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Check Out That
Chassis
By Jim Salemi
11/7/03
QUESTION 1
Jim,
I'm five hours and an expensive ferry ride
to the track and to help to save testing time
I could use some help. I run a tube frame 37
Chevy 2400 lbs. with me in it, 509 bb Chevy
852 hp, 13" crank centerline, three speed lenco
Bruno 5400 stall, 456 gears 856 at 158 mph.
I have 60 ft. times 117 to 123 depending on
track conditions and shock setting. The car
won't react on a pro tree. I started with a
4 link setting 53 and three best lights .440.
I moved to a 47 and housing and downward angle
on the lower bar. Looking for input. Thanks
in advance,
Grant Howell
Grant,
Thanks for the question. First
off you will never get a good reacting car if
the bottom bar is pointing downward. That bar
needs to be pointing up slightly or at least
level. It is hard to give you an instant center
out and up measurement with out knowing where
it has been previously. I know you gave us an
out measurement but there is no up measurement.
With the bottom four link bar pointing up it
will jerk the wheel out of the beam quicker
therefore giving you a better R/T. Also note:
just don't move the bar so it points up without
fully plotting the four link. E-mail back when
you have all the information needed to properly
adjust the four link for your application.
Jim Salemi
G-Force Race Cars Inc.
QUESTION 2
Jim,
I have an '84 Chevy Camaro that has a torque
arm. If I use ladder bars, can I take the torque
arm off, and if I can use the ladder bars, can
I use the coil springs and shocks that are on
the car, or do I need to go with rear coil-over
shock kits?
Dave
P.S. Thank you
Dave,
Thanks for the question. If
you decide to go with a ladder bar suspension
you can remove your torque arm, although it
is not a mandatory issue. You could also use
your stock springs and shocks as long as they
do not interfere with the position of the mounts
for the ladder bars that need to be welded on
the rear end, but you may improve your performance
with an aftermarket racing shock.
Thanks,
Jim Salemi
G-Force Race Cars Inc.
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