coils overs or t-bars?

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scampy72

scampy72

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ok so its simple really, which is better for handling? going big block, custom four link in rear with coil overs there but i dont know if i should go for the same up front or if i should use the torsion bars. thinking of using hotchkis suspension parts or similar and some two inch drop spindles or maybe a bit lower if i have the room. so come on all you suspension gurus, help me out here, oh btw its gonna be a road car and road track racing, maybe some drag stuff too. but handling is very important to me, i want the looks but with viper/ferrari/(insert awesome handling car name here). handling. ;)
 
You should get the info on this build.

http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/archive/one-lap-pix.html

Right off the bat you are handicapping yourself with a big block. Ever think about a small block/small block stroker?

The argument will be made that you can put light weight parts on a big block bringing its weight near that of a small block. This argument doesn't work because all those light weight parts can also be added to a small block.


If you even plan to beat a stock Miata you will need to look at every mod as part of the whole.
 
I am not sure if Ferrari type handling and 440/scamp can be compared in the same sentence. The 440 is quite nose heavy even with stout T-bars and or Coil overs. The small block is better suited to handling vs 440 BB.

I am not saying the Chrysler product can't handle if engineered well. Just saying that Porsche, Lotus, and the like are engineered from the ground up for awesome handling while our A-Bodies were not! I would keep it stock engineering and get some good T-bars and shocks,sway bars and good rear springs. With that you are working inside the design parameters that the original engineers used. Also a really good alignment does wonders too!

John B.

John B.
 
i did put the thought into a small block like a 340 or 410 stroker but i really like the BB look in the cars, that look you get when you open the hood. also to compensate for the weight im moving alot of things around, mostly things to the trunk or under the rear seat, alot of stereo stuff, the battery, and what ever else i can. i can also get the BB cheap from a friend that owns a junk yard. no one is buying the BB's so hes gonna give it to me with a tranny for like $200 when im ready, and he'll even show me that it runs in a car before hand, either befor he pulls it or hell put it in one show me then pull it out for me too at no charge. Its good to know people.
 
scampy72 said:
i did put the thought into a small block like a 340 or 410 stroker but i really like the BB look in the cars, that look you get when you open the hood. also to compensate for the weight im moving alot of things around, mostly things to the trunk or under the rear seat, alot of stereo stuff, the battery, and what ever else i can. i can also get the BB cheap from a friend that owns a junk yard. no one is buying the BB's so hes gonna give it to me with a tranny for like $200 when im ready, and he'll even show me that it runs in a car before hand, either befor he pulls it or hell put it in one show me then pull it out for me too at no charge. Its good to know people.
Click to expand...


And this is exactly where people overestimate and get off track on a build.

If you are building for a goal of near super car handling the "but a big block looks cool" or "but I can get X part for almost nothing" argument does not hold water.

Your wheel/tire package on a build like this will cost several thousand dollars alone.

You need to re evaluate your end goal.


Sorry if I am sounding negative….. But when building to that level you have little room for compromise and any sugar coating will not help.
 
you'll get it to handle very well either way you go.. just ask jum lusk how good a big block a-body can handle...

if ya go torsion bars just put big bars in it. 1" +, beefy front and rear sway bars, good shocks. firm feel stage III steering box. tie the frame together. also on the motor if you use alum where ever you can it will be close to an all iron small block.
 
I have to agree that building a big block A for handling isnt for everyone. It can be done though. I would stay with the tbars and add some nice hellwig or hotchkiss swaybars. Fibreglass on the front end helps remove a ton of weight. Lightweight bumper mounts,moving the batt to the trunk,alum heads and wp. There are a ton of things you can do to lose weight. A small block A body lightened this way would be very cool,but all things considered the sb car wont catch the bb car in a straight line. If you have a proper handling package that is suited to a big block car Im sure it would just about stay with the sb car in the turns.

There is one thing that really bothers me about coil overs in the front end of an a body. The shock mounts are used and they were never designed for all that stress. A lot of reinforcement would be needed. I would plate and gusset the area and use a triangulated underhood brace like on the xv e body packages.Or at least a set of snout bars from the firewall to the shock mount.
 
Save save save for the Alterktion...This will cure your handling needs...I would put that thing in all my vehicles if I could...
 
oh and yea i have found the spindles in one of my magazines, theyre a bit expensive though. about $500 plus s+h for a pair
 
I am pretty sure the spindles can be had for less than $500....
 
if you can find em for less please post a link. they need to be able to do a big brake kit too though.
 

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