Front Suspension/Steering replacement
#1
Front Suspension/Steering replacement
I've been looking around at the replacement front ends from Fat Man Fabrications, Heidt's, and Rod and Custom. Are there any other companies I should be looking into? My car came with no front suspension pieces, no steering pieces, and no brakes. So I was thinking this may be the most cost effective way to put everything in at once and get the performance I wanted. Any thoughts/suggestions?
#2
RE: Front Suspension/Steering replacement
If you want a nice trailer queen, the ones you mentioned are fine. If you want a car that will kick glutimus maximus and take names look at Grigg's stuff.
Is there a reason you want to do away with the shock towers? Big engines also mean big weight, and that is in a car that is all ready nose heavy.
Just something to think about.
Is there a reason you want to do away with the shock towers? Big engines also mean big weight, and that is in a car that is all ready nose heavy.
Just something to think about.
#5
RE: Front Suspension/Steering replacement
If you keep the shock towers might want to look at the stuff by Opentracker.
Reasonably priced and performs as well if not better than the big boys.
My '66 has had a total transformation since upgrading my suspension with them.
Reasonably priced and performs as well if not better than the big boys.
My '66 has had a total transformation since upgrading my suspension with them.
#7
RE: Front Suspension/Steering replacement
you could get a rack and pinion, granada disk brake kit, and a new aftermarket "grab a track" suspension system for under 2k which is about as much as you pay for the strut kit at fats...................
#8
RE: Front Suspension/Steering replacement
ORIGINAL: jarrettdad
Griggs is great but also 3 X as expensive as the ones I've mentioned.
As far as the towers, I have been having thoughts of a 5.4 or 4.6 4v.
Griggs is great but also 3 X as expensive as the ones I've mentioned.
As far as the towers, I have been having thoughts of a 5.4 or 4.6 4v.
On the other hand, a stroker 302 with what 2BAV8 was talking about would give you incredible power, classic beauty and the kind of thrill only a sweet handling road car can provide.
Kind of like the difference between Queen Latifa and Maria Carey. Both have beautiful voices, but I'd rather take Maria for a ride.
Good luck, which ever way you decide. There are plenty of web sites from people all ready doing or done with both types of builds. Google search, or search the forums. Also I'd suggest some reading at www.corner-carvers.com So you get an idea for what kind of handling you can expect.
Scott
#9
RE: Front Suspension/Steering replacement
It's not going to be a daily driver. I'll be doing weekend cruising, shows, and taking it to the local 1/8th from time to time. There will be no autocross in it's future, at least as far as I can tell right now. Everything is in the planning stages right now, but that Griggs price tag is a lot more than I had budgeted for that stage of the build. I will not rule it out though, because I would love to fit the best of everything in the car, but it would set me back several months to spend that kind of money in one area. I guess its something I will have to think on......
#10
RE: Front Suspension/Steering replacement
The old saying has never changed in that horsepower costs. I would think you would have more fun building a 351 old school than having to deal with the electronics of the 4.6.