I would like to see more third-gen suspension upgrades for the street. I am interested in what the other parts are available, such as tubular A-arms, shocks (QA1 does not currently have front struts available for my car, which drives me nuts, as QA1 is just 20 minutes from my home), subframe connectors, and maybe even a full K-member swap to see what that will do for the overall performance of the third-gens. I plan on doing these things myself this year, but it would be helpful to know which parts worked the best together. Along those lines, how about doing a story on the best overall suspension geometry settings for the street when it comes to caster, camber, pinion angles, and so on? Again, thank you for a super magazine!
Brian C. Peterson
Faribault, MN
Big Car Handling
Reading your article in Shop Talk is exactly what I've been waiting for. I have a big-body '64 Impala SS. I have recently been seeing more suspension products for these monsters, but have not seen any articles or performance results. I hope you will consider testing them out as I am sure that many owners of these vehicles would like to see the possible improvements in handling.
Frank Frias
via email
More Impala Talk
That's a great idea to visit the suspension topic in your Shop Talk editorial from Sept. '09. My 17-year-old son Stefan and I are restoring a two-door '66 Impala. We are upgrading the engine from a 327ci small-block to a 396ci big-block. Common sense tells me that we'll need to upgrade many things, including the suspension! Along with the suspension, we are going to upgrade the power steering system, upgrade from four-wheel drums to four-wheel discs, and the rearend, but that's another story.
Initially my hope is to get some guidance and recommendations on the suspension for the '66. The power steering system, brakes, and rearend will have to wait!
Dave Nassaney
via email
More Third-Gen Tech
I think your mag should do a suspension article on third-gen F-bodies. Would like to see some things sorted out and explained before I buy parts. I'm primarily a drag racer, but some of this stuff crosses over to cornering. One is an adjustable Panhard bar. Everybody wants one, but nobody knows why. Could you explain why we should get one and how to set it up? How about checking the track of the vehicle to see if everything is going straight? Jeg's sells a bracket to raise and lower the Panhard bar. Is this the way to go?
Also, I just recently purchased a BMR lower control arm relocation brackets. Some people say these are great; others say they don't do anything. Airbags in rear coils? Could you explain how to tune with them? Do we really need adjustable struts? And for drag racing type stuff, what about the Lakewood Lift Bars (PN 21700)? How do these work? Are they any different from PeteZ bars the Stock Eliminator guys use?
What about rear coil springs for drag launches? I've heard to use six cylinder springs or any number of aftermarket springs. I own two third-gens-a Camaro (drag racer with a 383) and a Firebird (350 TPI)-both of which have numerous aftermarket parts, and I'm looking to add more. Thanks!
Brian Schuetta
via email
Got something to say? We'll make you famous and put your letter here. Email us at chevyhi@sorc.com
Rooster Call
Sean Haggai
Ever seen that creepy guy in your local coffee shop? Yeah, the guy with the abnormally large cup of coffee, laptop, numerous cell phones, and papers randomly placed on the table. I've just become that guy. I have always wondered if any of these people did any work or if they're desperately just trying to look busy in an effort to seem important. Either way, its easy to be that person. I don't mean to brag, but I'm sitting here at Panera Bread-a local bakery chain that serves fresh-baked breads, muffins, and of course, coffee. While the food is a definite plus, the ability to jump onto their free WiFi service is the real reason I am here. If you recall last month's internet blog (chevyhiperfomance.com) ranting about the move to a new office, it's pretty far. In fact, it's a 145-mile round-trip and brutal on a daily basis.So while I won't be at the office five days a week, I think I can fit in just fine here checking e-mails, going over edit, and getting some creative ideas down on paper.
I've got to say, working remotely is awesome and has a definite plus. Not only am I saving precious fossil fuels and mileage, but not having to do the 2-hour commute means more time slamming down stories and throwing e-mails. Never did I think I would be the creepy guy on the computer in the corner-whatever. I am here now and I'm embracing it. While these are all good things, there are a couple causes for concern though. Namely, the fact that I have to be super self-reliant to the tasks at hand. The days which I am out of the office have to be filled with work. Plus, no writer should be anywhere near a coffee house. My keyboard is practically smoking and I'm already pounding my third large cup of coffee and feeling jittery. Henry D is starting to wear off on me.
If you've an opportunity to try working remotely, do it. It's challenging and also rewarding at the same time. To realize I can work virtually anywhere is a satisfying feeling. What's amazing is how many other people are here too. I'm counting the room right now ... five other customers are here on their laptops. Imagine that. People working? Got a Panera Bread in the L.A. area near you? Yell out "Rooster." The creepy guy in black Dickies is probably me.