Re: AMC Handling

[farna@xxxxxxx]

I'm not sure about the T/A setups. But for maximum handling (ignoring ride) use polyurethane bushings, big sway bar (1" - 1-1/8"), and stiffer front springs (increase by 10% on the 68+ cars, 20% on older). Lower a bit while you're ordering custom springs, but only 1/2"-1". You still need ground clearance! 

You'll also need to tighten up the rear springs. Either add a leaf or use one of the short "half leaf" bolt on stiffeners. Also add a panhard rod or Watt's link to control sideways movement -- yes, even with leaf springs. A nice four link would be even better. A 1/2"-3/4" sway bar would be a good idea also. You don't want the rear as stiff as the front though, it will handle funny then! 

Don't use full poly bushings on the strut rods. That will slow suspension reaction time considerably. Instead, use one set of poly and one set of rubber. Use poly for the front half, rubber for the back. The poly won't compress much and improve handling by reducing caster change when braking. The rubber in back lets the suspension flex more, though not as good as stock. Who cares about caster change in reverse! 

One more thing -- get wheel weight down! Weld Draglite wheels or similar, and lighter calipers. I've been exploring the lighter caliper bit. There are aluminum replacements for the 82-83 style Concord/Spirit GM calipers, but they state "for off road use only". They are ISCA certified for racing though. Speedway carries them (www.speedwaymotors.com). I wonder why not for street use when they are cetified for road racing and circle track? That's got to be harder use! 

On December 29, 2005 Widiker, John D wrote:

> Who here has gone the handling route with an AMC suspension? Anyone know
> about the trans am setups? I'm interested in maximum effort setups and
> want to know who's gone this route. My AMX handles quite good for it's
> era, the Humpster not so much. Doesn't even have a factory front bar on
> it. Now that it's got the fuelie 4.0 I'm interested in making it work
> better. Any opinions or experience shared will benefit us all.
> 
> ~John


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