F41 suspension

[86Cutlass383SR]

I am still trying to find enough data points to compare hollow vs solid.

Think of it this way, if you add 1/8" in diameter, it's kinda like wrapping another 1/8" bar around your solid bar.

Found stats comparing a 14/16 (3/8) vs a 15/16 solid bar. Only being a 1/16" thicker it is 32% stiffer.

Strength goes up by it's square.

A hollow 1"version of the same bar is stiffer then the 14/16 and less the 15/16.

Based on that I would say yes, the 1 1/8" is worth changing and yes it would be stiffer then the 36mm (1 3/8").

I might pop off my 1" rear and try the 7/8" and see how it is with the 36mm front.

Hmmmm, Shotgun, that's some good info... As big and bulky as the 36mm bar is I might just have to replace it with a differant bar. Thanks for that info.

 

[drogg1]

Thanks for all the info guys. I can't really process it all but I will try. Could you perhaps condense the information and give me a list of components I would need in order to upgrade. Such as, should I get the braces and rear sway bar if I'm going to mainly have a street/strip car? Also, what front and rear springs and shocks would be most beneficial for street/strip or perhaps what stiffness in general? Thank you for any more information you might have

 

[Phoenyx]

What are your plans for the car? Do you want it to handle, or to launch? Either way, you want a rear sway bar.

 

[drogg1]

Launch mainly. I'm not big on handling although the steering components need an overhaul just cause they're ancient and make excruciating noises. What I'm looking for is anything that will help me launch straighter and stay straight. Basically all drag racing and if any handling is improved then more power to it. One thing I may note is that I don't mind squeaking, say from poly bushings, but I don't want to get whiplash from hitting a pothole too bad.

...I hope I'm not being too vague but basically: What would help me go straight and stay straight when on the strip?

 

[Phoenyx]

Ok so you want launch. Lets start up front. You don't want an F-41 or aftermarket sway bar. Just a stock non-F-41. Sway bars limit your suspension movement, and that's not what you want for a good launch. Most drag cars remove the front all together, but not so good for the street. So the way I see it, the wimpiest stock front bar with rubber bushings wont be as tight as a heavy one with poly. And you will still be able to take a corner at more that 3mph.

For the rear you want the heaviest sway bar you can find. Not for handling, but to stop the car from twisting to the passenger side (g-bodies with big power are bad for that).

So as far as F-41 parts go, just look for the rear bar. If you're not gonna be carving corners, a quicker ratio steering box isn't really needed either.

 

[drogg1]

Any spring suggestions front or rear?

Oh and should I assume that boxing or getting new solid rear control arms would be a good idea?

 

[86Cutlass383SR]

For launch only just get a manual steering box from an S-10. For front springs you usually want the softest springs to allow lift to plant the rearend. Not a real good setup on the street so if you do drive it any, it then becomes a compromise situatiom.

 

[drogg1]

I know I'm probably being a little redundant but is there anything that will help with a straighter launch. I'm really more concerned as of now with just being able to control the car and keep it straight. So, I'm basically asking if there are any other upgrades besides a rear sway bar to achieve a straighter and in the end more controlled launch?

Thanks again and again

 

[shotgun]

It is smart not to forget about handling even in a drag car.

Short story, keeping some "handling" on my Cutlass saved my and maybe 2 others lifes racing last year!

Some azz stopped at the top of the track and got out of his car to look under it. The track did not notice and we went.

I look up heading for the finish doing a 130mph and there sits a car with the driverside door open, driver laying under the car with his legs sticking out.

Ended up cutting to the right, just missing his r/r bymper and the l/f fender of the car is was racing!!!!

How fast of a car?

Street and strip are to different suspensions but....

Send me a PM with your number ,I have a few tricks for a street/strip car that will help.

 

[Phoenyx]

Yes, you should either buy aftermarket trailing arms, or box your stock ones. And also if you box yours, you will need new bushings. Go for poly on the rear end side, and rubber on the frame side (to help with binding).

I also have a set of anti-hop / lift bars. They make the rear really dig down on launch.