I once used Performance Suspension Technology in my Chevelle days. What do you folks think is the best value in performance suspension rebuild kits these days?

Looking to rebuild a 65 coupe front end. What diameter sway bar do you recommend for street use? Other enhancements? Thanks.

 

Most of us do not use the performance kits, as they do not have all the exact parts that we want. We will usually piece together one ourselves.

I believe most will tell you the 1" or slightly larger for the front for a streeter.

 

Well, given I want a complete bushing set - all of them. Wouldn't a full kit be the best choice?

 

I'd recommend no more than 1" for the sway bar, if that. I find 15/16" works very well for a street car with no rear bar. More than 1" will make the front end stiff and could cause excessive understeer.

I think the best idea is to first determine what's worn and needs to be replaced. Assuming ball joints are shot, I'd recommend buying all new control arms. The time it would take you to rebuild the arms is worth more than the slight extra cost for the new arms that would bolt right up.

For springs, I'd recommend either GT replacement springs, or 540lb 1" drop springs from OpenTracker for a slightly stiffer ride but better handling. Roller spring perches are a great idea while you've got everything torn apart, and a Shelby drop should be considered mandatory at that point.

Stick with rubber bushings unless the car is going to see heavy track use. Poly squeaks and tends to give a harsher ride. Absolutely do not use poly bushings on the strut rodes. Poly won't flex enough there and can cause the strut rods to snap.

 

Good points, Starfury, thanks. I used poly-graphites on a Chevelle big block and they had no squeek at all - quiet as a mouse. On the other hand, rhis car doesn't have nearly the mass of a GM big block.

If I use 1" dropped springs, why would new spindels be mandatory? It's only an inch.

 

He was referring to the "Shelby Drop". This is where you lower the mounting point of the upper control arms.

 

Look around on http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/products/ they sell nice parts they are oem style but upgraded.The roller spring perches are a must to have.A monte carlo bar and export brace are a must they stiff then front up a lot.If its front drums look at getting disc also.

 

Good tip. Thanks!

 

Whether any sort of poly bushing will squeak doesn't have much to do with how heavy that end of the car is. It's more about the details of the bushing, its inner sleeve, and how it all fits inside the chassis brackets.

On edit - is the kit you're interested in only a bushing kit or is it something more comprehensive?


Norm

 

This one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3AIT&viewitem=

Whatta you think?...It's rubber, not poly.