aar / t/a question

[Jocigar]

Watching old episodes of muscle car review on netflix.... they mention that the 6,000 retailed trans am ebodys had improved "race" handling over the other models... what did they do different?

[ChallengerGary]

They had a fast ratio power steering gear box.  It definitely makes them handle better. Similar to a Stage 2 from Firm Feel

['Cuda Hunter]

15" tires.  Rolled front fender lips.

I do believe that they had a larger torsion bar.
Not positive but I do believe Sway bars.

[Cuda Cody]

No Rolled fender lips.  Lots of other things though... and the Fast steering box was an option.

15" tires.  Rolled front fender lips.

I do believe that they had a larger torsion bar.
Not positive but I do believe Sway bars.

[KFD]

The Trans Am cars had different Pittman arms as well. The rear tires had increased camber in the rear that lifted the rear ends. The AAR and T/As were also the first production cars to have different size front and rear tires...

['Cuda Hunter]

I have seen several aar's and ta's that had the rolled fenders. 
Seems that this was a later add on as many did not get them.

I have actually had my hands on some of those factory rolled lips. 
Have been trying to purchase a pair for some time now.

[Jocigar]

thanks, my thought was;  what can be applied to the standard models with-out much time or cost?  I think they mentioned a very stiff ride, so there must be some trade-offs to curve handling.

[AARuFAST]

Yes, AAR"s do have rolled fenders, came on mine.
Plymouth decided to rake the front using smaller front tires, HD springs, larger tires on rear  to accomidate the side exhaust.
Actually the Hemi cuda's have rolled fenders since they had same size tires all the way around.
Larger tires were not for handeling.  Maybe good for drag racing.
Most e-body owners now have the same combination tires, small front,  large rear.
The Cuda AAR, Chally TA were built for road racing, not drag racing.
The cars have a Rallye suspension, HD A-727 trans, HD Fr & R stabilizer (sway) bars, HD torsion bars, quick ratio steering, HD springs, shocks,    Same suspension used on the HEMI. Plus the special featues of the 340 6-pac,
 

['Cuda Hunter]

Ah, of course,        option       A53. 
Been a while since I have read that one.

Rally suspension, etc. etc.

[Cuda Cody]

Now I have to go check, but I pretty sure the T/A's I have (unrestored) do not have rolled fenders.

[GranCuda1970]

 

[AARuFAST]

Now I have to go check, but I pretty sure the T/A's I have (unrestored) do not have rolled fenders.

Most AAR owners added the wheel trim.  No metal where rolled for screws.

[GranCuda1970]

But they do have the agility of a high winding small block. My barracuda when the 318 cornered pretty good. They seem to suck down to the road a bit over 100mph. But loose handling above 120.

[GranCuda1970]

 

[GranCuda1970]