SD> l-body suspension Questions

[Mike D.]

Stefan:

Any books that you recommend specifically?

I finally started autocrossing last year with a 2005 neon (I know, 1st gens are lighter).  So this is now, more than ever, a subject of interest for me.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Mike
'87 CSX  #481 (stagnant mechanical restoration project)
'05 neon sxt

> From: swedeis at comcast.net
> To: peachey140 at yahoo.com; shelbydodge at imagilist.com
> Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 06:14:41 -0700
> Subject: Re: SD> l-body suspension Questions
> 
> Buy Koni's. There isn't anything else available that will give you what
> you're looking for at that price point.  They will make the biggest
> improvement in the car outside of tires and proper maintenance.  KYB GR-2's
> are simply OEM replacements about on par with a lot of parts store pieces.
> 
> You can't run much higher spring rates without struts valved to control them
> (or you'll end up pogo-sticking your way around town)
> 
> Strut bars are nice once you get stiffer struts and springs, until then you
> really aren't in need of them unless you're racing the car every weekend or
> you notice the firewall is cracking or the inner fenderwell is separating
> from the frame rail.  Even then the strut tower bar won't solve the problem,
> you'd need to repair the cracks or failed spot welds.
> 
> Swaybars aren't a bad idea, but they are a double edged sword.  They tend to
> bind the suspension movement, artificially increasing the spring rate to
> near infinity, making the car inconsistent in handling as the tires will
> break traction shortly after the spring rate goes to infinity.  However for
> autocross they work well since sway bars improve the transitional effect of
> the car at the expense of steady state cornering.  
> 
> I would highly suggest reading all the books you can on suspension tuning
> and design as well as performance driving before choosing spring rates,
> struts and sway bar sizes.  Suspension tuning is almost as much about the
> driver and their driving style than it is about specific parts.
> 
> Otherwise, rebuild the suspension using good replacement parts, a better
> alignment and put on a good set of tires.  
> 
> Good luck,
> Stefan
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: shelbydodge-bounces+swedeis=comcast.net at imagilist.com
> [mailto:shelbydodge-bounces+swedeis=comcast.net at imagilist.com] On Behalf Of
> james peachey
> Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2008 3:47 PM
> To: shelbydodge at imagilist.com
> Subject: SD> l-body suspension Questions
> 
> Im looking at upgrading the suspension on my shelby
> charger. I want it to handle like its on rails but
> dont have the money for konis. I have around 800 to
> spend on the suspension and need some advice. 
> 
> Whats a good replacement strut/shock?
> 
> Whats a good aggressive spring rate?
> 
> What about swaybars and strut tower bars?
> 
> This will be a Daily driver but I dont care about
> comfort. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 
>  
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