? on coilovers

[wireweld]

Why do some use coilovers versus torsion bars. Is the main reason for header clearance or do the coilovers have a better ride and handling to them? I am trying to decide what to do in this department.

 

[1968FormulaS340]

Adjustability and clearance.

 

[belmateo]

Clearance only

 

[jrlegacy23]

first, what are your intentions for the car?

 

[needsaresto]

Yes header clearance. But I would reinforce the shock mount area for coil overs...

 

[wireweld]

first, what are your intentions for the car?

This will be mainly a street car. I will race this car maybe twice a year.
I am looking at this guys conversion kit. www.bobsprofab.com. He has a reinforcement that goes inside the wheel well.

 

[1968FormulaS340]

I wouldn't bother with a coil over set up if by "street car" you mean daily driver.

DIRECTLY FROM www.bobsprofab.com

NOTE: This kit is designed for lightweight race cars.

Is your car a lightweight race car?

 

[rjsjea]

I would add rack N pinion (manual or power) and weight reduction to the already mentioned adjustability and emphasize clearance.

If it's a street car look at an AlterKtion system.....about the only one that is really street proven. That system incorporates it's own coil mount and doesnt use the inner fenders to support the car

 

[wireweld]

I would add rack N pinion (manual or power) and weight reduction to the already mentioned adjustability and emphasize clearance.

If it's a street car look at an AlterKtion system.....about the only one that is really street proven. That system incorporates it's own coil mount and doesnt use the inner fenders to support the car

I know about this system but it is 5 grand and I cant use my 15 x 7 rallys on it.
Before you tell me that I can, call Bill, hes the one who told I couldn't use my rallys.

 

[jrlegacy23]

Honestly, it's probably not what you want to hear, but I would just stay with the torsion bars and just upgrade them to thicker ones. Coilovers are not an upgrade that is worth it on a street car, unless you just want the "wow" factor on your car.

 

[rjsjea]

I know about this system but it is 5 grand and I cant use my 15 x 7 rallys on it.
Before you tell me that I can, call Bill, hes the one who told I couldn't use my rallys.

I dont care who you call......you asked a super general question. It read as if you weren't aware of the systems available.

 

[1968FormulaS340]

Good luck.

 

[dgc333]

I fail to see where coilovers add any adjustability over a torsion bar.

The mopar torsion bar has always been adjustable for pre-load and the only adjustment a coil over gives you is pre-load. With either set-up you can have shocks with adjustable damping so no advantage there either. And, with either set up you can change the springs/bars for different spring rates.

Rack an pinion steering has no real functional advantage over a recirculating ball steering system either. Rack and pinion has replaced recirculating ball because it's easier to package into a tight space.

The coil over kits only advantage is they clear up some space and possibly take some weight off the front end. If you are looking to improve handling I would look at the kits Hotchkiss is now selling for mopars, they have parts that correct design deficiencies to improive handling.

 

[wireweld]

I want to keep the power steering as it is only a year old and is a firm feel stage 2. I guess more room would be alright too for bigger headers and other things.
I talked to Bob about his coilover conversion kit on a street car and he felt that they would be alright. He has them on BB Coronets which would heavier than my SB Dart.
My car is not a daily driver, its more of a weekend cruiser or when I get free time. So it would not be abused.
Just trying to get ideas.