Torsion spring rate 73 charger 440
- Thread starter Hemmit
- Start date
astjp2
Well-Known Member
I have the 1.15 from Bergman for my 68 as a comparison, I had the 1.03 from PST, both were adequate.
Hemmit
Active Member
What was the spring rate for both? What engine was in it?
astjp2
Well-Known Member
572 Hemi with a world block, which is super heavy, I dont know the spring rates, they just work. The A-bodies are shorter so they are stiffer than the Charger.
Hemmit
Active Member
Thank you
69_Coronet
Well-Known Member
In general, for handling, I have seen a wheel rate of about 10% of the front end weight of the car recommended (Andy Finkbeiner's book "Mopar B-Body Performance Upgrades discusses this, and is well worth the read). Not sure what the front end weight of your car is, but if we assume about 2000 lb it would imply a wheel rate of about 200 lb/inch would be a reasonable start. Your 228 lb/inch torsion bars are about 15% above this, so will ride a little harsher, but how you like your ride to feel is up to you. Handling books I have read, including Herb Adams' "Chassis Engineering" and Fred Puhn's "How to Make Your Car Handle" (both also well worth reading) warn against going with too high a wheel rate as this make the ride harsher and also adversely affects the handling. One reason to go to a higher wheel rate is to allow the car to be lowered without having the suspension bottoming out when hitting a bump, which is very bad for handling. In general, for the ride height you select, it is recommended to use the softest springs that prevent the suspension bottoming. Controlling roll of the car is best done with anti-roll bars (also called sway bars). Cheers!
Nate S
Well-Known Member
For reference, a 2008 Subaru WRX front end weighs ~2170# and the springs (wheel rate) is 197#/in. That's a ratio of 11:1. These cars simply aren't new cars and the unsprung weight will typically be much higher, limiting performance. Wheel diameter and sidewall height will be a huge contributor. Go huge on the wheels with no sidewall, heavy arms and a high rate and you'll bounce across the road. Bumpy road that is, anyone can do smooth roads.
You'll get as many opinions here as there are people on the forum. I'd keep it to 10:1 absolute max and 11:1 better. Wheels, 16", 17" max. That's if you really intend to push your car hard. For my own car I find the stock 440 magnum suspension to work pretty well.
You'll get as many opinions here as there are people on the forum. I'd keep it to 10:1 absolute max and 11:1 better. Wheels, 16", 17" max. That's if you really intend to push your car hard. For my own car I find the stock 440 magnum suspension to work pretty well.
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