Which torque arm?
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From: Canal Winchester, OH
Which torque arm? I was looking around on UMI Performance and which torque arm is the one to get? I see they have 2...a tunnel brace mounted torque arm and a tranny mounted torque arm.
I was reading on Exotic Performance Plus and there is a guide that they recommend of mods to do to our cars and one is a torque arm and I want to get one, but don't know which to get.
"Torque Arm - BMR, Global West and Spohn all make torque arms that relocate the front mount off of the transmission by relocating the front mount back behind the transmission. The relocation of the front mount relieves the stress from the tailshaft of the transmission that the torque arm places on it, as a result of trying to contain the rear-end and it's rotational stresses. The stock torque arm is a stamped piece of sheetmetal that has broken apart for many people, and it sometimes takes out the driveshaft with it when it goes. By relocating the front mount of the torque arm behind the transmission, the geometry of the rear suspension becomes much better and really aids in hooking up the rear suspension. While replacing the torque arm, check the transmission mount, as the stock torque arm places a huge load on the mount, and the mount breaks quite often when using the factory torque arm. The adjustability of these aftermarket torque arms allows the user to adjust the pinion angle of the rear suspension which aids in finding traction."
So after reading this, which torque arm do I need? Thanks. I just don't know too much about them.
I was reading on Exotic Performance Plus and there is a guide that they recommend of mods to do to our cars and one is a torque arm and I want to get one, but don't know which to get.
"Torque Arm - BMR, Global West and Spohn all make torque arms that relocate the front mount off of the transmission by relocating the front mount back behind the transmission. The relocation of the front mount relieves the stress from the tailshaft of the transmission that the torque arm places on it, as a result of trying to contain the rear-end and it's rotational stresses. The stock torque arm is a stamped piece of sheetmetal that has broken apart for many people, and it sometimes takes out the driveshaft with it when it goes. By relocating the front mount of the torque arm behind the transmission, the geometry of the rear suspension becomes much better and really aids in hooking up the rear suspension. While replacing the torque arm, check the transmission mount, as the stock torque arm places a huge load on the mount, and the mount breaks quite often when using the factory torque arm. The adjustability of these aftermarket torque arms allows the user to adjust the pinion angle of the rear suspension which aids in finding traction."
So after reading this, which torque arm do I need? Thanks. I just don't know too much about them.
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It basically depends on what you'e after. No one can tell you "the best" mod/engine/choice etc. for anything.
The chassis mounted torque arm does take stress off the tranny. There are downsides though. One is going to be more noise (from the TA transmitting noise directly to the body instead of TA -> Tranny -> rubber mount -> body). Another one is bumping. Chassis mounted TAs are notorious for bumping the trans tunnel when shifting, going over bumps, etc and causing a thunk. Another downside is clearance. With a chassis mounted TA, you're going to loose some clearance over the tranny mounted one as it has mounting bars that hang below the tranny tunnel. The last thing is going to be your exhaust. Because of the way they are set up, chassis mounts wont clear some exhausts so you have to ensure the one you buy is compatible with the exhaust system you have.
The tranny mounted TA does place more stress on the trans tail shaft. I've heard that the tranny mounted ones are good up to I believe high 10 second cars though so you should be good. The don't transfer as much noise, don't have clearance issues, and don't thunk your tunnel.
Bottom line is if you're willing to trade off some comforts like a quite ride and ground clearance for higher performance, go with the chassis mount. If your car isn't too hard core and you want to be more comfortable, go tranny mount.
The chassis mounted torque arm does take stress off the tranny. There are downsides though. One is going to be more noise (from the TA transmitting noise directly to the body instead of TA -> Tranny -> rubber mount -> body). Another one is bumping. Chassis mounted TAs are notorious for bumping the trans tunnel when shifting, going over bumps, etc and causing a thunk. Another downside is clearance. With a chassis mounted TA, you're going to loose some clearance over the tranny mounted one as it has mounting bars that hang below the tranny tunnel. The last thing is going to be your exhaust. Because of the way they are set up, chassis mounts wont clear some exhausts so you have to ensure the one you buy is compatible with the exhaust system you have.
The tranny mounted TA does place more stress on the trans tail shaft. I've heard that the tranny mounted ones are good up to I believe high 10 second cars though so you should be good. The don't transfer as much noise, don't have clearance issues, and don't thunk your tunnel.
Bottom line is if you're willing to trade off some comforts like a quite ride and ground clearance for higher performance, go with the chassis mount. If your car isn't too hard core and you want to be more comfortable, go tranny mount.
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From: Canal Winchester, OH
Thanks. So if I went with the tranny mount TA, should I go with adjustable or non-adjustable? Sorry if it's a stupid question, I just don't know too much about them.
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Hi
I just tried to install a Spohn tranny mount arm on my car and it interfered with the factory Y pipe. I then tried it after I put my MAC headers and Y pipe on and it still did not fit. I had to flip the center section around to get it on the car. Later I replaced it with a BMR unit. Both units are made well and do the same thing. I am a little pissed at Spohn because I feel it should have fit. Now I have to sell the old Spohn unit and try to get some of my money back. I don't know if was just me, because lots of people are using the Spohn unit with headers. Just somthing to consider when you make a selection.
JA
I just tried to install a Spohn tranny mount arm on my car and it interfered with the factory Y pipe. I then tried it after I put my MAC headers and Y pipe on and it still did not fit. I had to flip the center section around to get it on the car. Later I replaced it with a BMR unit. Both units are made well and do the same thing. I am a little pissed at Spohn because I feel it should have fit. Now I have to sell the old Spohn unit and try to get some of my money back. I don't know if was just me, because lots of people are using the Spohn unit with headers. Just somthing to consider when you make a selection.
JA
