87 Caprice suspension ???

Chipper Chapman · 12-13-2009, 03:51 PM

Wondering if anyone knows what I have to do to my 87 Caprice rear suspension for stock. It already has the factory sway bar, and i'm wondering if there is any 'no hop' bars available. I had one I bracket raced before and would hop bad at times, so with more power, gears, and converter I think it'll be worse with this one. The car is going to be running G/CM @ 3410lbs with the alum head 350/360hp.

Thanks, Chris

Dragsinger · 12-13-2009, 06:48 PM

Chris, I think that build-up will be way cool.

I have always like that body style and am confident it can be sorted out. I do not have any personal experience with the car but I expect following what other racers do with the G body cars will put you in good shape.

The "store bought" parts may be rare, however, I think all needed pieces can be easily shop built.

"Malibu Racing" web site will have some ideas as will the "stock" suspension link on "Yellow Bullet"

In addition, check Afco & Global West, that coupled with other feed back you get here will get you started.

Dragsinger · 12-13-2009, 06:51 PM

Chris,

also look at the F body Mustangs suspension mods.

tj310 · 12-13-2009, 10:55 PM

Chris we ran a Buick GS same basic rear suspension, slapper bars from Lakewood worked well. Competition Engineering has the same sort of thing in their catalog. Not sure if either builds a set to fit your chassis specifically but shouldn't be hard to build or modify. We also ran a fullsize like yours, ours was just a street car and I found with stock parts it helps to have the rear low. The rear sway bar may or maynot help but I would leave it on.
Thanx Trevor

Chipper Chapman · 12-14-2009, 06:32 PM

Thanks guys, I've been comparing to 68-72 chevelle rears, and it seems like the upper mounts are in the same spot on the housing, so i'm looking for a pair of no hop relocation bars to try to make work. I looked at the lakewood bars and and I think they will work with little or no mods. I've been told the stock sway bar isn't good but maybe worth trying to start off.

Dragsinger- I really like these cars and just happened to have retired this one from the street due to having over 430,000km on it! But it's still a good, solid platform to start with, so i think it will be fun! I like the 'outside the box' combos though!

12-13-2009, 03:51 PM	#1
Chipper Chapman Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Belmont N.S. Canada Posts: 473 Likes: 246 Liked 166 Times in 71 Posts	87 Caprice suspension ??? Wondering if anyone knows what I have to do to my 87 Caprice rear suspension for stock. It already has the factory sway bar, and i'm wondering if there is any 'no hop' bars available. I had one I bracket raced before and would hop bad at times, so with more power, gears, and converter I think it'll be worse with this one. The car is going to be running G/CM @ 3410lbs with the alum head 350/360hp. Thanks, Chris

12-13-2009, 06:48 PM	#2
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: 87 Caprice suspension ??? Chris, I think that build-up will be way cool. I have always like that body style and am confident it can be sorted out. I do not have any personal experience with the car but I expect following what other racers do with the G body cars will put you in good shape. The "store bought" parts may be rare, however, I think all needed pieces can be easily shop built. "Malibu Racing" web site will have some ideas as will the "stock" suspension link on "Yellow Bullet" In addition, check Afco & Global West, that coupled with other feed back you get here will get you started. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

12-13-2009, 06:51 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: 87 Caprice suspension ??? Chris, also look at the F body Mustangs suspension mods. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

12-13-2009, 10:55 PM	#4
tj310 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dresden On. Canada Posts: 460 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 87 Caprice suspension ??? Chris we ran a Buick GS same basic rear suspension, slapper bars from Lakewood worked well. Competition Engineering has the same sort of thing in their catalog. Not sure if either builds a set to fit your chassis specifically but shouldn't be hard to build or modify. We also ran a fullsize like yours, ours was just a street car and I found with stock parts it helps to have the rear low. The rear sway bar may or maynot help but I would leave it on. Thanx Trevor

12-14-2009, 06:32 PM	#5
Chipper Chapman Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Belmont N.S. Canada Posts: 473 Likes: 246 Liked 166 Times in 71 Posts	Re: 87 Caprice suspension ??? Thanks guys, I've been comparing to 68-72 chevelle rears, and it seems like the upper mounts are in the same spot on the housing, so i'm looking for a pair of no hop relocation bars to try to make work. I looked at the lakewood bars and and I think they will work with little or no mods. I've been told the stock sway bar isn't good but maybe worth trying to start off. Dragsinger- I really like these cars and just happened to have retired this one from the street due to having over 430,000km on it! But it's still a good, solid platform to start with, so i think it will be fun! I like the 'outside the box' combos though!