I have a chance to get a granatelli torque arm for a decent price. Would this be a good addtion to my suspension. This would be the only thing left stock in the rear of the car besides the springs.

What do you guys think? Eventually once I get a 12 bolt Ill hopefully be looking at some serious times at the track.

 

In my opinion, a replacement TA is a great idea.
I personally like (and own) the MAC TA. some people like it some dont like the way it looks. It's your car. But I havent heard of anyone not liking a new TA. Everyone, regardless of who makes it, seems to agree that it is a pretty cool mod.

My car drives, truns & launches better.

Hope this helps.

 

Ok, I like the good opinion. What is it that others dont like?

 

Different people justify what they consider "right" in different ways. Some people go to great extents to prove their point, and some simply like what they like. In either case, never forget that it is your car and you should only do what you feel comfortable with, because it is ultimately your decision. Now, sorry for the disclaimer, but there are certain people on this board that will do everything they can to discount others, So I feel saying it this way is best to avoid a draw out debate with someone who has a different opinion than me.

1) The MAC TA unlike the standard Edelbrock/ G2/ Random Tech/ BMR/ ect, etc, etc. The MAC comes with its own mounting point for the TA. The Stock TA bolts to a bushing in the tail shaft of the transmission where the transmission then bolts to the car on a crosspiece. So in essence, all of the previously mentioned TA (except the MAC) are reinforced versions of the original. The MAC while bolting up in the same way to the differential has (what I call) a Tunnel Brace that you have to bolt into the Drive shaft Tunnel. This gives (In My Opinion) a more direct & firm attachment point for the TA (over the Stock Location).
2) It is also a two price TA (not counting the tunnel brace), the TA has a slider that attaches to the Tunnel Brace and it fits inside of the other part of the TA that bolts to the Diff. There are other TA's (like the BMR HD & the GW Track link that allow for adjustability. But this system is constantly readjusting itself based on what the car is doing. So when you hit the gas the Diff tilts up and the are slides forward helping weight transfer and increasing the load in the TA at the tunnel brace which in turn lifts on the car. But when you enter a turn, the slider wont bind the way a bushing will. The slider is round so it allows the whole diff to pivot the way it wants making the car MUCH flatter in a turn. (Once again, in my opinion) (In fact, anyone can correct me if they feel i am wrong, but unless you own one, I really don’t think I can describe it and there for i really don’t think anyone car dispute it.)
3) Price! I think that a lot of guys cant believe that they paid over 500 bucks for a TA the might be not as good as one that cost me $200. I love mine. Others might love theirs. And while there have been some heated debates over which TA is really the best, everyone who I have talk to has liked theirs whether it was a MAC or a G2 or whatever. So if you buy that one, I am going to say that there is little chance that you wont like it, even if it is a beefed up version of the stock piece.

I don’t work for MAC. I don’t own stock. I just really like there product and I fell it should get the respect I FEEL it deserves. If you wish more information in terms of how this thing works, how to install it, pictures or just general feedback, Email me at IcoNetCC@aol.com. I get wary getting too technical on this board. There is always someone with a fanatically different opinion and their own way of doing math to justify it to themselves! If not, hope this helped.

In closing. The views expressed here are only my opinion, and I feel as though I have gone to enough lengths to not discount other TA’s. If you feel differently, please say so if you wish. There is never anything wrong with sharing you opinion.

 

I too like you got a good price on the G2 torque arm. I installed it and like it. If I had to buy it for $500. I would never have bought that one. I would have went with the BMR or Spohn. I got the arm for less than $300. If it's cheap enough go for it, You won't be dissapointed.

 

Just to clarify... I don't think the G2 is the same as the Granatelli. The G2 (LG Motorsports) is simply a tublar version of the stock arm.

The Granatelli I am familiar with has its own front mount, and that mount is supported on a sheet steel "frame" that is contoured to mount up against the driveshaft tunnel, with numerous bolts to hold it to the floor (requires removing the carpet to install). That design goes back at least 7 or 8 years, and I didn't think they were making it any more.

I know George Baxter used a Granatelli TA on his 30th SS Convertible, up to about the 750HP level, then decided he needed something stronger and got the Madman TA, which propelled him to 9.04@155MPH, and a 1.3x 60-ft.

And just for the record, the Spohn, BMR Extreme and Madman arm are just a few that come with their own front mounts.

 

I have the MAC TA also. It definetly made the car feel more solid. I got it 2 years ago on a GP for only $162.00 shipped. So I'm happy. Numerous 1.5x 60fts. without an issue.

 

I appreciate all the opinions.
Fred, yes your right its a tubular version of the stocker. I may as well go ahead and get it. Anything is better than the stocker and comes with a poly mount.

Thanks guys.

 

Derrick!!!!!!!

You probably dont remember me but you are the one who told me to buy this one and I love it! Thanks!

BTW how is you Z running?

 

Thanks. Glad you like the TA. Car is running great. Gonna try this winter for the 10.9x or better timeslip. Traction problems have kept me from it. .03 Oh well it will happen one day.

 

Derrick.

I dont mean to post hijack. So I apologize all. WHat tires are you running now? Last i heard M/T wasnt making 16 inch Drags anymore. Is your car a daily driver? How many miles do you have on your 4L60E? What flexplate do you run? Thanks.

 

I just looked at Granatelli's website and they don't have any torque arms listed. Got a link or pic?

 

That was one of my points... I am familiar with the Granatelli, but they don't make it any more. People seem to be assuming that "Grantelli" and "G2" are the same, and they aren't.

The Granatelli I saw had a frame or "basket" made out of heavy sheet metal that pushed up into the tunnel, and was bolted to the tunnel/floor with quite a few bolts. The front of the TA mounted to a bracket on the basket. It was a dog to install because it was necessary to pull the seats and carpet out to get all the holes drilled and bolts through the floor from inside the car......