Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes
 

I am beginning construction of a 1990 Firebird in IHRA Crate Motor Stock. Looking at the bolt on suspension parts, I see that most torque arms use a "energy poly bushing" at the torque arm front. My question, since this is a dedicated drag race combination, why the poly bushing? Why not some type of rod end or solid bushing? Or, is the poly so hard deflection is not an issue? I have the same question about the lower control arms, why not solid bushings?

Thanks
Larry Woodfin - owner
Woodfin Automotive
Kilgore TX
903-985-1162 [cell]

Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes
 

Under NHRA rules, you are not allowed to have heim joints, just bushed. I would assume that IHRA rules are the same.

Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes
 

Could be the reason, however, the Cal-Trac bars have rod ends. What do you think of that?

Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes
 

also, using the S & W torque arm as an example, it has ladder bar rod ends and ladder bars adjuster at the rear attaching points. Bushing only at the front pivot.

Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes
 

You can have heims on the torque arm. You cannot have heims on the control arms.

Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes
 

According to my NHRA rulebook, a coil spring Stocker can not have lower control arms with Heim ends, or be adjustable, but the aftermarket uppers "may be adjustable and use Heim ends instead of bushings."

Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes
 

Larry, most of these "catalogue" arms are marketed to street cars. Use large heim on foward location of arm, but it must be able to swivel front and rear. you can box the factory arms, use bearings for bushings. The critical piece is the preload device (Pete Z bars,etc) for side to side preload. Some guys also use sway bar. Use best shock you can afford with double adjustment. Joe

Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes
 

Larry, check PM