SD> l-body suspension Questions

[Rich Bryant]

The Mopar 2.2/2.5 Performance book is a decent read if you are just 
getting into these cars.  It hink the 4th edition is the latest.

Here is one cheap:

http://shopping.msn.com/Prices/shp/?itemId=56311127

-Rich




On Mon, 10 Mar 2008, Mike D. wrote:

> Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:21:56 -0400
> From: Mike D. <turboshelbydodge at hotmail.com>
> To: shelbydodge at imagilist.com
> Subject: Re: SD> l-body suspension Questions
> 
>
> 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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