I've recently changed my goal from a mix of AutoX/Drag to pretty much straight drag. The vehicle is primarily a street car, and I know I'm going to need a different suspension setup to put the new motor's power to the ground. Suspension mods are in the sig, and I just ordered 17x9.5" TTII's for the rear (17x8 front). I'm torn between kumho's and nitto 555R's. Suggestions?

I'm looking for possible setups that can, hopefully, encorporate at least some of the modifications I've already made. Details on coilover conversions, what shocks/struts work best, etc would be greatly appreciated. (I already know the KYB-GR2's are too "soft" for the Sportline kit---so feel free to recommend new ones).

Money is of importance, to an extent, but I wouldn't mind some "no expense spared" best-traction setups. Thanks in advance!

 

I'm sorry I didn't mention this sooner, but the vehicle is an '86 firebird. I thought the Eibach drag launch kits were only available for fourth gens?

 

My Kumho rear tires are 255/50ZR-16 and didn't spin at all with my original slightly modded TPI350 with 275HP. Dry traction is very good. Wet traction is aweful. I might switch to BFG or AVON Mech 500 when these wear out.

 

Ditching the front sway bar is extremely helpful for acceleration.

A 275/40/17 ET Drag Radial from Mickey Thompson is your BEST traction option. A Nitto 555R Drag Radial will not be as sticky but will last 10K miles or more. 400+hp needs a Mickey Thompson, anything less if fine for a Nitto Drag. How Much power are we talking about? QA1 shocks out back would be best and can be tuned/adjusted for best results. I've never seen different springs get tested on any car so I can't help there. My advice would be to raise the rear of the car 1" over the sportline stance. Maybe make the rubber spring pad on top 1" thicker?

Spohn or BMR Adjustable TQ arm is nice also!

FWIW, my car dead hooks to a 1.60 60 foot with Koni Yellows, Jamex 1.5" drop springs, NO lca brackets, spohn TQ arm, 4200 stall WITH(the kicker) 20PSI in 28X11.5X15" ET Streets. That's a carb 396SBC also. Only changes I plan on are a PG trans, relocation brackets, spray, converter, etc. No spring/shock change until this setup proves difficult. I view my car as a complete auto-x setup. Just so happens to good when combined with sticky tires. Should work for you also.

 

Thanks for the reply Denny. Your project's definately come a long way from the juiced 305 from the old days. :P

As far as what power we're talking about... it's just a dart 355 making ~420 crank, with a plate kit on it. The motor's not setup for spray, so I'm going to keep it to a 75 shot. So, definately in the M/T range.

I've heard of other's using QA1's in the back, so I'll give that a try. Should I leave my front KYB's alone or should I replace them with something?

How did you manage to fit those huge 15" tires underneath your car? I had a set of 295's on 15x10's... rubbed pretty terrible. I can only imagine an extra inch and a half of tire.