Watts Link--F-body (it's real and we're taking pre-orders)
07-24-2008, 05:28 PM
#41
So to simplify, am I understanding the Watt's link correctly?
More traction in rough corners
Put more power down sooner exiting corners
Adds unsprung weight
Small penalty to ride comfort
Little or no penalty to rear differential longevity
Slightly more difficult to change diff fluid
Looks really cool
More traction in rough corners
Put more power down sooner exiting corners
Adds unsprung weight
Small penalty to ride comfort
Little or no penalty to rear differential longevity
Slightly more difficult to change diff fluid
Looks really cool
07-24-2008, 06:00 PM
#42
Pretty much... but a few clarifications:
While it does add some unsprung weight, it's not a lot. And for instance some of the 11 pounds added is offset by someone like you who is running a set of my swaybars, as the rear saved you 5-7 off the top. And the additional weight is significantly less than say the weight gained by bigger wheels and tires (and it's not rotational/flywheel weight either).
No penalty in ride comfort, in fact many Mustang owners who've had both report better ride which goes along with the better traction and stability in rough corners.
No penalty to differential life, at all. Nothing changes in regards to the diff, gears, bearings, etc.
Diff fluid is harder to change as the cover is more hidden, but the Watts unbolts easily if need be.
Does look cool.
Every one of these cars has a Watts Link on it. http://youtube.com/watch?v=3Nn_UrgSJsc&feature=related (and they sound great too). http://youtube.com/watch?v=7UlSNLIt2LM&feature=related
This one is interesting. While it doesn't show the rear suspension, it does show how hard those Australian V8 Supercars work their suspension.... and that Watts links are the real deal.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=s3mrcjKUxtU&feature=related
While it does add some unsprung weight, it's not a lot. And for instance some of the 11 pounds added is offset by someone like you who is running a set of my swaybars, as the rear saved you 5-7 off the top. And the additional weight is significantly less than say the weight gained by bigger wheels and tires (and it's not rotational/flywheel weight either).
No penalty in ride comfort, in fact many Mustang owners who've had both report better ride which goes along with the better traction and stability in rough corners.
No penalty to differential life, at all. Nothing changes in regards to the diff, gears, bearings, etc.
Diff fluid is harder to change as the cover is more hidden, but the Watts unbolts easily if need be.
Does look cool.
Every one of these cars has a Watts Link on it. http://youtube.com/watch?v=3Nn_UrgSJsc&feature=related (and they sound great too).
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7UlSNLIt2LM&feature=relatedThis one is interesting. While it doesn't show the rear suspension, it does show how hard those Australian V8 Supercars work their suspension.... and that Watts links are the real deal.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=s3mrcjKUxtU&feature=related
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
07-25-2008, 11:36 AM
#44
That's gotta be your call. This is not an inexpensive part, but not much worth having is generally cheap. It will depend on just how demanding you are about how the car drives, and if you need to get rid of any of the arc your PHB moves in because you have large tires and wheels.
The biggest and most common thing we hear when Watts go on cars is the rear is better planted on bumps and just doesn't walk around as much.
I hate to say it, but a Watts Link is the standard setup on the back on (get this) a PT Cruiser. Chrysler felt it was a better even for a economy minded FWD that puts no power down through the rear axle. A Panhard bar or "track bar" is cheap, that's it's claim to fame and why they are used.
The 1st generation Mazda RX7 (1978-1985) is still held in high regard for it's handling. It was a solid axle car with a Watts. The fact is the rear suspension we have is basic, and cheap. They use it because it's cheap. A stronger PHB helps, but the roll center moves dynamically and the PHB can and does jack the body around. This happends as much on the street as anywhere.
I'm not saying you NEED to put a watts link on---at all. I'm saying there is a benefit, it's just up to you to decide when/if it's worth it.
The biggest and most common thing we hear when Watts go on cars is the rear is better planted on bumps and just doesn't walk around as much.
I hate to say it, but a Watts Link is the standard setup on the back on (get this) a PT Cruiser. Chrysler felt it was a better even for a economy minded FWD that puts no power down through the rear axle. A Panhard bar or "track bar" is cheap, that's it's claim to fame and why they are used.
The 1st generation Mazda RX7 (1978-1985) is still held in high regard for it's handling. It was a solid axle car with a Watts. The fact is the rear suspension we have is basic, and cheap. They use it because it's cheap. A stronger PHB helps, but the roll center moves dynamically and the PHB can and does jack the body around. This happends as much on the street as anywhere.
I'm not saying you NEED to put a watts link on---at all. I'm saying there is a benefit, it's just up to you to decide when/if it's worth it.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
Last edited by Sam Strano; 07-25-2008 at 11:42 AM.
