Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes

Dragsinger · 10-12-2008, 06:47 PM

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]

SSDiv6 · 10-12-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

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]

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

Dragsinger · 10-12-2008, 07:27 PM

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

Dragsinger · 10-12-2008, 07:41 PM

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.

BRUCE PARSONS · 10-12-2008, 09:21 PM

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

Rory McNeil · 10-13-2008, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRUCE PARSONS

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

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."

Joe Sprint Bros · 10-13-2008, 11:38 AM

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

Joe Sprint Bros · 10-13-2008, 11:56 AM

Larry, check PM

10-12-2008, 06:47 PM	#1
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	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] __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

10-12-2008, 07:27 PM	#3
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	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? __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

10-12-2008, 07:41 PM	#4
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	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. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

10-12-2008, 09:21 PM	#5
BRUCE PARSONS Banned Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 32 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes You can have heims on the torque arm. You cannot have heims on the control arms.

10-13-2008, 11:38 AM	#7
Joe Sprint Bros Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 46 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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

10-13-2008, 11:56 AM	#8
Joe Sprint Bros Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 46 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Camaro/Firebird Torque arm design notes Larry, check PM