Torsion Bars: Help Me Pick The Right Size

[shadango]

I picked up a set of the PST 1" bars when they were on sale on ebay cheap.....the unpainted ones last year.

I have a 318 and I added add-a-leafs to my rear.....that end of the car is a little harsh and just a tad higher than I would like.....but as far as the front end?     I dont find the ride overly harsh and it corners very very well......even with the higher butt end.

I was worried at first when i bought them...but now that I have had them a while? Very happy.

 

[cudazappa]

my favorite 60 series tire is the Firehawk Indy 500s.  I'm tempted to pick up a set this summer once the stiff suspension goes in, and I know I won't have the 13" rotor kit yet...

[brads70]

my favorite 60 series tire is the Firehawk Indy 500s.  I'm tempted to pick up a set this summer once the stiff suspension goes in, and I know I won't have the 13" rotor kit yet...

That's what I run on the Challenger and my BB Buick! For the money they are great! They come in lots of sizes too!  The BFG T/A turn into Hockey pucks ( hard as a rock!) after the first 6 months! 

[dodj]

IMO, going over .96 would be a poor choice for a SB,  UNLESS, you are serious about cornering hard and enjoy a stiff ride. I have that size bar in my car, a 440, and with 1 1/8" front sway bars, 7/8" rear bar, find the handling quite good for such a nose heavy car. I don't find it harsh like Tommy does but I have 60 series rubber.

[Road_Runner]

Yeah Dodj, I think .96 bars are probably my first choice.  One thing I've noticed is how solid & 'put together' the Barracuda rides now, better than I remember a friend's 71 Challenger RT did back in the late 70's.  It was a rattle trap and sounded like it was falling apart just going down the road!  My Roadrunner was never like that.  I got a bad opinion about E Bodys from that car, but I think the lighter springs, low power motor etc. have actually help save my 73 from the same fate.  So although I want better handling, I don't want to do so much I need to go the next step with weld in frame connectors, etc. 

And I'll check out the firestones when it comes time for new tires again.  I ran a couple of sets on the Roadrunner in the late 70s, early 80s and liked them well enough.

Thanks again, Jim

[nqkjw]

My challenger is 440 but was originally a 318 car.
It still had the smallblock 0.88" bars and it was a shocker to drive.
I replaced them with new 0.92" bars and very happy with it.
Not looking for it to corner like on rails or drag suspension,just wanted a pleasant,supple ride.

Just another opinion to consider

[dodj]

My challenger is 440 but was originally a 318 car.
It still had the smallblock 0.88" bars and it was a shocker to drive.

Same deal with mine. Going around a corner was always interesting to say the least.

[shadango]

Same deal with mine. Going around a corner was always interesting to say the least.

LOL   When I got mine on the road the first time I thought I was driving a pontoon boat......between the old worn out small block t bars and the loose stock power steering and the saggy rear end.

Well, definately doesnt ride like that anymore with the 1" bars, ff stage 3 steering box and add-aleafs in the back....I am thinking about swapping out the add a leafs though, but not sure what to swap in......I like a little rake.....my add-a-leafs accomplish that and then some....I think they are like 2" over super stocks!!!!!  So its beating up my ujoints and is just a smidge high for my taste though I have had folks at shows tell me they love it that way....so I dunno.