Factory Torsion Bar Diameter for '65 Formula S?

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dibbons

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Forum member "grimreaper" posted this data on an old thread. I understand the '65 Barracuda Formula S had stiffer torsion bars than the standard Barracuda. I wonder which bars the Formula S was equipped with? My formula S with the 273 Commando has (had) factory A/C if that makes a difference. Thank you.

A-Body Torsion Bar Info
DIA Rate Old part number Part Number fits
0.81 90#/in P5249148 drag bars
0.83 92#/in 2071622-3 2535888-9 slant six bars
0.85 101#/in 2071624-5 2535890-1 slant six w/air - 318 w/o air
0.87 110#/in 2071626-7 2535892-3 or P5249149 318 w/ air - 340 std bars
0.89 120#/iin 2071628-9 2535894-5 or P5249150 383 std bars
0.92 150#/in P5249151 *h/d handling
0.99 200#/in P5249152 solo/road race
1.04 250#/in P5249153 h/d solo road race-oval track
1.09 300#/in P5249154 oval track 1/4 mi--optional 1/2 mi
1.14 300#/in P5249155 oval track 1/4 and 1/2 mile *
 
65 A body torsion bars, generally:
.83 slant six
.85 standard 273 V8
.87 Formula S and anything else with rally suspension

I'm sure there were exceptions, but every one I've ever dealt with had one of the three bars above.

I put .87s in my slant six Valiant, .89s in my 65 Barracuda 340, and .960s in my 67 Barracuda 360. Most on here think any of those bars are too wimpy, and want to run bars larger than one inch. Never tried that myself.
 
The numbers won't be the diameter. They will be the last 3 digits of the part number(s)
 
I found this handy chart (hope it's accurate).

torsion bar master chart.jpeg
 
That's from Galen's white books. I have it, too. But I have to question a 64 273 HD bar being .89. Understand that a 64 273 was two barrel only, no Commando 273s until 65.
Agreed. .890 would be a big block bar. No big blocks in 64-66. Even a 1968 340-S would be a .870.

That said, I put .890s on my 67 273 Commando car. I think going one step up is a no-brainer for any street car — they were all kind of soft from the factory. As noted, many people go much bigger, but unless you autocross I'm not sure there's a benefit. Antisway bars will control the body roll without making the ride overly stiff.
 
For reference, so far found 625 (.85) on our '65 Signet Convertible 273/auto and found 777 (.88) on our '72 Satellite Sebring Plus 318/auto

torsion bar signet.jpg


torsion bar satellite.jpg
 
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