Is this a good handling setup?
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Is this a good handling setup? This is what I'm thinking of doing:
front:
QA1...12 way adjustable coil over shock (17" extended....11 5/8" collapsed)
700 lb/in linear rate spring
rear:
QA1...12 way adjustable coil over shock (18 3/4" extended....12 1/2" collapsed)
250 lb/in linear rate spring
If anyone has any reason of WHY this is a bad setup (BESIDES it will ride hard....I don't care to hear that!!!), I would really like to get your input. I have G2 springs on it now and they are too soft (650 lb/in front and 180 lb/in rear).
thanks for any input you can add <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Chris
front:
QA1...12 way adjustable coil over shock (17" extended....11 5/8" collapsed)
700 lb/in linear rate spring
rear:
QA1...12 way adjustable coil over shock (18 3/4" extended....12 1/2" collapsed)
250 lb/in linear rate spring
If anyone has any reason of WHY this is a bad setup (BESIDES it will ride hard....I don't care to hear that!!!), I would really like to get your input. I have G2 springs on it now and they are too soft (650 lb/in front and 180 lb/in rear).
thanks for any input you can add <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Chris
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Re: Is this a good handling setup? The car is at about 3,400 lbs (without me in it). I have a 32mm front and a 19mm rear (both with poly mounts and end links). BMR chrome molly race (duel heim rod ends) LCAs and an aluminum race (also duel heim rod ends) panhard rod. In the not "too" distant future (after I do the coil overs) I will install a tubular K-Member and heim rod end upper and lower A-arms. I am still really tossing the idea around of a manual rack and pinion steering to remove weight and cut power loss.
I came to the conclusion on the G2s because over bumps, the rear tends to drop pretty quickly (almost like it did when it was stock). The front is nice but it just seems like it also could use a little (not a lot) more spring rate.
I came to the conclusion on the G2s because over bumps, the rear tends to drop pretty quickly (almost like it did when it was stock). The front is nice but it just seems like it also could use a little (not a lot) more spring rate.
Re: Is this a good handling setup? Tell me your setup, Swaybars, Car, engine, weight ect...
I have a hard time believing that the G2 SS are too soft. What makes you come to that conclusion?
I have a hard time believing that the G2 SS are too soft. What makes you come to that conclusion?
Re: Is this a good handling setup? The rear "drops quickly" because you don't have enough shock to dampen the springs you have, not because you need stiffer springs. You don't list what shocks you have, please don't tell me you have the stock DeCarbons <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />
I strongly suggest you add Koni SA or Bilstein HD (or custom valved) shocks to your car before spening a lot of money on the wrong parts.
You can't just throw parts at the car. To really "fix" handling issues, one first needs to look at their driving. Once that has been tweaked, then address specific problems that the car has, and understand what is causing them.
At local autox events I have attend, the stock class F-bodies are generally faster than the modified cars (with rare exceptions). In the "stock" class, you are allowed to change shocks, front sway bar, brake pads and the exhaust behind the cats. Since shocks and the front bar are the suspension parts listed, it seems to me that must be the opportnity for improvement over stock.
I strongly suggest you add Koni SA or Bilstein HD (or custom valved) shocks to your car before spening a lot of money on the wrong parts.
You can't just throw parts at the car. To really "fix" handling issues, one first needs to look at their driving. Once that has been tweaked, then address specific problems that the car has, and understand what is causing them.
At local autox events I have attend, the stock class F-bodies are generally faster than the modified cars (with rare exceptions). In the "stock" class, you are allowed to change shocks, front sway bar, brake pads and the exhaust behind the cats. Since shocks and the front bar are the suspension parts listed, it seems to me that must be the opportnity for improvement over stock.
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Re: Is this a good handling setup? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Beth:
<strong>I didn't think QA1 makes a rear coilover or a rear spring......?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">They make a "standard" coilover shock (its not for F-bodies). I just have to make a top mount and turn down the bottom stud to fit the shock.
<strong>I didn't think QA1 makes a rear coilover or a rear spring......?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">They make a "standard" coilover shock (its not for F-bodies). I just have to make a top mount and turn down the bottom stud to fit the shock.
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Launching!
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From: MD
Re: Is this a good handling setup? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 2001CamaroGuy:
<strong>Anyone going to put in there feelings on what I'm thinking of?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">For me, I think a 700lb spring would kill me... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
So, I just put QA1 12 way shocks with 350 lb. springs on the front and the 12 way adjustable on the rear with stock springs so far. I also have some poly bushings installed.
I just got the car back yesterday and so far I think it's really stiff!! I have the fronts set on 7 and the rear on 5. Not much fun on the highway, but taking circles and hard left, rights at high MPH the car stays pretty level and my BFG KD's dig in the corners a ton better than before. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />
My car would come up and over in the rear when turning over a bump in the pavement and that (so far)is gone.
I'm going to play with the settings more and hopefully find what is right for me on the street and the road course.
This is all new to me and I am learning. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
I'd love to hear how you finally set up.
