rides.

Sounds like a nice project you’ve got going! The slant is a good engine, if you could find an aluminum block that would definitely help with some of the weight balance.

HemiDenny said
and I'm not trying to be a dick either....but curious. I am sure you have scaled your car, do you care to share the total weight (minus driver) and the front / rear bias?

just to put it out there....my silver Hemi Duster weighs 3185 (no driver) .... 1605 on the front, 1580 on the rear

I have not actually scaled my car yet. My primary focus has always been street driving even if I’m set up for autoX style stuff so I haven’t been too worried about what it weighs. I mean, lighter is good but I don’t know that I’d say I’m making a big effort to trim weight. I know by converting it over to the ‘71 bumpers and things I’ve taken a bunch of weight off of it compared to a stock ‘74, but I’ve added some back on for sure with chassis work.

I’m putting a set of ‘71 doors on it too, losing the door bar will drop some more weight and match up my interior. Eventually I want some scales so I can tune the corner weights for better handling. Kinda of trying to build my shop gear as I go, pretty much have all the alignment stuff so scales may be relatively soon.