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Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject: HELP!? I am sooo lost but have cool stuff
Can someone please help me... as I can not get technical assistance anywhere else. (nobody seems to know!?!?)
I spoke with a few people who got me to doubt myself, so please help before I begin my install.
I went with the "you only live once" theory and decided to do a 2 stage progressive shot on my fully built 383... so I should be putting some serious power to the ground.
I have (had for too long lol) for the front
2" beltech drop spindles
new stock height springs
QA1 adjustable shocks
for the rear...
QA1 DR2000K coil over system... for 2300-3100 lb. Vehicles
Double adjustable upper and single adjustable lower control arms
8.5" rear end with detriot true trac something or another with 3.73's
and all bushings will be polyurethane.
Rims and tires!
Front 19x8
Rear 20x10 with nitto drag radial 305/35/20 (yes the frame is notched)
Is this essentially the ideal set up for cruising on the streets and maybe a drag race every 6 months? If this is going to ride like garbage, please tell me. If there is a significant way to increase traction and keep it streetable, please tell me. If you have a way for a 3% traction gain and 2% ride quality gain, please keep it to yourself. If you are a name brand chearleader and think i should have gone with your brand, please keep it to yourself... it will only confuse me further. Thanks for everyones help! _________________ 1996 Ford Thunderbird Pearl White - NO MORE
Hmmm... I talked to some of my friends down here who are big into street and track racing. they all agree that this seems to be the optimal set up for street use.
With the QA1's and can adjust the shocks through 12 different levels of stiffness / looseness. This should allow for a cadillac ride or C6 stiff ride. Also, the poly bushings should allow for some darn good handling.
Necoa #: 572
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Jan 28, 2003
Posts: 3616
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:17 am Post subject:
I think your pretty much in there with the suspension mods and the 8.5" rear, but I notice no mention of either front or rear sway bars and jounce bars on the front. Also it seems you haven't addressed body twist issues. Installation of polyurethane body mounts (not gonna help ride quality) and rear strengthening of the rear section of frame (since you notched it). Even though they're full frame cars, they can still twist when your running what you are.
I have the stock sway bars... but will likely upgrade them soon.
what the heck is a jounce bar? what does it do? no frame support to the back... I didn't notch to the skin and I'm not launching on slicks at the track... ever.
Necoa #: 572
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Jan 28, 2003
Posts: 3616
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject:
El Corvino wrote:
what the heck is a jounce bar? what does it do? no frame support to the back... I didn't notch to the skin
Jounce bars triangulate the frontend for additional strength, they go from the frame rail to engine cradle (one each side) You can find them pretty easy at a boneyard on a lot of other G body cars...cheap. Did you box the notch or just cut? Also you might want to fab a frame connector (frame rail to frame rail) between the rear bumper and fuel tank, especially if your planning on a fiberglass bumper or roll pan. Check www.kirbanperformance.com for some nice add-ons to what you have. Remember what works on a GN or GNX suspension can pretty much work on a 5th gen Elky as well.
I don't want to add/weld anything else to my frame. Bolt ons are good though. I just had it powder coated and it cost me a grand haha no more welding! If you check my thread (the sticky in suspension) you will see it is very strong, boxed the frame... didn't just cut and grind
As far as the add ons go, I will def. look into that.
I have NO luck in boneyards here in south florida... most cars are stripped by employees before they hit the yard.
Necoa #: 10934
Location: 15(AZ,NM)
Joined: Feb 03, 2008
Posts: 440
Year: 1981
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:53 pm Post subject:
Why do you need all the adjustability? I would think adjustable uppers to set pinion angle would be enough. Am I missing something? I like the Currie Trac upper and lower control arms. They have urethane bushings on one side and their "Johnny Joints" on the other. The offer a bit more range of motion then straight urethane bushings on each end of the control arms. They also have the holes to mount the stock sway bar. Only other thing you might consider is a set of lower control arm mount relocation brackets. This will help rear end geometry with a lowered car.
I want all the adjustability because I see it as $100 difference here and there. I am assuming if everything can be dialed in to the most desireable point, then the car will be optimal. I am building the car for myself and want the best of the best of the best.
darn... I just looked into the Lower Control Arms Relocation Brackets. Are they really that benefitial? I just had my rear end powder coateed and the last thing I want to do is tear into it and weld relocation brackets on it... or do they make bolt on ones?
wait... the SPOHEN one looks like it welds to the INSIDE of the LCA... I guess O could have it welded in and then just have that painted black? Or would that look odd?
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