I figure it's time to replace the suspension on my TA. Not only do I want it to be factory fresh, I want it to be a serious G machine.

So what would be a good combo to pull some serious G's on the skidpad?

 

If all your interested in is G numbers then sticky tires will do fine. If your interested in handling lemme know.

 

I guess I meant both, since I assumed they went hand in hand

Goals for the car are mid-low 12's (Heads N' Cam), but more than that Auto-X.

 

Right on, thats what I'm going for, except in the end I'm shooting for high 10's with a high mph due to the suspension and tire combo.

Global West Coil Over setup w/Koni's... they can help you with the settings.

Tubular front K-member, tubular suspension, aftermarket brake setup from Baer to reduce some weight.

Basically a lot of the Global West products are great, most use rod ends or their Del-A-Lum bushings which are much better than polyurethane.

Try stiffening the chassis, BOXED subframe connectors, if your going for the bolt on connectors go with SLP, or else check out Global West's weld in connectors.

That's kind of a vague idea of what to do, but somehwere in that area is what I'd be shooting for. My list has well over $4000 in suspension/chassis mods so.... eeek.

 

Just for cost, I don't know if I'll convert to coil-overs.

So far my plans have been basic.

Shocks, I haven't decided.

Springs as well.

LCA's, panhard, subframes, swaybar etc.. That's all a given

 

Kenny Brown's Sport Springs will lower the car (lower center of gravity) and are progressively wound. Look at either Koni shocks or KYB's both offer adjustability. Double Diamond SFC's would be better for auto X'ing.

 

I've heard of durability issues with AGX shocks. Any comments?

 

I agree, I'd go with DMS springs
last time i checked their progressive springs had a very nice rate, and the price is

They lower a nice 1.5'' or so keeping it streetable.

weight reduction is your friend (back seats, ac, spare, jack, nice seats up front, lighter wheels) for both strip and road coarse. anything off the front end is awesome. better weight dist and better launches. a fiberglass or CF hood maybe? battery relocation?

SFC are a must.

after that its give and take for launch vs twisties. even lowering springs hurt your launch.
good autox tires and slicks/skinnies for the track will be very benificial

a thicker rear sway bar will help both, but go no sway bar at the track and the thickest one you can find for the autox.

Id also swap between v6 springs for the track and lowering springs for the autox

its all give and take

autox= no wieght transfer
drag strip = throw that weight back!
adjustable shocks are prob the best thing you can do for both though, especailly up front

 

I had a choice for springs.

Progressive vs non-progressive.

I figured the progressive springs would be best for auto-x, while the non-progressive would be better for drag.

Who sells DMS springs?

And for shocks, I guess I'll look into KYB's or Tokico's.

 

Having a car that handles well and launches well are two mutually exclusive things. Obviously you can make compromises but keep this in mind, a auto-x/RR car can drag race but not vice versa.

If you're serious about autocrossing then get a rule book and look at what mods are allowed in what classes. Othewise you may end up in a class where it takes alot of $$$ to be competative.

For instance your CAI already knocks you out of stock and adding 2pt SFC's will put you in Street Modified where you get to run against supercharged BMW M3's and the like.

Two suggestions before I go:

1. IMO leave the car alone and try a few events first and see how you like it. Even bone stock your car is alot faster than you will be for a while... If you must add something get a good set of shocks. Either Bilstiens or Koni's, nothing else compares.

2. Dont listen to anyone who doesn't autocross themself. This rules out 99.9% of the F-Body owners but there are people who know what their talking about. I can tell you right now adding a larger rear swaybar is about the last thing you want.

 

Which is why I opt for open track days and open road racing... no real classes to speak of, plus you get to race at world famous tracks.

 

I'm not necessarily looking to compete in Auto-X for the sake of competition. I'd just like to be able to take my car through a set course, and best myself.

Of course I'd like my car to be nimble and controllably tossable.

 

I just put a VBP suspesion on a 3rd gen for 800 you get all you are looking for it is very streetable unlike my 91 which will beat your bones to death.. The thing I like about the VBP its all there no looking around for parts.. you could pice parts together and save money like finding 1LE springs and swaybars and bilsten shocks and sturts .. I am still waiting on a swaybar for the 3rd gen was shipped the wrong one but with the stock one on it would pull some g's on street tires and hadnt been lined up so I didnt push it hard. I will give some more info on the kit when I get it finished. also put on some spohn SFC they werent DD ..

 

can you explain why a thicker sway bar would hurt?

 

Less turn in help, thats why many companies like Global West recommend using the stock sway bar.