Torsion bar size

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superdart

superdart

Shade Tree Tinker Gnome.....
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OK..my question:

How about a .92" torsion bar set on my car? Summit lists them (supposedly) in the MP section. BUT, MP says they only make up to .89" for A bodies.

I know I can get them from Firm Feel at $225, but my cost for the MPs are $119. Does anyone think the .89s will be plenty? I want this beast to HANDLE.... I know there is a guy here in Ft. Worth who has even larger bars, and loves them.
 
.810" 90#/in p5249148 drag bars
.830" 100#/in (2535888-9) slant six bars
.850" 110#/in (2535890-1) slant six w/ air--318 w/o air )
.870" 120#/in p5249149 (2535892-3) 318 w/ air--340 std bars
.890" 130#/in p5249150 383 std bars
.920" 150#/in p5249151 h/d handling
.990" 200#/in p5249152 solo/road race
1.040" 250#/in p5249153 h/d solo road race-oval track
1.090" 300"/in p5249154 oval track 1/4 mi--optional 1/2 mi
1.140" 300#/in p5249155 oval track 1/4 and 1/2 mile
 
MP has the up to 1.140". I put a set of .990" I got from MP in my Duster, unfortunately I haven't gotten it finished yet. It's listed in their Speed Catalog.

P5249151 .920"
P5249152 .990"
P5249154 1.090"
P5249155 1.140"

The .890" is what they use for the big block a-bodies. If you're really going for handling, I'd go with the .990" or 1.090" and a good sway bar.
 
you may want a rear swaybar with a front suspension that hard to just a thought
 
Oh yes..definately going to be doing a rear swaybar also. I'm going to put that in when I rebuild the rear axle. That's next on the list after the front suspension.

Decisions, decisions..............
 
FWIW, I went from the .850 bars and 6 leaf rear springs in my 68 Barracuda to the .890 big block bars with poly bushings. This comparison is with the hot-rod \6, I haven't finished the 360 swap yet and do not have a sway bar because I amy going to a 73 up spool mount k-member with the 360 and didn't want to purchase a sway bar twice. I have been using KYB Gas-a-just shocks.

With the .850 bars the front was not very well matched to the rear. Where the back is firm and well controlled the front seem to float quite a bit and there was a lot of body roll. The car would bottom out over road dips and speed bumps.

With the .890 bars the front is firm without being harsh, there is very little body roll and the car feels muh more controlled like a new car. With the \6 I do not think a front sway bar would help much other than to push the balance into a more over steer condition.

I have heard reports that going bigger than .920 (with a small block) makes for a very harsh ride if the roads you drive on are not in great shape.

It will be interesting to see how the .890's work with the 360. With the bars being relatively cheap and easy to change I will likely go up to .920 if the .890's seem soft with the 360.
 
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