<strong>Anyone going to put in there feelings on what I'm thinking of?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">For me, I think a 700lb spring would kill me... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
So, I just put QA1 12 way shocks with 350 lb. springs on the front and the 12 way adjustable on the rear with stock springs so far. I also have some poly bushings installed.
I just got the car back yesterday and so far I think it's really stiff!! I have the fronts set on 7 and the rear on 5. Not much fun on the highway, but taking circles and hard left, rights at high MPH the car stays pretty level and my BFG KD's dig in the corners a ton better than before. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />
My car would come up and over in the rear when turning over a bump in the pavement and that (so far)is gone.
I'm going to play with the settings more and hopefully find what is right for me on the street and the road course.
This is all new to me and I am learning. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
I'd love to hear how you finally set up.
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Re: Is this a good handling setup? Wups! Sorry,I didnt see this thing going.. <img border="0" alt="[Banging Head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" />
I dont like the Qa1/Hal shocks. Never have, Never will. Thats just IMO. If you like them, then Im glad they suit your style.
The 700# spring is not that far off base. I run a 650.
I would recommend an LG rear bar. at 21.5, it will compliment your front bar nicely <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />
I think youll have a nice setup, lets hear the details when you are done. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
I dont like the Qa1/Hal shocks. Never have, Never will. Thats just IMO. If you like them, then Im glad they suit your style.
The 700# spring is not that far off base. I run a 650.
I would recommend an LG rear bar. at 21.5, it will compliment your front bar nicely <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />
I think youll have a nice setup, lets hear the details when you are done. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
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Re: Is this a good handling setup? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by G2 LS1:
<strong>
I would recommend an LG rear bar. at 21.5, it will compliment your front bar nicely <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Why do you say go larger on the rear bar?
<strong>
I would recommend an LG rear bar. at 21.5, it will compliment your front bar nicely <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Why do you say go larger on the rear bar?
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Re: Is this a good handling setup? don't yell at me......I had always heard that the downside to bigger rear sway bars what that it make the rearend more prone to getting loose and loosing traction on bumps.
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Re: Is this a good handling setup? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by M3EATER:
<strong> I WASN'T YELLING !
Teee heeeee.......
Just kiddin' around...
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" /> no no....I wasn't meaning you.....general statement....
The question still stands, I had always heard that the downside to bigger rear sway bars what that it make the rearend more prone to getting loose and loosing traction on bumps. Is this true or no?
One nice thing about my 32 front and 19 rear is that rearend stays behind me almost like the car was a front wheel drive car.
<strong> I WASN'T YELLING !
Teee heeeee.......
Just kiddin' around...
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" /> no no....I wasn't meaning you.....general statement....
The question still stands, I had always heard that the downside to bigger rear sway bars what that it make the rearend more prone to getting loose and loosing traction on bumps. Is this true or no?
One nice thing about my 32 front and 19 rear is that rearend stays behind me almost like the car was a front wheel drive car.
Re: Is this a good handling setup? If you have the super springs now, put the 21.5 on the rear. Its the balance that you create with those bar sizes.
The larger front bar will make the car push, and keeping the smaller rear bar will make the car feel like it is "flopping" or rolling over to much. Its just my recommendation because that is what I run- which is a very neutral setup. I can make the car do what I want, yet save myself if I have too.
Louis
The larger front bar will make the car push, and keeping the smaller rear bar will make the car feel like it is "flopping" or rolling over to much. Its just my recommendation because that is what I run- which is a very neutral setup. I can make the car do what I want, yet save myself if I have too.
Louis
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Re: Is this a good handling setup? ok....good to know. I'll look into saving up some money and upgrade my rear bar. Can I order just the bar and the mounts? I don't need the endlinks (I already upgraded the 19mm mounts and endlinks to poly).
Re: Is this a good handling setup? I am setting my 2002 Z-28 up (springs are going in tomrrow after work....and off to the alignment shop) for autocross and open track events. I am running BMR chromoly panhard and LCA's with heim joints on both ends. SLP weld in subframe connectors, Koni double adjustable shocks (front and rear),BMR strut tower brace,and H&R springs (I measured them, not counting the "tender" coils at 640in lbs-front and 257in lbs rear). I am currently running stock sway bars (I may go to 1LE bars soon, I'll see what it needs, if anything). I am going to try an alignment of 1.2-1.5 degrees of negative camber, stock castor, and 1/16th inch of total toe out. I have an autocross in a week which I'll be running on 255-50/16 Goodyear Eagle GS-CS tires. Later, I may try the ground control setup (weight jacks/srings) like I had on my 1989 Formula, but I thought I'd give the H&R's a try. One question, has anyone used konis in this setup?
Re: Is this a good handling setup? Sorry, computer locked up mid post. I wondered if anyone had a similar set up and could give me a baseline setting for the Koni shocks (compression and rebound) to get me started...Thanks.
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Re: Is this a good handling setup? This site has the best info -- go here and click on the Koni link and then click on the tuning guide
http://www.propartsusa.net
http://www.propartsusa.net