Author Topic: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?  (Read 2830 times)

Offline 69CHARGERMD

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What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« on: November 23, 2013 - 11:16:02 PM »
Going to swap in a 440 in place of the stock 318.
This will be a street car ,,,what size bars do you guys recomend ?
1970 Challenger WSS
1969 Charger RT/SE
1965 Belvedere




Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2013 - 11:38:56 PM »
It really depends on use, but personally I wouldn't put anything smaller than 1.06" torsion bars in it. The key to running torsion bars of that size is the proper shocks though.

I run 1.12" torsion bars in both my Challenger and my Duster. Obviously, the Duster has a higher wheel rate. The e body 1.12" bars have a rate of 270 lb/in, while the Duster's 1.12" bars have a 300 lb/in rate. But the Duster immediately got Bilstein RCD shocks, and I haven't swapped the Challenger over from its KYB's yet. Even though the Duster has a higher rate AND is a lighter car to begin with, the ride is great. Very much similar to my g/f's 2013 Mustang with factory "premium" suspension. Definitely not like a typical musclecar, the feel is pretty modern and sporty. The Challenger is still a bit jarring, even though it has a lower rate and carries more weight. The key is having the shocks matched to the spring rates.

Both the Challenger and Duster are small block cars. So, with a 440, even if you don't want the same kind of handling I'm looking for I would still suggest something in the 1.06" range, paired with a good set of Bilsteins, Fox's, or QA1's.

Offline brads70

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Re: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« Reply #2 on: November 24, 2013 - 07:48:22 AM »
 :iagree:    What he said!  :bigsmile:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 69CHARGERMD

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Re: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« Reply #3 on: November 24, 2013 - 06:45:46 PM »
Firm Feel lists a 1.06 bar $ 355.  Dust boots $35
I'm thinking the the 1.12 bar might be too stiff ?
Thanks again for the replies.
Doug  :thumbsup:
1970 Challenger WSS
1969 Charger RT/SE
1965 Belvedere

Offline brads70

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Re: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2013 - 07:31:09 PM »
I have 1.120" Torsion bars and don't find it too harsh. Key is good quality shocks.
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2013 - 08:24:15 PM »
Firm Feel lists a 1.06 bar $ 355.  Dust boots $35
I'm thinking the the 1.12 bar might be too stiff ?
Thanks again for the replies.
Doug  :thumbsup:

Both sets of my 1.12" bars are from Firm Feel, they make great products. It really depends on what you're planning on doing with the car, and your own personal preference for how the car rides.  prefer the more sporty feeling ride that the larger bars give, and don't think the 1.12" bars I have are too stiff in either of my cars, even the Duster.

But 1.06" bars will still dramatically improve the handling of your car, and would definitely be a little more forgiving than the 1.12's. For a cruiser or driver, the 1.06" bars will be plenty big enough to give you some great handling. 


Offline ChallengerHK

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Re: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2013 - 01:54:41 AM »
I have 1.0" bars with a small block. They were a huge improvement over the stock bars, and I only put a few hundred miles on them, but I still feel like I need to step up a size or two. As bluNblu said, I like a sporty ride. Actually, a very tight ride  :bigsmile: So take that information into account.


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

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Offline Mopar Mitch

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Re: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« Reply #7 on: December 04, 2013 - 10:50:24 AM »
I've run the factory hd, T/A/Hemi/sixpack, moved to the 1.12, then, 1.18, settled with the largest at 1.24 (425#)... bought them years ago from California Moparts/Suspension (back ~ the mid-late 1980s)... car is setup for national competition SCCA autocross.. also progresssed with stiffer leafs (225#/5" arch fiberglass monoleafs from FlexAForm)... car handles awesome.. ride is stiff but streetable (60-series T/A tires 255-60 F, 275-60 R on 15x8 vintage minilite rims for the street/hwy helps smooth it out).. for competition I run 16"x10" rims with 275-45-16 Hoosier A6 tires;  also just bought a set of 16x8 minilite rims with BFG G-Force Comp2 255-50-16 F/R... a-ok on the street/hwy.

Don't be afraid of larger TBs.. the factory TBs were pathetically soft by today's standards.  If you just want some slightly stiffer front suspension, anything you get will be a huge improvement over the factory HD/XHD TBs.  A 1.12 TB is OK but you'll only then wonder what a stiffer TB would be like... so... I'd guarantee that you'd fall in love and never look back if you'd just get the FF 1.18 TBs.... don't be afraid!... you can always adjust the ride by the tire psi... ~every 2 pounds makes noticable differences front/rear.
Autocross/road racers go in deeper... and come out harder!

See  MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2006 ISSUE for featured article and details on my autocross T/A.

Offline LEMOOREACE

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Re: What torsion bar size do you guys like, recomend?
« Reply #8 on: December 07, 2013 - 02:48:28 AM »
Very happy with one inch bars.  Small block car.