aar / t/a question

[HP2]

anyone, if you could perform one mod to standard that made the biggest difference for touring, what would it be?     

The one single mod that makes the most difference in it all is chassis rigidity.

Reading threads last night... it appears that re-welding every seam on the k-memeber will provide a noticable difference in handling. 

I may do the same everywhere the frame rails connect to other panels... should also help   anything else already on chassis that should be reinforced?  What about the cross brace that goes from firewall to the engine side panels?  Torque boxes already exist on my frame.

If it truly works, it is something that requires no add on's, just welding time.... Good stuff to know/share 

Welding seams does provide a great amount of benefit, not just to the K frame but the entire body structure, but is highly time consuming. If you don't mind spending the time, the results are significant.  Julian's Collision performed these mods on a uni-body, 1st generation Mustang and improved chassis rigidty 65% with no other mods.

If you don't have the time to perform that level of welding or your car is finished to a degree you don't want to burn the paint off all over it, a chassis stiffening kit in the vein of what XV Motorsports has developed will produce similar rigidity results. Google them to review the video footage of before/after results. Their parts are easy to duplicate and similar style pieces are offered by other sheetmetal vendors. Their kit consists of subframe connectors, inner fender braces, and a radiator core support brace.

Beyond that, I'd say shock technology is the next biggest improvement to performance. Even if you don't step up the spring rates, the shocks ability to control the suspension produce improvements in both measureable results and seat of the pants feel. This is not just in ride performance but also ride comfort. Think of shocks as the camshaft of the suspension system, they determine all the operating parameters of the system, so good ones will have a great range that produce great results. Bad ones may feel bad all around or only be good in a narrow range of use that may or may not coincide with how you drive your car. Don't cheap out on these.

['Cuda Hunter]

Here is a great thread to read.
He has welded everything.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=77214.0

[Mopar Mitch]

In reply to the SINGLE BEST handling mod for an e-body, away from the stock suspension, beyond ANY doubt it would be to increase the stiffness of the torsion bars.  The factory bars of .89 hvy dty, or  the .92 (hemi -six-pack, t/a, aar) all were far too soft!!!  I've tried many different tb's, and have realized increased handling response with every increase, but I eventually ended up with the largest tb's at 1.24" (I purchased them from the now-gone "California Suspension - Calif Moparts") back around 1987).  HOWEVER, you have to keep the overall setup as a "package"... stiffer leafs (FlexaForm fiberglass at 225lbs/5"arch), Koni shocks (would go with QA1 dbl adjustables, or similar, today), 1.25' front sway bar, 1" rear sway bar... and... equally important.. is to lighten the car where ever possible!!!  My t/a is 3150lbs in race trim (SCCA Solo II class E/SP) with 1/4 tank gas (w/o driver).