Thanks for your response, Jim.
> Make sure you build a spreader, preferably adjustable for the top of the
> shock towers. If you dont the camber will change in the corners.
It's on the "to do list" already, thanks for the tip though.
> >Of course, I don't know what kind of performance mods can be made
> >to the stock front suspension - can I get things like lowering coils,
>
> You can add a 1" sway bar, stiffer springs from a 75 Brick, urethane
> bushings and it will handle like a dream. Also, get rid of the orriginal
> wheels and bias ply tires and put radials on it. The original wheels are
> prety, but not as strong as they could be.
My car is a 75, when you say "stiffer springs from a 75", do you
mean 75-spec replacements, low mileage units, or do I already have
the springs I want?
Would that sway bar come from some AMC supplier, a Bricklin supplier,
or what? Is it a junkyard piece or do I buy a new one?
> >As for the rear, I have a hard time imagining there's anything
> >that you can do with a live rear axle hung across leaf springs.
>
> First remove the torsion bars, they were an abomination and incorrectly
> designed, then add a 1" ADDCO sway bar (requires some mods on the frame),
> then add a leaf to each side to stiften the springs.
[snip...]
> Since you are not racing it, as I do, I would think the mods I have
> mentioned should be all you would need.
Actually, I am interested in autcrossing at least, sorry I didn't
mention it. But basically I just want to be able to push my weekend
car harder than my daily driver ;)
> BTW, the Jag IRS wont be any more expensive than the Vette IRS except that
> with two shocks on each side they will cost more.($50-60 each times four)
That's good to know. How is the Jag rear better? (I notice you've got a
few Jags in your stable BTW) It's certainly a hell of a lot more trick
with those inboard brake disks. Does it have an advantage other than
the reduced unsprung weight and greatly increased sex appeal? How much
does the reduction in unsprung weight help in real-world terms?
How much benefit do you think changing the rear over to IRS would have?
It seems to me (and I could very well be wrong) that the real benefit
of IRS comes on real roads, not on the track. At least, I hope most
tracks are better maintained than the roads in Southern Ontario...
Am I right in thinking the real advantage comes when you're on rough
or uneven roads? Of course, actually being able to adjust the rear
alignment & geometry would probably pay off too.
I would like to do it just for the sake of having a fancy-shmancy rear
suspension, but unfortunately I don't have the bucks to make every mod
I think would be "neat" if it's not going to pay off in terms of
driveability.
Thanks again for the info,
Phil.
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