07-30-2008, 02:53 PM
#47
No, nothing new, just waiting for the production run to start.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
08-01-2008, 12:24 PM
#48
Updating this thread:
Just spoke to Fay2 regarding an update. Things are progressing and the estimated time to ship is now around 2 weeks. No actually date at this time. Parts are being cuts, jigs are made. When I get a more specific time and we get to around 1 week before I will begin to process the pre-orders. It takes time for the money to get transferred and Fays2 will want paid, so in order to get them out ASAP we will process orders when the build begins.
And here's the better news: Black is a go and will happen!
Just spoke to Fay2 regarding an update. Things are progressing and the estimated time to ship is now around 2 weeks. No actually date at this time. Parts are being cuts, jigs are made. When I get a more specific time and we get to around 1 week before I will begin to process the pre-orders. It takes time for the money to get transferred and Fays2 will want paid, so in order to get them out ASAP we will process orders when the build begins.
And here's the better news: Black is a go and will happen!
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
08-01-2008, 08:12 PM
#49
Thank you, Sam. I am very glad you were able to talk that out with them on our behalf. I understand that red is their trademark, but, wow black is much more stock looking. Goes with more combos, ect. I def like it much more.
Will you be allowed to run this product in your class? Just asking.
Will you be allowed to run this product in your class? Just asking.
08-02-2008, 02:50 PM
#50
Glad I could help.... We're getting close, and yes I do have ordered for myself, and it is legal to run on the class I run my Camaro in.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
08-10-2008, 11:36 PM
#53
I found some more pics on Faye's site. I don't believe these were in the thread earlier. They looks nice. I can't wait to see this in black!
I am also hoping for a very clean install. My C5 wheels just barely rub when I go into a very hard corner and I think the body roll + lateral movement in the rear end is causing it.
If nothing else my car will handle better!
I am also hoping for a very clean install. My C5 wheels just barely rub when I go into a very hard corner and I think the body roll + lateral movement in the rear end is causing it.
If nothing else my car will handle better!
08-13-2008, 02:08 PM
#54
Newest update....
All the tubing is cut and ready to be welded and all the other parts are ready to be put together. We're just waiting for all the parts to be assembled and powdercoated. The schedule is a little behind, but I'm told we're looking like mid to late next week for shipment.
All the tubing is cut and ready to be welded and all the other parts are ready to be put together. We're just waiting for all the parts to be assembled and powdercoated. The schedule is a little behind, but I'm told we're looking like mid to late next week for shipment.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
08-21-2008, 02:42 PM
#55
Updated and good news:
"Sam,
I just met with the welder, sandblaster and powder coater.
Welding is promised for Tuesday morning.
We are FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! on schedule to ship next Friday."
That's a quote from Fays2.
"Sam,
I just met with the welder, sandblaster and powder coater.
Welding is promised for Tuesday morning.
We are FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! on schedule to ship next Friday."
That's a quote from Fays2.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
08-22-2008, 10:55 AM
#57
I will start processing orders today.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
08-29-2008, 12:15 PM
#58
Starting to ship out today.
Of note: There is an aluminum spacer that wasn't completed on time. Fays2 is sending those out at their cost by 2-day air when they arrive (due next Tuesday). Because the Watts Links are shipping ground freight the spacers and Watts Links should arrive at just about the same time.
Of note: There is an aluminum spacer that wasn't completed on time. Fays2 is sending those out at their cost by 2-day air when they arrive (due next Tuesday). Because the Watts Links are shipping ground freight the spacers and Watts Links should arrive at just about the same time.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
09-13-2008, 09:12 PM
#59
Has anyone installed this, yet?
I had this thing for about a week so I know I am not the first to install it right? No posts in here! Comments, criticism?
I did notice a huge difference in the way the car drives:
NOTES ON THE PICTURES.
The rod ends are not perfectly adjusted in the pictures. I did not run the car like that, though.
Also, yes the brake lines are loose on the 12 bolt.
I had this thing for about a week so I know I am not the first to install it right? No posts in here! Comments, criticism?
I did notice a huge difference in the way the car drives:
- Improved straight line tracking, not as much jitter on bumpy roads. I don't feel like I am fighting the car all the time on bumpy roads with dips and indents where the crown is bad and it REALLY needs to be repaved.
- Much firmer and more predictable road feel in the corners.
- Taking off hard feels more natural.
- On hard braking on rough surfaces the car is much better!
- I don't feel like I have picked up any road noise dispite the rod ends/little compliance/no rubber insulators.
NOTES ON THE PICTURES.
The rod ends are not perfectly adjusted in the pictures. I did not run the car like that, though.
Also, yes the brake lines are loose on the 12 bolt.
Last edited by 2002_Z28_Six_Speed; 09-25-2008 at 01:17 AM.
10-08-2008, 01:10 AM
#60
Any other comments on these? How can you be sure the clamp won't slide along the axle if it loosens up a tap, seems like that would be disasterous. Also could dual 3" pipes fit over the drivers side?