Handling and Suspension Setup

[LSCatalano]

Just want to thank everyone for the advice on the engine. As ive decided to go with a 363 Stroker using a Dart block running 525HP and 460 Torque with a TKO 600. Id like to make sure I have the handling to support. Ive decided Ill be going with staggered Halibrand 17x9/10.5. Im sure Ill make it to the stip to see what it can do but the majority of the time its a street car. That said here are my questions:

a) Anyone have any tire brand/size combos they recommend? Why?

b) Tips for setting up the suspension? Spring rates, sway bars etc.?

[Bob Cowan]

Well, you could write a book about suspension set ups for these cars. I'll try and hit the highlights

- IRS is much more comfortable than a solid axle. By a long way, too
- For street use, keep the springs light enough to be comfortable but strong enough to support the load. 600-650 in the front seems pretty good to me. With IRS, 750 works really well.
- Don't spend big mony on adjustable shocks. Not necessary for the street.
- When using light springs on the front, it's helpfull (but not mandatory) to add a mild sway bar. Same for a solid axle rear. But if you have IRS, skip the sway bar.

[Garry Bopp]

LS,

I 've got same wheel sizes and I'm running 275X17 on the front and 315x17 on the back. Kumho Ecsta XS tires ... reasonably priced and great traction ... much better than the BFGoodrich gForce tires I had on the coupe at first. Using the Koni shocks at full stiff setting all the way around with stock spring pressures (as purchased from FFR). IRS. No sway bar but could probably use a front one as car tends to oversteer slightly. I don't have much track experience so will defer to those with a lot of track time for setup. I'm running 1 degree negative camber up front and 1.5 negative camber in rear.

Garry